The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-11-02

sure result of the adoption of the pros posed amendment; and were the source bit less interested. we would be a little nervous. But remembering that these paternal warnings are In reality only the pleadings of a local self inter. est, we feel that they may be safely set aside, that we may consider calm. ly some of the results which would follow the adoption of the proposed amendment.
 In the hrst place. it seems evident that smaller counties would make the enforcement of our laws more conve- nient and less expensive to the citt- zens of the State. The following Illus tration of this came under the writer's observations: citizen of this city would have convicted certain law. breakers. When asked why he did not proceed at once .U use these facts, he replied that to do so would be to able to bear: iGs miles to the coun- ty seat two days on the road. with hotel bills and other expenses or long drive through the country over roads almost impossible at times, with hack hire, stc.-all this with the loss of time from business and family makes a man shut his eyes to viola tions of the law rather than undertake the punishment of offenders. This, in- deed may not be the role of your ideal citizen, but, as one has said, It Is a condition and not theory that con- fronts us. There is no need Of our State. which at this time Is so press ing as that our laws shall be enforced. simply, speedily and impartially. What. ever movemfnt contributes to this enc ought to have the hearty support oi every citizen, who loves his country and its priceless institutions. Cut down our vast county areas, bring the courts closer to the people, make the enforcement of the law less expensive to the individual and long step will be taken in relieving the congested condition of our dockets, and the de- lays in the punish Sent of criminals. These ends must proceed and make possible all commercial and other de- velopment.
 Again, a reduction of county areas would promote better roads, schools and other like valuable assets in our civlI life. When we consider that the area of most of our counties Is very close to 1000 square miles, we are not surprised that the task of build ing good roads over fsuch vast area staggers the people. Let this area pc reduced, with more counties set to the task, and soon an improvement along this line will be seen. Of course there will be no more men or money to do the work because of division; but there will enter Into the new counties many clements unknown in the old, such as the principle of gain by segregation, the spirit of healthfdl rivalry and em- ulation. the inspiration thaNcomes from undertaking something th . can be done surely and well-these and other ele- ments will surely hasten improvement along all lines of civic life.
 Again, increase in the number ot counties will prevent the centratiza- tion of political and commercial pow CT at one point. We do not agree with our opponents that the interests of the people of Alabama must be sacrihced that those of Birmingham may be en. hanced; that the greatness of Ala bama can only be measured by the greatness of Birmingham. History, In many striking illustrations. points out wealth. We are warned that this con- dition Is but one step removed from despotism, and beyond despottsm chaos. If we know how to put our finger on the uncompromising and ceaseless op- position to the idea that the power and wealth of the many should be placed in the hands of the few. We Is measured not by that of any city or district, but by the freedom, pros- perity and intelligence of It's citizens; by the purity of It's institutions and the devotion shown for the majesty of the law. Alabama Is great in the great ness of her counties; and she will be greater when the number of these shall be increased and when, through be set free and many wholesome civic impro vements made. We who are han dicapped through our environment in our struggle for Improvement, plead with our fellows. more fortunate per- haps than we. to unfetter our hands. We beg tine privilege of carving from the corners and waste places of other counties a portion for our own and promise to cultivate and develop 1t until through justice, intelligence and prosperity. 1t shall shine as brightly as any star in the proud galaxy of the counties of the State.
 L. G. Flames, i,
 pemopolis, Ala. Oct sl. 1908.