The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-12-03
SKAGGS PRESENTS
HIS AUTHORITIES
Sees Signs of Progress in Fear
less Discussion
PROUD OF NATIVE STATE
terested in His Personal Affairs
But Are Interested In Prob
lens Discussed
, the Editor of The Age-Herald;

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
l do not wish to impose on the liberia
policy of The Age-Herald, nor is it nee.
essary to make further reply to the ar.
ticle by Mr.. Harper, in your issue OF to
day, than to cite the authorities from
which I have taken a statement of facts
and the logical differences from those
facts. Briefly, the authorities are given
as follows:
On illiteracy and the educational sItua-
ton: Report of United States commits.
sioner of education and report of Ala
bama superintendent OF education, SO far
as the last mentioned report deals with
actual facts; joint statement of the SUI
perintendents of education of the south
ern states, address before the southern
education board and published papers by
Hon. Sydney ]. Bowie, ex-member of
Congress and distinguished citizen of this
state.
On crimes and criminology, vice and
immortality Public papers and addresses
by Ex-Governor Jelks, one of the most
faithful, loyal and devoted sons of the
south who has held the high office of gov
ernor: the late report OF the attorney gen.
eral of Alabama; sundry reports of Bir-
mfngham police officials and the late re-
port of Mr.. Austin.
On penology: The report of the state
convict inspectors and especially the
truthful, fearless and shocking reports
of the late Dr. Shirley Bragg and the ad-
dress before the International Prison con-
gress by noble and distinguished woman
from Alabama, who has devoted her life
work to the educational and moral ad-
yancement Of the people of her native
state.
On the Industrial and commercial stu
alton: The late article by Mr.. Crawford,
published in the Atlanta Constitution, and
an editorial in today's Age-Herald which
Is in accord with the views / have ex-
pressed touching the Importance of early
and decisive action in the matter OF the
Panama canal
l have not used, nor would 1t be pos
sible for me to use, more caustic language
than has appeared in the editorial col
umns of the Age-Herald regarding the
matter under discussion. An editorial in
The Age-Herald stated that the report
of the state superintendent put Alabama
on the Russian basis" and 1t has been
fearless and outspoken in its attacks on
the fee SYSTEM" crimes and prisons. An
editorial in today's issue on Jefferson
severe arraignment.
The readers of The Age-Herald are not
interested in my personal affairs. and 1t
is not relevant to the question at issue
whether Alabama lost or Chicago gained
by my migration" In this connection,
however, 1t may be interesting to note
that personal insinuations of this charac-
ter. SO common among limited class IN
this section, as a substitute for facts and
-
pardonable prejudice which is only an
other way of referring to provincial preju-
dice which Is undemocratic, un-Amer-
lean and should have no place, in the dis
cussion of public questions, in highly
civilized and enlightened community.
What have DONE and tried to do, for
educational and civic advancement, in
dustrial development and commercial ex-
pansion of my native state are a part of
the official records, and nothing Mr..
Harper or any other man or woman may
say, and nothing 1 may hereafter say
or do will blot out that record. 1t is a
part of the history OF my native town and
state. Had I been more subservient and
tactful in pleading for the cause of edu-
cation, had l been less aggressive and
outspoken In assailing corrupt practices,
l doubt If I would have found 1t neces-
sary to go among strange people to earn
my Dread without SdCrlHce OF my prln-
ciples and my love for American insti-
tutions / have often said, here and else
where, and l shall continue to tell with
pride that 1 was born in the state OF
Alabama, and brought UP In the atmos-
phere of a proud and liberty-loving people
where, in picturesque environments, and
the companionship of wise, fearless and
patriotic leaders of past generation, 1
was taught the love of truth and individ-
ual liberty, promulgated In the DecIara-
ton of Independence and upheld by the
teachings of Jefferson. And, notwith-
standing the lamentable situation I have
pointed out, and the many difficulties and
dangers that this people must meet and
solve, the most promising sign I see for
my native state Is the liberty of the press,
as shown by The Age-Herald In It's broad.
liberal policy, based on a modern and
high standard of journalism that treats
Trojan and Tyrian with no discrimina-
ton. Let this policy continue and we
shall soon see capable and fearless lead
ers of the people who will take up the
vital issues of the day and lift the peo-
pie to the high standard of their fathers
W. H. SKAGGS.
Birmingham, December 2, 1910.