The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-23
BIG HIPP0DR0ME MEETING DEVELOPS INTO OVATION FOR
 BIRMINGHAMS fEARLES llAY0R
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 we didn't allow all to vote as conscience guides, we would soon have chaos and disorder.
 "I would not stand here to make war against the ministers of this city. I think 1t was some thoughtless word that was not intended and will be refuted by the pastors union. But that is not the ques- ton. l believe that go per cent of the people of Birmingham will support George Ward in his convictions. l do not think there is anything in that dlak about kill ing him politically. As his frienS, l do not think anything better could be done for any one than to get him out of pol itics.
 Mayor of Whole People.
 "rhe point is that the mayor of this city is George B. Ward, and that it is the patriotic duty of every citizen to support him in his position
 'I want to take this opportunity to ask that for the good of the community, let us be moderate in what we do and say. No man ever won anything for his cause by an extreme course, Man will not be driven. Convince his reason.
 If either prohibition or anti-prohibi- ton prevails, in my judgment we will stll be here doing business of some kind. Unfortunately, we are bordering on d period Of financial unrest and, therefore. we ought to be enkendering confidence and not stirring up lack of confidence in Birmingham.
 'I don't expect to see any idle stacks. and would be surprised to hear anybody say it. Just do your best and then in the end come together for the good of Bir- mingham. I want to say that if prohibi- ton carries Mayor Ward would enforce 1t to the best of his ability
 Message From Mayor.
 There were loud cries for 'Ward!' but Col Bush announced that he was not in the building. J. D. Kirkpatrick mounted the stage and stated that he had mes sage from MT. Ward. T was in his or- flee this morning. he said and with his characteristic modesty he decided not to be present at this meeting. but he asked me to say that while he thanks you for it., he considers if not a tribute to himself personally but to that vast body of people who own the right to express their con Vctions."
 Colonel Bush read letter from F. H. Cabaniss stating that he was in no sort of sympathy with any intimidation ana that he was constrained To believe that the pastors union would not indorse the attempt
 Motion Next Speaker.
 T. II. Molton was the next speaker. of ot1p fpippnS ff said Inc ''knOw that l have had differences with George Ward on occasions. but I believe he re- spected my right to an opinion, and l re- spected his If there is one characteristic which l admire above all others 1t is courage. and especially moral courage. l have never known moral courage to be so strongly tested than was the courage of Mayor Ward yesterday morning.
 "l believe he has made the best mayor during the 2l years of my residence here. He has done more to enforce the laws and to upbuild the city. He Is today a bigger man than ever in my estimation. .
 Cries for Walker Percy.
 Tbi brought forth loud cries for Walker Percy. He finally mounted the platform, and after repeated oh heering, stated that he would be a cold man if he did not appreciate this too in- dulgent evidence of your esteem
 T received telegram today asking me to make an prohibition speech at Gadsden. l wired that I had too many duties at home am not d poli- tician, but there will never be time when l won't he willing to tell you what I think seems 10 be the best 1n- terest of the community we love-
 After describing his trip to Germany and his decision on return to turn his attention toward municipal affairs. he ft..- to which he aspired a memb ership in the Board of Aldermen.
 "Gentlemen l want to say to You that if you had gotten that sort of gov ernment that you deserved. that your lack of interest warranted, your town would have been stolen long ago We have bad system of government that no private business could have and stay out of the hands of a receiver. We elect a number of men whom we pay nothing to give their time to public business.
 Think of it. Think of some of the men you have elected to the Board of Aldermen. and then blush with shame :!
 "I think there will come out of this controversy an improvement of the city of Birmingham. l am proud to say that there have been men unselfish enough to run for and fill office without com
  that men win run for office, not with the idea of graft. not with the idea of stealing, but with the idea that they sell things which the city is buying.
 Far Above Average.
 "The marvel is that we have fared so well. l do not mean to say that we haven't any honest aldermen. They are far above the average, but l hope the time will come when we have a model city, ruled by commission such as that at Galveston.
 "One of the reasons Birmingham has done so well is because we have had honest mayors. When l came back from Europe l said l would serve the city when 1 had time.
 George Ward didn't wait He took the time. He has made one of the most honest citizens since a boy. He was one of the best bank tellers the city syer had. When he became Mayor of