The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-04
LEADERS ON BOTH
SIDES CONFIDENT
Every Inch of Ground Eagerly
Grasped, However
NO ROOM TO GET LAZY
JeIks' Entry Into Fight Considered Big
Thing For Defenders-Splits
Are Numerous-Effect on
Business.
BY HERvEY w. LAIRD.

Montgomery, November Especial. =
confidence of leaders on both sides in the
fight for the prohibition amendment to the
constitution is a feature of the contest
In every case man will express the most
certain belief in his views winning out no
matter what those views are. In Mont
gomery county, for instance, this is well
presented, but, strange as it may seem,
both sides are at work with a vigor and
a will that leaves the other no room to
get lazy. Every single string that can
be pulled is pulled, and men who have
never been utilized for public service be-
fore are made to get out and get busy.
Rushton Confident.
Ray Rushton, chairman OF the Mont
gomery county committee, is satisfied
that the county will be in the anti column,
but thinks 1t not amiss to conduct a
strenuous fight in order that It can give as
much aid as possible to the rest of the
state. Mr.. Rushton Is one of the most
upright and conscientious men in the
state, and the amendment forces have
not been able to say that he is In any
way influenced outside of a patriotic fol-
lowing of his own beliefs. Il am quite
sure we will carry the county, and in adj
dition roll up enough of 81. majority to
give comfort to the others. 1t Is not so
much question carrying the county, but
carrying it largely enough to be of bene-
fit to other counties"
Jelks in the Fight.
The entrance of former Gov. William
ID. Jelks into the campaign against the
amendment is taken to be good piece
of business for that side. Conservatism
x,r1rz "a, let, ton, of
erner and he left the state in fine shape,
with treasury full of money to meet
all its bills. Under his guidance there was
a change in the convict system that is
bringing in money at this time to the
help of the poor cash account. and he set
In motion a number of movements that
have had their effect for good In the af-
fairs of the state. While Jelks was gov
ernor the crime of lynch law was re-
duced to the lowest point the state has
ever known.
Women and Preachers.
Every line of influence, no matter how
domestic or how religious, Is being
brought to bear upon the voters. Here is
a case in point, though the names cannot
be used A man came out as a leader
against the amendment. He is a Baptist.
A Baptist. with much prominence in state
affairs, wrote him a note, expressing his
regret at the action taken and intimating
that he was embarrassing the members
of the denomination. When told that his
own position in favor of the amendment
had had the same effect on the man adj
dressed. the writer could not comprehend
1t. This is only one of many cases in
which the whole force of the church has
been thrown itno play to keep men from
taking hand for the opposition.
Women Are PRAYING.
The same plans extend to the women.
Those who are fighting for the amend
ment are holding prayer meetings about
the city and urging all the others to
come in. Those who do not come in are
made to feel that they are to blame for
1t In some way. They are made the sub
ject of prayer and supplication on the
part of their neighbors and many times
members of their own families. Preach
ers are made to take stand and, taking
1t, for the most part. forced into the lists
of speakers. One minister in Montgom-
cry, who has not been overly enthusi-
astic, said to a reporter this week Il
am sort of an outcast now The idea
seems to be that the case Is one of such
urgent appeal that every man, woman
and child must get in behind 1t and push
1t to success
Business Is Hurt BY It.
waiting for the end II don't care so
much which way 1t goes" said prom
inent Montgomery merchant, but do
wish 1t were over. 1t Is killing things
out. I am sick and tired of It," The
large number of speaking debates have
disturbed the people at their crop gather
ings and In many cases there will be
late crops as result. But they say the
case Is too urgent to consider business.
1t Is q time to save the country, they
urge, and business ought to be, and is,
put to the background.
HefIin In Demand.
Since he came out for the amendment
J. Thomas Helm, the handsome young
Congressman from the Fifth Is N great
demand as a speaker Effort to get him
to Montgomery has failed. as he will not
come into the territory of Congressman
Dent OF this district, who Is fighting the
amendment. Kyle Price, young lawyer
of Elba and a good speaker, is also very
much desired. mo man has ever wanted
to meet him twice" said enthusiastic
amendment man this week
Many mans job hangs on the out
come of the election on November n. A
few days ago a sheriff of a neighboring
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