The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-16

by the people: but the fact Is. that there have already been two sessions of the present Legislature, and, in ad- dition to this. there have already been two extra sessions of the present Legislature. and we have no assur- ance that before the end of his Rd- mintstration there will not be at least two more sessions of this Legislature Under the present. Chtef Exeeutivs. the sessions of the Legislature are not quadrennia1: they are not bien- nial; but they are continual.
 I cannot regard this movement which he has precipitated at this time as anything but a movement to resusci- tate Conner and Comerism in this State, and any thoughtful man who will hear or read report of the speeches which he Is making from every stump In Alabama, will realize the correctness of my conclusion.
 Sick of Agitation. s
 Have we not had enough of poliu- cal agitation? Our people are just emerging from a panic. With extra sessions of Congress, with extra ses- sions of the Legislature. and when every business interest cries out for peace and repose. 1t is intolerable. and in utter disregard of the public inter est. that the State should again be thrown into a heated political cam pakgn in order that our ambitious Governor should become its central figure.
 In almost every speech which he makes. Mir Conner refers to an al- legged interview from me, purporting to have been sent out from Washing ton. I have not given out any inter view from Washington ar elsewhere. nor have I authorized the publication of my views upon the issues. here in- volved, or upon public affairs in Ala bama. In private conversation may have said and perhaps did say that the prohibition sentiment Is stronger In the country than In the cities, but I have not undertaken to say anywhere how people will vote in the approaching election. Governor Corners present effort seems to he to array the country vote against the towns and cities, and it may be wor- dereT if he has been inspired to new solicitude in behalf of the farmer by the fact that the Farmers Union in Birmingham refused to invite him to address them. upon the ground. as ex- pressed by Dr. Drake. in charge of the committee on arrangements, that he was not in sympathy with the gather ing nor a fit or suitable person to ba invited to address or open their con- ference.
 In his recent speech at Huntsville. in further expression of his solicitude for the farmer, he declared as report ed. that he aimed to have a good pub lie road from every home on every hill and in every hollow leading up to a school house: and yet we know. that when appealed to by the advocates of good roads. he refused to embody this as a proper subject for legislation at the recent extra session which he caused to be convened at Montgomery So far as the reporter undertakes to express my views to the effect that cities like Mobile Montgomery. Birm- tngham, HuntsVilla. Anniston, anu cities similarly sftuared, ought to have a right to determine for themselves what is best for the gooS order of society and the proper regulation of government in their midst, I have no dissent So far as any reporter under takes to quote me as saying that the Protestant Church. or any church, Is levytng tribute upon the people, I must say that I never there or elsewhere uttered any such sentiment may have said that some individual Is seek ing to levy tribute upon the Protes- tant Church, or upon religious enthusiasts. in advocacy of some views which he is now or may have been advocating; but have never. in Washington or elsewhere. uttered any sentiment against the Protestant Church, to a branch of which I be- long and owe allegiance. or against any church which has for it's purpose the betterment or uplifting of humani ty.
 It may be that many ministers of the gospel and many good men will vote for this constitutional amend ment. upon the mistaken idea that It is in the interest of' temperance Tn this. they will be thoroughly con scientious. But the arraIgnment which I make of MT. Conner is that unon this issue he has Ignored the platform of the party which elected him. of which