The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-08

Montgomery, February 7.-(Special) Tie effect of the introduction of a gen. eral dispensary bill by Judge Almon this morning was electrical.
 It was a bomb in the camp of the local optionists By sudden joy the prohib itionists were swept from their feet
 No one anticipated the action of the speaker. While he did not attend the conference of the local optionists, who, several nights ago, fndorsed and agreed to support the Parks local op- ton bill, 1t was generally considered that he favored that bill. This idea obtained. too. among the prohibition tsts.
 The Factions Confer
 The surprise was sprung during the roll call of counties Few noticed the speaker leave his chair in charge Of Representative Sullivan of Mobile. He first attracted attention when the clerk reached Colbert" He sent up a bill.
 Following the reading of the caption of the bill. the speaker suggested that the entire measure be read in full. There was no objection and the bill was read. It was then referred to the committee on temperance
 As soon as the caption was shout ed aloud Representative Brindley rushed across the floor. urging the speaker to give him copy of the bill. He followed the reading of the clerk, word for word. The other leader of the prohibitionists, Representative Merritt, walked about the lobby of the house, and his satisfaction shon0 out in every expression of his face.
 In another portion of the house Rep resentatives Arnold and Parks earnest ly conferred together.
 The thought of every man was: "Ho intends this bill to take precedence over the Parks bill. on which all local op- tionists. 1t was previously understood, had agreed"
 Joy of ProhibitiOnists
 There was good reason for the satis- faction of the prohibitionists. They ap- preciated the fact that unless there occurred a split in the strength of the local optionists prohibition would be relegated to the past.
 It was their plan to introduce several local option bills and in this manner, coupled with innumerable amendments to be offered. and iildeterminable' de- bate. to create disaffection among the local optionists and postpone indefi- nitely the balloti1g on the Parks bill.
 In their fondest dreams they could not picture the speaker of the house, a local optionist. introducing a bill to take precedence over the object of their wrath. the Parks bill. They under stood that Judge Almon, who valiant ly opposed the amendment. and who was the friend of Governor ONeal in his campaign, would ardently support e local option bill. which is the ex- pressing of the very essence of local option.
 So. during the progress of the read ing by the clerk. they could hardly be- strain themselves To them the sur prise was joyous one. Their cup over flowed.
 Local Optionists Determined
 In spite of the satisfaction of the prohibitionists the local optionists are determined 70 win. They are deter mined to pass the Parks bill.
 They expect the prohibitionists to attempt 10 muddy the waters every day. They expect various bills to be introduced as substitutes for the Parks bill They expect many amendments will be offered bv the prohibitionists the purpose of which will be to con fuse and disintegrate. They expec the follo-ters of Brooks Lawrence tt flood the city with letters and tele- grams. They are prepared for the out pouring of the political parsons.
 But they are determined to pass the Parks bill. They will confer among themselves Wednesday night. It is the plan to hold the majority strength against every assault, to vote down every substitute bill to smash every amend ment. to vote their convictions irrespec. five of letters and telegrams and par sons.
 Copies Were Prepared
 Very few members of the house have expressed themselves concerning the bill Repre- sentative Parks when asked wha ke thought of the speakers action, stated | that he did not hear the bill as 1t wal read.
 Representative Williams of Barbour stated simply 'wf will pass the Parks bill.'
 Representative Waddell said: T an opposed to dispensary bill. I will sup 1iort the Parks bill."
 The bill itself Is. considered of little importance. It Is Very much similar tt ! the Moody bill, introduced in the senate .durinf the firrt week of the legislature After the bill was read. Judge Amor furnished members of the press witt