The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-08-24
KNOX DISCUSSES
NATIONAL POLITICS
Is Hopeful of Democratic Sue
cess in November
R0OSEVELTISM DANGEROUS
The South Has an Opportunty-Patrl-
otsm Prompted BY Representation.
Illustrations Presented-The
South's Metropolis.

John B. Knox is at the Hlllman. lie Is
visiting Birmingham on legal business
and will remain over during today.
Mr. Knox talked interestingly last night
of Industrial and political matters. He is
much encouraged at the outlook for DEM
ocratic success In November Asked for
an expression of his views on the SUBJ
ject Mr. Knox said
MY hope for success is based upon the
assumption that a goodly degree of pa
triotism still abldes in the minds and
hearts of a majority of the people of the
doubtful or close states of the east and
west; and the perfect knowledge 1 pos
sess of the desire on the part of the bust
ness interests of the north to see the
south prosper even If the motive is ac-
counted selfish. The community of inter-
est idea promises to predominant.
The South.
THE south desires fair representation.
That is the whole story. 1t Is indeed Won
derful how the patriotism of this section
has sustained itself under the pressure
Of Misrepresentation; for history shows
that patriotism wanes and dies where the
people are deprived of participation in
their country's affairs. Languor and In
ertia supplant patriotism and industrial
progress when a people are deprived Of
participation in the affairs of govern
ment The present status of the Russian
empire Is an Illustration of this truth
She has made no progress In a half CEN
fury or more And there was Spain! Her
people taxed without representation; her
treasury robbed of funds under the gulse
Of a defense fund, and the test proved
she had no armorment for defense and
was torn to pieces by a few shot and
shells in the late brief conflict over Cuba
and the Philippines.
Another illustration on the other hand
Is Japan; with a government which al
lows its people to tax themselves for their
own defense and welfare, that empire Is
taking position among the foremost ma
, lions of the EARTH Patriotism is the re-
ligion of that people. Skilled in the arts OF
peace and of war, her strides forward
produce the admiration OF the world.
Representation in government has all to
do with this. 1 say, then. that 1t is Won
triotic ardor under a national republican
administration.
Would Be Unfortunate.
ut would prove an unfortunate &C.
currence not only to the south but to our
business friends in the north, If Roose-
welt were elected President. He hates the
south with more bitterness than any of
/ IT, l.
act and every utterance upon questions
affecting the southern states is proof of
this hatred. A second term by President
Roosevelt will mean increased power, and
the application of still more bitter vim
dictiveness. This will have a tendency to
make real the immaginary walls that d.
vided the sections, and estrange us from
those people of the east and west whose
business interests are mutual with our
own.
Historic Reminder.
"You have not forgotten" added Mr..
Knox that the stamp act Taxation with
out representation kindled the fires of
| discord and caused the colonies to dis
continue commercial relations with Eng
land.
THAT this is an indissoluble union OF
states is indisputable and so 1t shall ever
remain. That the hag of this union Is
respected and will ever be defended by
the people of the south has been clearly
demonstrated. But we have the wealth
the opportunity and the strength to enter
upon an Independent line of action that
relates to business, which may be forced
upon us In the near future.
| New Orleans Is a great city. IT is a
| great seaport It is the funnel of that
great artery of commerce which floats
the wealth of the Mississippi valley to the
ships of the sea- Its imports and exports
increased volumes each year. Its wealth
is increasing at a more rapid rate thar
that of any other American city. 1t is a
southern metropolis. Why not make New
! Orleans the commercial and financial cen
ter of southern industry, southern skill and
southern products? May this not be done
in the event our northern friends should
endorse at the ballot box in November
the Rooseveltian policy toward the south
Merely Pointing Out.
IT am merely pointing out what can BIZ
DONE should conditions require 1t. At ne
time since the civil war has the south
been stronger than nov. Our people have
| ten to one more dollars than they pos
| sessed in the early days of reconstruc
ton; and they are in position to take 6
stand and to make demands.
IT do not believe necessity will require
action along the lines indicated. at al
early date, for as have just said I an
hopeful of democratic success. and demo
cratic success means full and impartia
representation for all sections and al
states of the union. That Is all we ask
There is one prediction 1 am willing II
make" said Mr.. Knox, land that is this
The result of the November contest will
not be determined by close figures. 1
will be landslide one way or the other
and the verdict will leave no room t.
doubt the sentiment of the American peo
|