Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-18
FRIGHTENED THE SOCIALISM,
Unwittingly Endorsed Prohibition
Plank-Reversal in Nick Of Time.

CHICAGO, May 1S-The socialist ma
tional convention just before final ad-
journment last night committed itself to
prohibition and then instantly reversed it's
action. The day had been devoted to COM
mittee reports. and when in the evening
the report Of the Finnish translator was
brought in and was seen to be a volumi-
nous work a motion was made and unan-
imously carried that it be adopted with
out reading and without discussion. Vic
tor Berger Of Milwaukee. however, re-
membered that the Finnish element in
the party is enthusiastic on the prohiot.
tion question and FASTENED to scan the
repnrt fer obje cfiOnable recommendations
The convention just had decided thai
its work vas finished. had given thres
rousing cheers for the social revolution
and was singing the "Marsellaise" when
the searcher's fears we're confirmed. He
sprang on top Of table and broke up
the singing of the party hymn with lusty
shouts.
Comrades, he cried. what an awful
ommendation we have adopted: We
therefore recommend that a plank pro-
hibiting the manufacture and sale OF in
toxicating liquors be inserted In the party
PLATFORM Why. that is enough to wipe
the party of the map"
After moments breathless silence
the convention unanimously undid its
rash act and resumed the singing of
the 'Marsellaise.'
Besides It's amusing ending the most
interesting feature Of the closing session
was a bitter wrangle on the question of
woman suffrage.
Alabama Democratic Primaries.
MONTGOMERY. Ala. May ls.-Early
morning balloting in many sections Of the
~ -
in state democratic primaries today
Local contests and the tight Of the John
son forces against what seemed a Bryan
usual interest. 1t is the first time in
the history Of the state that the voters
in primary express q choice direct for a
presidential nomination.
within ten days by the state committee
There will be no state convention. the
nominees Of the primary being thus
chosen direct for Denver.
johnson Men Hopeful.
IF Johnson gets 25 per cent of the
votes cast in Alabama today in the con-
test between him and Bryan for that
states delegation to the Denver conven-
ton he will have to be credited with
winning a victory which may easily result
in his nomination.
This statement. made this. morning by
one of Johnson's busiest friends In Wash
inston and promulgated with eclat from
the Johnson headquarters here, indicates
the eagerness with which the news of the
outcome of the Alabama voting will be
awaited here tonight. The democrats Of
that state are voting today. exactly eight
cen days after the friends of the Mime
sofa man started their fight against Bry-
an in that territory. 1t has been a whirl-
wind campaign throughout the eighteen
days. with the usual accompaniment Of
brass bands and torchlight professions.
While the Alabama Johnsonites are
confident they can carry the state for
their man. the Washington supporters
Of johnson do not think that state
which knew little or nothing Of Johnson
two weeks ago can be SO quickly wrest-
ed from William Jennings Bryan. who
has been known and we'll advertised there
for many years.
They claim. however. that II Johnson
gets % per cent or more Of the total
votes cast. he will have demonstrated his
ability as vote getter to such a degree
that the democratic party will be brought
to quick realization of the fact that ne
is the man to head the national ticket in
November.