The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-02
LAWRENCE WILL
 STAY IN ALABAMA
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ANTI SALOON LEAGUE SAYS WORK IS STILL TOO IMPORTANT IN THIS STATE TO GO TO KENTUCKY.

Brooks Lawrence, superintendent of the Alabama Anti-saloon league, has decided to remain in Alabama and has written to Kentucky refusing the positioR offered him in that field. Here is the letter:
 Birmingham, Ala, May 31, 1909. The Rev. ". B. Beauchamp, D, Louisville, Ky.
 Dear pr. Beauchamp.-I have taken considerable time to hsider the proposi- ton to come to Kentucky in order that l might come to conclusion in the mat ter that would be in harmony with the best interests of our work from every point of view, and in writing you that 1t will be impossible for me to accept the kind invitation to assume charge of our league work in your state, I want you to understand that it is due to firm conviction that my duty is to remain in Alabama. I detail my reasons as fol- lows:
 l. The work here is not finished as some have erroneously believed, but is only well begun. The lowest elements of the liquor traffic have entered into conspir- aey with such agencies as they can hire with their money to attempt to break down the prohibition law, and I am sat isfied that these men can be driven from the Held, sent to the mines for their vio- lations of the law and our organized con ditions indicate that we can succeed in thls with some new law enforcement measures.
 Again, there will be a special session of our legislature some time this summer, and 1t Is important that the organized ha lao maintained. For 30 years the liquor traffic mas laughed in the face of all decency ana good citizenship, but today we have them on the run and propose to run them out of the state or into hard labor sen- tences In the coal mines. Several impor- las1t law enforcement measures are neces- sary in Alabama, and we are going to seek these at the special session of the legislature when it convenes.
 Again, the liquor forces have been hoasting that they intend to elect the next legislature of Alabama, repeal tho state prohibition law, and ride over the decent element of our state in its law making body. I feel that this insult to the good citizenship of Alabama should not go unnoticed by the confederated churches and the Anti Saloon league will meet this outlawed class in open contest. and l am sure that it would not be proper for me to withdraw from the situation
 
 Again. the protests I have had from our friends since the notice of my call to Kentucky was made public have been so numerous and of such character that ] feel that my obligations are to these friends who have given such loyal sup port during the past three years Not only has there been no shutting down on the part of these people in their ma terlal and moral support, but on the con trary this has increased each year and I believe that when the legislature ad- Journs in 1911 the liquor traffic will be dead and buried forever in Alabama. so l am going to stay. by what I consider my duty, although I am willing to come to Kentucky any time I can be of any service in conference and to help you in getting your work well started in the campaign that is before you
 Assuring you of my deepest interest in the success of our work in Kentucky, I am, yours very cordially,
 BROOKS LAWRENCE,
 Superintendent