The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-21

perance, or would even help the cause of prohibition, it is possible that might sacrifice my convictions on the points above mentioned. But some of the ex- treme provisions of the proposed amend ment and, l fear, of the present law, will hinder tho cause of prohibition in- stead of helping it. The efficiency of any criminal law always, in the last analysis, rests on the answer to this one question, What will the jury do? If juries will not convict. the law Is worse than no law. A law ignored makes lawless men. Sooner or later, extreme laws are always ig- nored You must remember that Ia their heart of hearts. comparatively few people have that deep. abiding aversion for whisky which you have. Most people to- day are against the saloon and the blind tiger In their hearts, no matter what they may say in the present agitation. they go no further If the law shall at tempt to go further, and shall put limita- tions on what people conceive to be their personal liberties. the sentiment oe the people will as surely change as time runs, and the last condition will be worse than the first. If any man. with the desire to know the truth only, will study the his tory of radical, extreme Legislation, pro- hibition or otherwise, in this state or any other state, he will be convinced that what have just said is true.
 ''So far as 1 shall strive in the future to be usAful to my state and county, sup Iress'cn of the liquor traffic will one Of my chief efforts both in and out of my professional duties. This has been my speciality and everyone familiar with the work in the court knows. l am perfectly convinced that it is one of the si ieatest evils. But this sentiment cannot compel me to shut my eyes to unwise Legislation proposed or advocated by men who have little experience in the practical suppress sion of law breakers. If you suppose that any considerable number uf the men against the amendment in this county de- sire a return of the saloon or are in sym pathy with the tiger. you are just as much mistaken as it is possible for a man to be mistaken. Practically everybody is against the saloon and tiger.
 T regret that I must express myself so briefly and so inadequatciy as I am compelled to do in letter. fher are other cogent reasons not touched upon which would lead me to vote against the amend ment A desire to put any obstacle in the way of prohibition is not one of them.
 My deliberate and settled conviction is that the present efforts of leading prohibitionists if successful, would pro- duce laws far in excess of what the mass of the people. including many who : willsvote for the amendment, would stand for when passion has cooled and the people are normal. l am sure the cause of prohibition would be injured, and has already been injured.
 "I only express my long since made up mind to stand for what is right, for the sole reason that 1t is right. All judges, even in their public duties, must run counter to public sentiment. but no honcst judge would hesitate on that account.
 "The contention of the prohibition leaders that the amendment will stop agi- tation, is Utopian dream. Men will not lay aside their convictions and surrender. even if the amendment Is adopted, nor will we have prohibition in fact except through ceaseless, untiring and continuous battle. To imagine the contrary might furnish a theme for poet. out not fer a practical man who knows practical men and is familiar with methods by which laws may be enforced.
 T have not the slightest shadow of doubt that time syill prove the correct- ness of my position. Yours sincerely.
 THOMAS w. COLEMAN, JR-"