The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-23
FLORENCE HAVING
 ANOTHER FIGHT
Liquor Question Is Getting Mixed Up With Commits
 sion Government

. Florence, June 22-(Special)-An en- thusiastic meeting of the prohibitionists of Florence was held yesterday afternoon at o'clock at the circuit court room to organize forces for fighting the proposed change to the commission form of gov ernment for Florence. About 300 people were present, including a score or more of women. Delos H. Bacon, chairman of the prohibition forces for Lauderdale county, presided and called upon mem bers of the audience for expressions of opinion.
 Ringing speeches were made by Rev. F. D. McDougall, D. D., Judge J. J. Mitchell, J. F. Robinson. Dr. W. J. Ker- nachan and others, expressing themselves as unalterably opposed to surrendering the right of self-government and allow ing Florence to be ruled from Montgom- cry.
 Speaking of Mayor Ashcrafts strict enforcement of the prohibition laws, Dr. McDougall said that In the midst of house cleaning he didn't approve of changing housekeepers. "They say the laws can not be enforced he said but our mayor is showing us they can be enforced, and think we should stand back of him. To my knowledge boot-legging was as prev alent under the saloon system as it is now"
 Judge Mitchell said he does not favor the commission form of government for the town of Florence under any condi tions. but if he did he still more favors local self-government. That bill should be forced through the legislature that should take away from us our local self government is very repugnant to me- he said. Have the people of Florence got to the point where they are incapable of selecting the men to govern them?" No matter where I stand on the liquor, question I would never consent to sur render the right to local seif-govern- ment."
 M. ". Camper said he favored a com mission form of government but things had come to such a pass that he would vote against it for Florence. as Florence is competent to select her own govern ment.
 James F. Robinson said the whole scheme was to turn the city over to the
 
 Dr. W. ]. Kernachan said we had had a long period of non-enforcement of the laws and now that we have mayor who Is enforcing the spirit and letter of the law we should uphold and support him.
 Rev. J. w. Willis said we should stand by Mayor Ashcraft and his officers in the splendid fight they are making against lawlessness. T. E. Jones said every one present should enter actively into the fight to keep them where they are. J. M. Angel said "We have a splendid lot of police officers who are trying to do their duty and we ought to commend them"
 J. B. Lockhart offered the following res olutions, which were adopted amidst great enthusiasm:
 ..Resolved, That whereas our present city officials have given us and are giving us an efficient administration and are enforcing the laws. and,
 Whereas, we believe it would be se- rious mistake to make a change at this time, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That this body is opposed to any change in the form of our city government before the expiration of the term of the present city official, Mayor c. w. Ashcraft. That committees be ap- pointed to carry out the purposes of the meeting as expressed in the foregoing resolutions.
 "Be it further resolved, That we also approve and commend the actions of our mayor in the enforcement of the laws and the diligence and activity of the police officers in suppressing lawlessness.'