The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-10
President of Railroad Commission An
 nounoes Stand. DECLARATION DEFINES CAREFUL THINKERS OPINION Believes Adoption Would Be
 Disastrous. EAers Is Nothing Essivocal In Po- nitfen Taken And Letter Sounds Warning Note To Alabama's
 Intelligent Voters.

President Charles Henderson. of the Alabama Railroad Commission and one of the strongest figures in public life in Alabama, has written an open letter declaring in his opinion that the adoption of the proposed amend msnt to the Constitution would be most unwise." The letter is an ar- gument against the amendment, and points out the danger which may come to the people of Alabama if extremists are given full sway.
 Mr. Henderson declares that if the extremists are permitted to have their way. the people of Alabama who be- lieve in States rights might have to fee to the Federal Constitution for the protection not afforded them un- der their own iawa and under their own Constitution.
 The letter in political circles Is re- Eaxded as of the utmost significance. President Henderson has been one of the abiest and most valuable lieuten- ants of Governor Conner In his various rate campaigns. Mir. Henderson was . wealthy and successful business man of Troy when he first began to take an active interest in State poll tics in the interest of rate regula- rion. He soon became a leading fg- urs in this light.
 After the Railroad Commission had been made elective. Mfr. Henderson was offered as a candidate for Associate Commissioner and was an easy winner '1n large and strong field. When Governor Conner left the office of Pres- 1dent of the Commission to become Governor he named MT. Henderson as his successor. Tn the following pri- mary. Mir. Henderson was elected pres 1dent of the Commission without op- nosition He Is held in high regard in all parts of Alabama.
 It was known by his close personal friends that MT. Henderson was op- posed to the amendment from the start, but inasmuch as the campaign had taken phase of opposition to the State administration it was doubted whether he would take any active part in if, The letter indicates. how ever. that he regards the proposed amendment as so dangerous, that he 4eeIs that he should throw the weight of his influence against it regardless of personal and political friendship.
 The letter was written in response 10 one from Representative J. Lee Long. Gr. Long wrote:
 What Long Said.
 ssrhe question of whether or not prohibition in Alabama should be made part of our Constitution, is now up- permost in the minds of most of the people of this State. The proper solu- fi0n of this question is very neces- enry, and calls for the calmest and most delib crate consideration.
 aAs l view it, it is in no sense a question of choosing between open bar-roorns and prohibition. but of the wisdom of placing such regulation or provision in the organic law of
 sInasmuch as the laws for the pro- motion of temperance enacted by the recent extraordinary session, are the most stringent and far-reaching that were ever passed by any Legislature in this country, it strikes me the peo- pie would do well to wait and see if these statutory enactments are not sufficient 10 answer all the purposes that the most ardent prohibitionist could desire.
 sThe lawyers of Alabama and oth- CTS who know the history of Constitu- fion making, and the province of the same, will view with fear the pros pect of introducing e police regula- ,tion into the CoAsritution of Ala bana.
 m view of the importance of this question, think that our strong men should speak out freely on the sub feet. and I am sure that whatever you might say would have great weight.
 .I feel that if you would express yourself on this matter. and permit me to make your views public, you would be doing a great service to our people"