The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-07-07

have done moro to change public sem timent than anything since the enact ment of the prohibition law. Is the consensus of opinion among the politi- cally we'll Informed in Montgomery.
 That Mr. Lawrence realizes this. and that he appreciates the tactical blun- der he made when he announced that he and the Anti-Saloon League would have Justices elected who would not work overtime to protect the liquor outlaws of Alabama, Is shown by his explanation of Monday. Montgomery lawyers say that this is perhaps the harshest and most violent criticism that was ever levelled in the public prints at the Alabama Supreme Court. His use of the words, 'harlot. pimp and sa- loon domination" in alabama in this same connection was regarded as equally violent
 In Montgomery, particularly among the lawyers, the indignation was hot. What several lawyers said of Mir. Law renee was even stronger than what MT. Lawrence said of the Supreme Court. In fact tt wouldn't do to print what some members of the Montgomery bar said on reading the remarkable utter ances of MT. Lawrence.
 That this declaration will have a far-reaching effect and may possibly cCo" sion by the Anti-Saloon League Is not doubted. Whether 1t will be used suc- cessfully as a means to defeat any of these bills is, however. doubtful Be- fore the card of Mir. Lawrence was made public, 1t was conceded that the Anti-Saloon League could force through the Legislature any bill 1t presented. But the violent attack of MT. Law renee has armed the opponents of the T rxr4& xrvt,f fah <r may not be sufficient to stop some of the measures presented by the League.
 The Birmingham News and The Sel- ma Times, both leading supporters of the cause of prohibition, have repudi- ated MT. Lawrence and his utterance. Governor Conner, who has heretofore worked in harmony with MT. Law renee. and who signed the prohibition bill after he had declared on every stump in Alabama that he was for To- cal option and after he had a local op- ton declaration put into his platform, hastened to defend the Supreme Court and repudiate Mir. Lawrence's utter ances. The Selma Tfnes went so far as to declare that MT. Lawrence's use- fulness In Alabama was ended and that his further connection with the cause of prohibition would do harm to it.
 The Birmingham Age-Herald de- clares that the anarchistic utterances have hastened the reaction against repeal of the law under which such au- tocracy has hourished. The Selma Times draws attention to the famous mistake MT. Lawrence made in the Second District when his interference into the affairs of the District changed the political complexion, and when a candidate was defeated by it, although his election had previously been con- ceded.
 All in all there is a pretty mix up that is likely to tangle things at the extra session. The Governor gave it out yesterday that the extra session would meet on July 27. It is semi-of- Hcially announced that the call will be very brief, and that many matters that were expected to be a part of 1t will not find mention. The Governor is anxious for the Legislature to finish quickly the work he will give them and then get away.
 But the record of the extra session held in November, 1907, gives but small hope for a short session with quick work. It will be recalled that the Legislature took up any question it cared to consider. whether 1t was or was not mentioned in the call of the Governor. Under the constitution the Legislature in a special session could consider any question when two-thirds of the members were willing to take it up. Probably two-thirds of the mem- bers had some special piece of legisla- tton, and a combination Was naturally formed under which the gates were thrown wide open. The same thing is looked for at the coming extra session.
 The Governors call will be devoted largely to two questions railroad mat ters and prohibition. It is remarkable that any additional legislation would