The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-14
Great Crowd At the Jefferson Cheer Men Who Speak
 Against the Proposal
POLITICAL PARSON Is
 DENOUNCED AS DANGER
Audience Was Pronounced One of the Most Representative Ever Assem- bed in rmingham-Letters
 and Telegrams Were Read.

In one of the most notable gatherings in the recent history of Jefferson county. the proposition to amend the constitu- ton of Alabama by inserting an article forever prohibiting the liquor traffic was denounced last night.
 The Jefferson theatre, wherein the mass meeting occurred, was taxed. The first floor was filled from front to back. There was hardly room to breath in the balcony, while in the gallery was an overflow crowd of probably hundred.
 And in common breath, the amend ment was assailed, torn to pieces and in gleeful abandon, hung in derision before the eyes of the people.
 Resolutions setting forth the conviction of those gathered were adopted by rising vote, a vote cast amid cheers which resounded throughout the business section of the city. In addition, a con- mittee consisting of more than one hun dred well known and representative citi- gems was appointed to attend the confer ence In Montgomery tomorrow. at which plans will be adopted for carrying on the anti-amendment campaign in every section of the state.
 A. G. Smith presided chairman, while A. Latady was chosen secretary. Short addresses were made by A. G. Smith, s. J. Bowie, P. G. Bowman. William D. Jelks, James Weatherly, Jesse F. Stall- ings, John H. Miller and Jere King. Each speaker was nominated by the crowd and was received with widest enthusiasm The expressions which especially pleased elicited applause of the most strenuous nature, and often was 1t necessary for speakers to await the conclusion of the demonstration.
 And the audience was most representa- tive. There were present men from every entering their majorities. There was a vast army of those who bear the settled expression, and who are not swayed by each political ism with which he Is confronted. And there were those with boards on their bosoms-old patriots of a cause.
 SMITH MAKES PLAIN
 HIS STAND ON QUESTION After a presentation by s. J. Bowie, A. G. Smith, on taking the chair, made 1t plain that he was in attendance not to combat prohibition, nor to assail the that he voted for prohibition when that issue was before the people some time ago. and declared his belief that prohibition had accomplished some good in decreas- ing small crime. He spoke at length on the necessity of observing the law. and violate any section of code. that people vas en route to anarchy and ruination. While Mr. Smith paid compliments to rrohibition, there was intense silence. But when, in emphatic voice. he declared, There Is no earthly reason why prohi- tition should go Into the constitution" the applause which greeted the words shook the building to It's foundation.
 Then said MT. Smith: eff the people want statewide prohibition, let 'em have 1t to their hearts content.'' (Sience.)
 ''But if 1t is found that it cannot work, ' he added. "then let the people be given an opportunity to say so.''
 The applause which followed was prac- tical demonstration
 I've do not want any experiment in the constitution" continued MT. Smith. eve desire the constitution to be a decla- ration of principles And in order that the constitution may remain as 1t is, 1t is our duty to fight to the nnish.'
 MT. Smith then read tho proposed amendment and stressed the second sec ton, wherein 1t is stated that nothing shall be construed to prevent the legfs- lature from designating places where whisky may not be stored.
 ASKS WHAT IS PURPOSE
 OF THE AMENDMENT "What use is this amendment?" asked MT. Smith. "what is its purpose7 Will it not limit the power of the legisla- lure? Will 1t not make it possible for an officer to search the home and carry the inmates to jail in case bottle of whisky is found therein? '.suppose, for instance, the amendment is adopted. Suppose then that the tuiier. the Carmichael and other bills are re- peaaad. Then there will be no restriction --~>--~>>- -->--'---
 fCONTTNUuD ON PA0B 3.l