The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-11-08
Hon. !. C. Bush, os Friend of
 Temperance is Opposed


 deal with these questions: but. even in the present case would suggast to those womsn. whose desire it tssfo make wine and whose husbands voted for Cunningham. that they arrange for the pardon in advance.
 Politics n Evidence.
 It 10 quite evident that in this issue politics are very much in evidence. and I can see no reason why this subter- fuge should be used to secure . vindi- cation of the present state administra- tion. The administration will stand, or history will vtndicate tt; and if unwor- thy, 1t will be condemned. It is not out of place to say. however. in this connection, that while there may be some things in the acts of the present administration to be commended. there are certainly many things to be con- demned. It has been characterized as an administration for extreme sneth- ods. and from the beginning up 10 the present time has been source of un- rest among our people, and has caused, without doubt, financial loss and dis tress to many. People outside of the state are not 90 much concerned about our position as to prohibition. but they are concerned as to whether wa are moderate and conservative in our acts. with reference to legisia- ton that affects the rights of porsons and propefty. We see the Treasary of our State today in depleted condition as against . large surplus at the be- ginning of the present administration. It is no good answer to these condi- tionse to say that the different inter ests in the State have received the funds which have been ,disbursed. That fs not satisfactory explanation Of ex- travagance and living beyond our in- come. No thoughtfu .lprovfdent man. after having squandered his estate on his family and left them embarrassed would say to them that 1t was all right. because he spent 1t on them. It is entirely right that the State. to the extent of It's ability, should contribute to the enlargement and prosperity of the schools to the increaseof the pen- sion fund for the Confederate soldiers. and to other causes which are worthy. but 1t Is not right that the State of Alabama should undertake to do these things for the glorincation of few. and make expenditares beyond it's means And itSis- no good answer to these extravaganees to say that taxes will be increased or assessments in- creased and the people made to pay same. I,firfnly believe in fair. reason able and equaIized assessment of prop erty. and sthatgthe contributions should be as large as practicable to carry On the great Interests of the State; but do not believe in extreme measures in methods of taxation to meet reduire- ments that are the result, more or less. of extravagance.
 While believe that the suppression of the liquor trafic Is probably the
 &t~, sider, there are other important mat ters that concern our prosperity -rnd happiness as we'll A man, to be proper and competent executive of this State or to HI any other important State office, who is expected to con. tribute, through his vote and otherwise. to the welfare of the people of this State. should be something more than . prohibitionist. We need in both of these classes patriotism. conservatism. broad-mindedness. respect for the law. respect for the rights of persons and property, and conscientious perform. ance of the duties that devolve upon Gn oficial and . citizen. It Is not suf-. ficient answer to the commission that a man should say his intentions were good and that he was sincere. The Apostle Paul was sincere when. he was and destroying the Chris tians, but he, himself. admitted later that his judgment was very bad. have noticed. to my regret. inten- perance in speech on the part of both adyocatcs of the amendment and those who are opposing it. There should be no grrund for abuse or bitterness In question of this kind. Federation for the views of others Is our only hope for peace and contentment. and all that we should ask of every citizen. is that he should be conscientious in his convictions and his actions on any public question. as well as in his private life. Any person who should advocate or oppose the amendment for selfish purposes. or for his political advancement is not worthy of the kindly consideration Of his fellow men. If we can get the people everywhere to act under their convictions we are safe, on all questions, for in the end right will prevail. have noticed that 1t has been said by some that those who are against the amendment must be chased as advocates of saloons etc. This charge Is neither right nor just. Every intelligent man must know that in an issue of this kind, where prohibition is even in part in every man who has sold liquor, or wants to sell it, or favors the saloon in any shape or form. would vote against 1t without regard to other questions involved. But my belief Is that that class. in this state, is in a hopeless minority; and further be- lieve that so long as we shall hear the cries of the widow and orphan; and 50 long as wes can remember the crime. poverty and sorrow that come from the usa of liquor, the liquor-saIoon will never be permitted again in this state.
 Representative Governmemt.
 Tn a Republican form of government under which we live. we should al- ways see to 1t that such a government Is representative and that an, honest majority shall rule. Should any other basis prevail our government would fall into disrepute. and the. rights of the citizens would be trampled upon.