The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-06


Of the duties that devolve upon an official
and citizen. 1t is not q sufficient an
swer to the commission of errors that a
man should say his intentions were good
and that he was sincere. The Apostle
Paul was sincere when he was persecut-
ing and destroying the Christians, but he
himself admitted later that his judgment
was very bad.
have noticed to my regret intemper-
ance In speeoh on the part of both ad-
vocates of the amendment and those who
are opposing it. There should be no
ground for abuse or bitterness in a ques-
ton of this kind. federation for the views
Of others is our only hope for peace
and contentment and all that we should
ask of every citizen Is that he should
be conscientious in his convictions and
his actions on any public question, as
well as In his private life. Any per-
son who should advocate or oppose the
amendment for selfish purposes or for
his political advancement is not worthy
Of the kindly consideration OF his fellow
men. If we can get the people every
where to act under their convictions we
are safe on an questions, for in the end
right will prevail. I have noticed that
1t has been said by some that those who
are against the amendment must be
olassed as advocates of saloons, etc. This
charge Is neither right nor just. Every
intelligent man must know that In an
issue Of this kind, where prohibition Is
even in part In question, every man who
has sold liquor or wants to sell 1t or
favors the saloon in any snaps or form
would vote against 1t without regard to
other questions involved. But my be-
lief Is that that class, in this state, Is
In q hopeless minority and I further be-
lieve that so long as we shall hear the
cries of the widow and orphan, and so
long as we can remember the crime,
poverty and sorrow that come from the
use of liquor, the liquor saloon will never
be permitted again In this state.
Honest Majority Should Rule.
In republican form of government
under which we live, we should always
see to 1t that such a government Is rep
resentative and that an honest majority
shall rule. Should any other basis pre-
vail our government would fall into dis
repute and the rights of the citizens
would be trampled upon. II a major
ity of the people of this state should op-
pose prohibition and should see fit to
exercise their power. prohibition written
all over the constitution would be of no
avail. If those advocating the amend
ment think that prohibition written In
the constitution will secure 1t for all
time and thus cease to exercise eternal
vigilance, education and other legitimate
means for establishing in the minds of
the people the principles of prohibition,
they Will wake to bitter disappointment.
In this campaign some have seen Mt
to critioise Christian ministers because
they have advocated, In public places,
as we'll as In their pulpits, the adoption
Of the amendment No one has any right
to question their right to do these things
for II they believe that the adoption of
the amendment is best for the morals
and welfare of their flocks and the peo-
pie in general, 1t Is their duty and prov
ilege to SO declare themselves. OF course
If any minister should indulge in any
methods that are unbecoming to his pro-
fession, such action on his part would
react on him and the case which he rep
resents In the main, see no reason
why any criticism should be made; and
I am more than glad that every one, who
should choose to do so, has the right
to express himself when and where he
pleases on this question
Political Future Of Citizens.
Much has been said about the results
of this election as to the political fu-
ture OF certain citizens who have been
mentioned as candidates.. or perhaps
avowed for the office of governor. AS
/ have said, If the policies of the pres
6nt aQInlnlsJrallOu dIe HOL right tucy Will
not be perpetuated, and no man, or set
OF men. can perpetuate them. Therefore,
anyone who may be chosen as successor
to the present governor will have to heed
the Views Of the majority of the people
of his state, or he will be retired from
office. The two most prominent candi-
dates are men of the highest type of
moral character and distinguished in their
profession and as citizens of this state.
One IL friend and neighbor of mine
whom I admire and esteem; the other Is
an old college mate and friend of long
standing-who stands, in point of patriot-
ism and ability to manage our public af-
fairs, second to none Personally, should
not be afraid of either one of these
men; and, therefore, their personalities
| cut NO figure in the situation a. far as
! I am concerned; but. I am most con-
| cerned as to our being temperate IN our
| public actions, and adopting only those
| measures which are safe and sound. and
| which will inure to the good OF our people
| a. q whole If. at any time IN thn fu-