The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-15
Successfully Lands Good Roads
 Amendment
ALABAMA AND POLITICS
1t Is Believed That President Taft Will Not Neglect the South's Interests
 During His Administration.
 Will Visit Augusta.
By H. w. LAIRD.


 Montgomery, November 14-(speeial)- State Senator John w. Overton has come very much into prominence as the author of the Overton amendment, which pro yides for the construction and mainte- nance of roads and highways in the state, now that the amendment has certainly been adopted and must in time become a part of the law of the commonwealth.
 Mir Overton's proposition eontemplates the use of the net earnings of the con- vict department, though other state funds may be appropriated to this cause in the wisdom of the legislature. No statutes in line with the amendment can be en- acted prior to the next session of the legislature, but it is very likely that when the lawmakers do assemble they will immediately undertake some sort of legis- lation in this direction.
 MT. Overton is one of the young men who have recently come into prominence in state politics. Though his residence was several miles from any railroad, he was made chairman of the committee on common carriers of the last state Senate. and was known to be one of the close advisers of the administration in the en- actment of many of the railroad laws. MT. OYerton has constantly refused to be discussed for any political office, but there is a general impression that he will stand for Lieutenant Governor before the next state primary of the democratic par ty The fact that he is not now in line with the state administration on many of the leading questions of the day is taken to, ind te +bof ba h a nd of his Vi and that he Is not undertaking to hang on to the band wagon of any other politi- cal following. MT. Overton is known to be closely allied with a number of lead ing politicians, and to have very strong following in all sections of the state.
 What Will the Answer Be.
 While the democratic ticket was given it's usual extensive majority by the Ala bama voters at the last national election, there is an impression abroad in the land that the old-time dominance of the party organization is not as potent as it has been in the past. It is regarded that d great many things enter into this situa- tion,- if in fact the situation does exist. During the past two decades millions upon millions of northern and eastern capital has been invested in the state. In the employment of this thousands of men of all classes have been brought in and made a part of the citizenship. In the main these imported classes are of an in- dependent turn of mind and do not fall quickly into the methods of the local cit izenship. These are having their infiu- ence on their associates, and it is now thought that within the next four years the party whip will not be so effcacious it has been in the past.
 Three counties were lost to the demo- crats in the last election, and a large number of prominent citizens openly as serted their refusal to support the demo- cratic nominee. In addition to this it is well known that many business men either refused to vote for the democratic nominee or stated publicly that they did not hope for MT. Bryans success. fear ing dangers to the commercial and in- dustrial interests in any change of ad- ministration at Washington. Alabama is becoming of the greatest business much like the leaven of business expe- Giency is going to make great stir-up in the democratic loaf of the future.
 Some Arguments.
 It is estimated that Alabama stands in need at this time of at least $25.O0 GOO for river and harbor demands At Mobile it is HtCtSSdIy tO carry Oul WlidL ildS dlItddS been inaugurated for harbor efficiency. The demand for an open river all the way from Rome, Ga to Mobile via the Coosa and the Alabama, has become so insistent that it will be hard to longer resist. There is yet more or less to be done on the excellent programme al ready mapped out for the Tombgbee and Warrior, and also demands are to be met from smaller considerations.
 Men who take an unsentimental view of politics are beginning to argue that it is necessary for the south to have some sort of a pull with the powers that be in order to secure the public Improvements and betterments that are necessary to the progress of this section. As long as it has no adequate representation in the party that seems to be all the while victo- rious, it is feared that what is coming 10 it will not be forthcoming Hence it is that, treason though it may be, busi- ness men are beginning to seriously ques- ton whether or not it is worth while to maintain loyalty to an organization that continues to lose, or follow in line with d political party that is able to deliver the goods.
 Taft and the South.
 The fact that President-elect Taft has chosen two southern cities for rest and recreation during much of the interval between now and the time of his induc- tion into office is taken to mean that the future chief executive has an eye on possible recruits in this section of the country himself. Playing golf at Hot Springs, Va, is bringing him into touch with a great many leading southern gen. tlemen of all classes of thought and when he comes down to Augusta Ga. to further worship the god of the links. he will be in the very heart of the old-time democratic sentiment, and have numerous opportunities to make friends and ac- quaint himself with weak places in the territorial armor of the democratic or ganization.
 Already it is reported that among the first things Judge Taft will do after being inaugurated and disposing of the initial rush of business will be to take a little swing down through the southern states in order to afford this section assurances by word of mouth that after all it is to be regarded as part of the union. In a speech at Lincoln. Neb.. during the cam paign he made known his feelings to- ward the south in very cordial and happy way. and intimated that if elected the southern people would receive a great deal of attention from his administration. wonder if in the four years beginning with March f. 1909. it will not see radical and changes in all departments of it's political religion.