The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-12
The wave Waving the Other Way.

The Wave waving the Other way. Bessemer Weekly.
 The indications now are and hardly has skirmishing yet commenced. that the prohibition aIiendment will be de- feated. It is one of those things which is strongest ct the initiative. No one, not even the rabidest pronibitionists in the State, believes that any possible canvass Of the State will rally to 1t any additional support; will gain any new adherents; will convert any one to pro hibition not already converted. The effort of the prohibition leadership VIII be to hold their forces.
 The prohibition wave was a strong one. It ran over the State almost like wild fire. But 1t has spent its force and the sober second thought has caus- ed many to halt and many to retrace:
 However. the question of adopting the prohibition amendment does not involve the question of prohibition. It is simply an attempt to force Into vision, something foreign and uncallsd for in the organic law of State or a Nation. It will not give the State Legislature one atom of power over the than 1t possesses today No prohibit. i've Legislation could be enacted more drastic or more comprehensive than that now in force under the present Constitution. The attempt to force the prohibitive clause into the Constl- tuition Is both cowardly and malicious. It Is an assault upon the personal hb- Urty of citizens. It is to prevent an an assertion of the rights of freetnen.
 The rank prohibition leaders are sa- gacious enough to recognize that A re- vulsion against drastic prohlpltion s liable to arise and they think to take advantage of what they believe IS the present domination of that sentiment to get 1t fixed In the Consultation to prevent any repeal or modification of fhaf lapfqlafion Ia
 Fortunately for the good of the State, the submission of the prohibi- tion amendment and the attempt to force 1t through is acting as Doom- erang. It is opening the eyes of sep- sible prohibltionists who revolt at the attempt to permanently bind their con sciences and to restrict their liberty of action. Thousands of them saw the evils of the former Alabania system Of saloons and doggeries and were eager for some change'to escape them. Hence they. voted to try prohibition. They ;s test. If 1t works we'll In the interest of morality, if it reduces incompetence and promotes progress and advance and industrial development they will favor its retention. But they dont wish to be tied down to the Jugger- naut If such 1t proves to be.
 We are almost surprised at the sen timent in Bessemer on the prohibition amendment. This city voted for pro- hibition. It had experienced the evil room auxiiiaries and it wanted them exterminatad. But 1t has seen the de- pressing effects of drastic prohibition | legislation upon business. ana the views of many are changed.
 Illustrative of this change of sentl. ment an incident occurred this past week. Discussing the prohlpitlon amendment with prominent mercnant almost a pioneer In Bessemer, he stated that he had been strong prohibition | ist. and was still inclined that way though he attributed mucn of the puS- mess depression that has prevailed in Bessemer to the effect of prohipitive legislation. that in his beat were sev- brothers law, etc, making with him
 eight voters who voted at the election
 for prohibition and every one ot them
 will vote against the prohlpition amendment. They are quite willing
 to give prohibition a fair trial but are not willing to stullify themselves pr