The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-11-08

DrohIDit1ou written ail over the con-
 stitution, would be of no avail. If that prohibition written in the consti- tution viii secure it for all time. and thus cease to exsrcise eternal vigi- lance. education and other legitimate means for establishing in the minds of the people the prfuciples of prohibi- ton. they will wake to bitter disap- pointment.
 Tn this campaign some have seen 1t to criticize Christian ministers be- cause they have advocated, in public placss. as we'll as in their puipits. the has any right 10 question their right to do these things. for if they believe that the adoption of the amendment iss best for the morals and welfare of their fiocks and the people in general. 1t is their duty and privilege to 50 de- clare themseIves Of course. If any minister should indulge In any methods that, are unbecoming to his
 profession. such action on his part
 would react on him and the case which he represents. 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 pieases on this 1 question.
 Much has been said about the re- suits of this election as to the poiiti- calsfuture of certain citixens who have been mentioned as candidates. or per- haps. avowed for the office of gover- nor. As have said. if the policies of | the present administration are not right, they will not be perpetuated, and no man.. or set of men, can per. | petuate them. Therefore. any one who l may be chosen as successor to the i present Governor will have to heed the views of the majority of the people of I his state. or he will be retired from office. The two most prominent candi-
 dates are men of the highest type or
 moral character and distinguished in their profession, and as citizens or l this state. One is a friend and neigh | bor of mine. whom admire and es- | teem; the other Is an old college mate and friendT of long standing-who stands, fin point of patriotism and | ability to manage our public affairs. second to none. Personally, should not be afraid of either one Of these men: and, therefore, their personaii-
 ties cut no figure in the situation. as far as am concerned: but. I am most concerned as to our being temperate in our public actions. and adopting only those measures which are safe and sound. and which will enure to l the good of our people as whole, l If. at any time in the future-wfth | prohibition sustained--the people should desire to insert 1t in the consti- l tuition, they hold the right to do SO; but let us not be too much in haste | to do things which probably would oniv be experimental. I, for one, be- neve as long as great majority sof l the people of this state favor prohibi- 1 ton. no legislature that might be 1 selected wouiJ dare repeal the present laws, or modify them so that they would not be effective in enforcing prohibition in this state. as far as It Is practicable to do so. Therefore. have seen no good reason why this question should have been raised at this time at the great expense of the state, and at great cost in bitterness
 and bad feeling among our people. Personal Views.
 Personally, do not think that any one who has known me in my life Tn this state will question my views on the Iiquor question. I have protested against it's sale. as it was conductei, and the evil therefrom ever since
 have been able to form views on pup iic questions have not abused the men who have been engaged in the business. but have been against the laws permitting such. More than twenty years ago. as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee An the Legislature of this state. pressed the question then for very high icsnse-- which would have. in . measure. sup-
 pressed the sale of liquor in this
 State. I had violent opposition and
 from some sources that should not
 have been expected. but dii--withI
 the aid of others-tsucceed in generally
 raising the license all over the state,
 and regulating 1t more particularly in
 the city of Mobile for which not
 only received no thanks. but incurred
 the i'll will of many. which was mant-
 fested on more than one occasion by
 those who were engaged in the sale
 of whiskey That did not concern me;
 and I think. As every one should think.
 after he has conscientiously perform
 ei his duty, that 1t makes very little
 difference as to what others may
 think.
 have written you at much greater
 length than T intended. deeply re-
 gret that my views do not altogether
 coincide with those of many whom
 love and respect. If thought that
 the amendment would accomplish any
 good would advocate 1t, for my su-
 preme wish is for the prosperity and
 happiness of every man, woman and
 child in. Alabama Ftfs