Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1909-12-03

Mondays election was the first popular
expression in Alabama on the subject of
prohibition of liquor selling.
The Statewide Prohibition bill was pass
ed by Legislature which had been elected
on local-option platform. and though
several counties had declared for prohibit
ton under the local-option act, the voters
of the entire State had never before been
called on to pass on the question direct
Farmers voted largely against the amend
ment.
Most of the large counties went heavily
against the measure. While women and
children were at the polls in many places,
their presence did not affect the vote to
any extent.
jefferson county Birmingham) in which
the fight was concentrated, gave a major
ity of more than 1000 against the amend
ment. Mobile. Montgomery and Cullman
counties show the largest majorities for
the victorious side.
Apparently the amendment was carried
in only three s-Talladega. Macon
and Sumter, with Lee in doubt.
In Birmingham the election was the
most exciting ever witnessed. Hundreds
of people were crowded around each poll
ing place. women and children were sing
tI1k anu Dtub5 udliuS otdtiOlCu ny tlIC uUti-
amendment forces were playing patriotic
airs
Bands were placed around each of the
four voting places In Birmingham to drown
out the prayers and singing and pleadings
of the women and children, who gathered
early in the morning in an effort to influ-
ence votes. Each polling place was en-
livened by its quota of fist fights. there
being so many il was impossible to keep
track of them.
The bill voted on provided for the sub
mission to the voters of an amendment to
forever prohibit the manufacture, sale and
keeping for sale of alcoholic and malt
liquors and other Intoxicating liquors and
beverages. with the exception that alcohol
might be sold for medical. scientific and
mechanical purposes. and wine for sacra-
mental purposes. under such regulations as
the legislature might prescribe.
The second provision would have given
to the legislature the power to prohibit
citizens from keeping liquors in their
homes, If at any time prohibition enthu-
siasm became strong enough to demand
this drastic action. The latter part OF the
amendment was put forth frankly to meet
the recent ruling of the Supreme Court
that liquor is a commodity which can be
possessed and stored where and In such
quantities as its owner may see fit, SO
long as he does not offer 1t for sale.
Both United States Senators and five Of
the nine Congressman opposed the amend
ment Governor Conner, Lieutenant Gov
ernor Gray and Speaker Carmichael sup
ported it.
1.-THE election determined that the men
of Alabama did not wish to write into
their constitution police measures. nor sur
render rights they have expressly reserved"
said United States Senator Johnston. COM
menting on the defeat of the prohibition
amendment
1T does not mean the return of the
saloons nor any backward step in public
morals.
ut means that Alabama is conservative
and not to be shaken off her feet by mere
sentimental appeals"
Late returns indicate that the majority
against the amendment will run above
$4,000 A vote of not less than $4,000
was polled, the largest in the history of
the State.