The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-10-03

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The people spoke in Birmingham last
night
They declared their strenuous oppo-
sition to the proposed amendment to the
constitution of Alabama
They declared themselves unalterably
opposed to the surrender of their consti-
tutional rights. They placed themselves
as barriers against the invasion of the
sanctity of the home.
IT is estimated that nearly 10000 peo-
pie were gathered at Capitol park dur
ing the evening. Hardly had the supper
hour passed when they turned their faces
toward the scene of the rally. BY Z
o'clock a large number were standing
about the field, and when at o'clock
Judge John Fl. Miller stood before the
people the crowd had been swollen to
enormous proportions.
The crowd was enthusiastic. They APP
plauded the speakers. They cried to the
top of their voices in a spirit of re-
ioicing when some keen cut was admin
istered to the proposed amendment. They
applauded when the present state admin
istration was assailed. They made mer-
ly over the lambasting of Governor Co
mer, Judge Samuel d. WealSley, the Rev.
Brooks Lawrence, the Rev. A. J. Dick
inson, and others.
Ninety-Nine Per Cent True.
While in the vast throng there was
seen here and there a stray amendment
supporter, 1t is safe TO state that 80 per
cent of the crowd will vote against the
proposed change of the constitution.
Equally as large per cent, II Is safe to
state, made plain the fact that the pres
ent state admiriisiration is unpopular in
Birmingham and In Jefferson county.
The crowd, By its. s.aetienrandst1s demon
stration. too. made plain the fact
that the effort of the administration to
perpetuate its policies by the election of
Judge Weakley to the position of COVER
nor. is arousing the keenest animosity.
But the direct attack the fiercest, most
persistent attack was that against the
proposed prohibition amendment.
The orators tore that proposed docu-
ment into a thousand strips. and scat
tered them In as many directions. Its
inception was assailed without mercy.
That IL was founded in a hot bet of
seething politics was charged. That it is
fostered by the present administration
as a platform on which to elect Conner
to the Senate and Weakey to the gov
ernorship was charged. That the election
was scheduled for this fall instead of next
fall is due to the fact, the speakers
charged. that the administration, noting
the number OF unpaid poll taxes feared
to submit the proposition to the normal
vote of the state, and to the serious con-
sideration of the people. That the un-
necessary election will cost the state,
at present facing a tremendous deficit.
about $4,000 was charged.
Amendment Unnecessary.
1t was charged. too, that the amend
ment, altogether unnecessary for the en-
forcement of the prohibition laws, is
aimed directly at the sanctity of the
homes. 1t was charged that the ratifica-
tion of the amendment will manacle the
lands of the free people of this state. And
1t was charged too. that all these facts
are known to the administration and its
agents. and that they were known when
the proposition was forced forward and
the idea was first advanced. A.
When the .Speaking began, at about 8
o'clock, the park was well filled with peo-
ple
When at II o'clock L. F. Greer of Cal
houn concluded his fiery address the park
was well filed with people.
And they would not dispense.
They called for more.
At that hour they were as enthusiastic
as when the rally was begun. They ap-
plauded with as much vehemence, though
their throats were little sore They
cried aloud that those who would make
the constitution a "crazy'' quilt will be
kept on the run.
They are explaining now one voice
exclaimed. land they will be kept in that
condition."
They are beclouding the ISSUE another
declared. but they can't fool the people
all the time"
They are maligning their opponents
and making ridiculous charges against
them,'' cried a third, but it is the weak
effort of the already beaten"
Greatest Ever in County
Such another demonstration, as matter
Of fact. 1t is admitted by both sides, when
it>is considered in every light, has never
before been made in Jefferson county
, 1t was demonstration, there can be no
doubt against the proposed amendment to
the constitution.
1t was demonstration against the pres
ent dministration-against Conner, Law
renee, Weakley and others
1t was demonstration against the al
legged efforts of the present administration
to work political game on the people