The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-01-20
Movement 10 Have the State
Executive Commit
tee Meet
IF COMMITTEE MEETS
CONVENTION TO MEET
Efforts VIII Be Made to Have the Ac-
ton of the Last Convention En-
dorsing President Roose.
welt Rescinded.

If meeting of the state republican ex-
ecutlve committee is called by the chair
man, w. l. Welman, of Huntsville, it
can safely be stated that the republican
convention will be called by j. w. David
son, who was chairman when it held it's
last and famous session in Birmingham.
at which time President Roosevelt was
endorsed for the Presidency In 1904. and
the negro delegates were eliminated from
taking part in the proceedings.
In republican circles there are rumors
that If the convention does reconvene the
body will rescind Its action insofar as en-
dorsing Roosevelt is concerned, and that
an effort will be made to endorse Mark
Hanna for President for 1904. Whether or
to a large extent, but many republicans
in Birmingham undoubtedly think that If
the question is brought up Hanna will
be Endorsed.
No Call Issued.
Chairman Wellman of the executive
committee, his issued no call for a meet
ing of the committee When he was in
Birmingham several weeks ago he said
he did not think majority or the COM
mitteemen would sign a petition asking
for a meeting. Since then a petition has
been quietly going the rounds, and 1t was
reported several days ago that it now
contains seventeen signatures. There are
thirty-five members on the committee.
1t is said the effort to have the commit
fao
adherents, who are anxious to have the
committee rescind its action in eliminat-
ing the negro. Those of the lilly white"
faction say that If the committee meets
the convention must meet at the same
time, so in case the committee does res
cind such action the convention can again,
If it is possible, reiterate its former stand.
In addition to this it is said the effort
to rescind the endorsement of Roosevelt
and make as substitute the pledge of
fidelity to Hanna. and an endorsement
of him as a candidate for the Presidency,
should he announce, will be made
From Washington Post.
Regarding this subject, which is now
being considerably discussed among Ala
bama republicans, the Washington Post
says:
Politicians are alert over the announce
ment of Alabama republicans that they
propose holding a state convention imme-
diately to indorse Senator Hanna for the
Presidency The convention, 1t is stated,
will first rescind its former action in In
dorsing President Roosevelt for the NOM
nation in 1904. Senator Hanna left for
New York yesterday, but his friends in
Washington are carefully watching the
outcome.
While the vote of Alabama is not large,
the concern over such a programme Is
none the less keen, because of the ex-
ample 1t will set to other southern states.
If such action should be taken by other
states, LIE aggregate vote might form
nucleus on which political managers
could rest a strong boom in opposition to
Mr.. Roosevelt. 1t is believed by many
that politicians with far-reaching plans
are behind the Alabama movement, with
the intention of seeing what Roadway OPP
position to Mr.. Roosevelt would make.
There are undoubtedly two or three
Presidential candidates In retreat just
at present who would defer their aspir-
atoms till 1908 If the prospects were
Overwhelming for Mr.. Roosevelt, but
who would gladly emerge for the fray
should there be any reasonable encour-
agement of success.
1t is recognized on the other hand that
the action Of the Alabama republicans
may be only a counter move against Mr..
Roosevelt for his p toward the lily
whites of the south. Such tactics might
be employed for whatever local advan-
tage there might BE in patronage mat
ters