The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-26
STRONG FIGHT IS MADE ON
 REDUCING REPRESENTATION
Mallory Russell, Rhodes and Richard son Are Chosen Delegates-at-Large. Richmond P. Hobson Is
 Elector From Sixth.
BY BOHEMIAN c, RuLeER.

Montgomery, May 25.-(Special.)-W1th a reunited party and determination that Alabama shall set an example in the national convention which other states will do well to follow the democratic convention concluded it's labors today af- ter one of the most harmonious meet ings ever held within the borders of the state. Past differences were buried. New friendships were inaugurated ana every delegate left the convention hall feeling that the party was imbued with new life and that long line of defeats would be broken in November.
 The clashes which threatened to be- come alarming last night passed away ere the convention had been called to order and nothing but good humor pre- vailed throughout the session.
 The only surprise of the day was the endorsement of Judge Alton B. Parker of New York as candidate for the democra- tic nomination for president of the states, and this was really not surprise after the delegates had settled down for business. The delegation to St. Louis will go uninstructed, however, and the endorsement of Judge Parker was in the nature of compliment to hls past ser vices to the party and his fitness for the exalted position.
 One Small Cloud.
 Before the permanent organization had been effected a small cloud appeared in the political horizon and just at the finish ba causing the only fight of the day, and resulting in the overwheling defeat of the proposition to fix the representation of the various counties on the basis or the white population. This wart al dart levelled at the blackbelt counties wnich have disfranchised the negroes It was Intended to cut their representation in tn. marty councils and increase the power n wi at are known as the white coun- ttes'' lying in eastern and northern Ala b ma
 Like a big strong athlete coming to the assistance of weaker brother Jeferson county came to the rescue and with thirty votes showed her disapproval or the proposition. Other counties fell In. line and tonight the ''black belters'' ars the happiest band of democrats in the capital city.
 The principal weapon used against thS effort to change the basis of representa- tion was that it was identical with the idea of the republicans in congress to cut down our representation on account or the disfranchsement of the negro. It was also argued that taxation as well as democratic population should be consid- cred The way Jefferson stood by the black belt counties has engendered feel ing of strong friendship between the two sections of the state and several South Alabama democrats said tonight that Jefferson county would never be forgot ten.
 Jefferson in the Saddle.
 Jefferson county got everything her delegates wanted The strong personnel of the delegation placed the big county in a position to make numerous trades and grant favors that was reciprocated on every side.
 Jefferson county wanted Rufus N Rhodes elected a delegate at large to the national convention and D. w. Bar rett elected delegate from the Ninth congressional district. Both were elected and then Jefferson turr ed her attention to helping others out. The delegation refraned from entering factional fights and It's broad spirit of liberality made friends on every side
 Jeffersons first victory was the naming Of Henry B. Gray as temporary chair man md practically launching his cam paign for lieutenant governor to succeed Dr. R. M. Cunningham. MT. Gray made an excellent presiding officer and his speech to the convention evoked frequent applause. Flattering comments could be heard alr over the hall and the impress sion created was very gratifying to the scores of Birmingham people who sat in the galleries and stood about the floor.
 What the Convention Did.
 In brief this is what the convention G4u:
 The delegation to the national conven- tion goes uninstructed but must vote as a unit.
 The convention endorsed Judge Alton B. --~-----------~-----