New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-10-17
ALABAMA BOOMERANG
Lac filmed against Negroes FORKS
against H1htes..

Birmingham Ala Oct Is (SpeciaD.-A little
clause in the election laws of Alabama, aimed
originally at the ballot of the negro, has brought
about condition In this state that is causing the
old school politicians about much worry
ever caused by the problem of counting the vots
of the "colored brother on the right side. The
clause referred to makes the payment Of poll tax
optional but restricts the right to vote to those
who voluntarily pay this tax.
In framing this provision il was the theory that
every white would pay the tax, while practi-
caly every negro would fail to do 1t. The result
would be that the negro would be disfranchised
while the white man could 90 voting usual
The theory worked out according to expectations
so far as the negro is concerned but 1t proved
with reference to the white men. In fact.
the white men of the state have been almost as
negligent concerning the matter as have the
negroes, and result the affairs of state en-
tirely in the hands OF a small minority.
Alabama is just in the midst Of Of the
fercest campaigns in the history Of the state. the
issue being amendment TO the constitution writ
ing prohibition in that instrument. The issue Is
being fought with great bitterness and the people
are stirred from end of the state TO the other
Every possible pressure is being brought 10 bear
upon the voters. and every device known to the
politician is being used in the effort TO poll every
vote In the state. Yet with interest keyed to the
highest possible pitch, and with both sides exertinz
the maximum of effort II is not believed that more
than 10000 votes will be polled in the entire state
although Alabama now has a population probably
in of 100000 In brief citizen in twenty
will and dictate the policy which is to govern
the other nineteen.
The hundred thousand in the state who
have paid their poll taxes and qualified TO
vote for the most part members Of the church
and belong 20 what is popularity termed the better
element. Herein is found the cause behind the
movement which swept the saloons out OF the
state and bids fair to keep them out Perms-
nently by raising a constitutional barrier.
II is a significant fact that most of the oldtim-
politicians-the men who conceived and framed
the election laws Of the state-are as rule op-
posed to the adoption Of the constitutional amend
ment They fighting IL with tremendous vigor.
and gaining large following. but this fol-
lowing is composed largely of men who cannot
vote
The voting minority keenly alive to the
situation when the time of holding the vote on
the constitutional amendment fixed FOR No
Vember %. They knew that the men who had
neglected to pay their poll tax would not have an
other opportunity to do until next February
Thus by holding the election this fall they could
head off those opponents who would add 20 their
strength by paying the poll of Indifferent fol-
lowers Now it is a fight among the few, with
the chances against the oldtime leaders, who as a
rule take little interest In prohibition except as
thing that should be headed off whenever nos
sble