The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-13
Iah Governor Springs Ha Feet in Answer to
 rnOr Wilson's
 Speech
DH zf9UNCES IDEA
 AN INSIDIOUS POPULAR VAGARY"
Executive Speaks Vehem- le Defense of His Position, and Without A Word ilks Through Open Window to Porch
 Outside

EpI a, Lake N l., September 12.-- zt4 Woodrow Wilson of New Jer- a Governor Emmet ONeal of Ala b 3a ,asured swords over the initia- ls referendum before the confer H0s :overnors this afternoon. Gov az ilson, as chaimpion of the ue replied to Governor ONeal.
 previously denounced them as iious popular vagary" and the
 executive was on his feet in
 ith an impassioned defense
 
 for O'Neal spoke vehemently for
 .es. bowed and without a word
 through easement window
 ,ne piazza fronting the ocean. whats the use of my going back in there?" he asked a reporter "1 have already spoken twice and I am limited to two speeches on any one topic" He did not re-enter the convention hall for 15 minutes and took no further part in the discussion. When the confer snce ended. however Governor Wilson grasped Governor O'Neal by the hand and remarked that he did not wish to be misunderstood Governor O'Neal later said that he had stepped to the piazza to meet Mrs. O'Seal, whom he had heard was there.
 There was no mincing of words in the Alabamians denunciation of the initiative, referendum and recall.
 "There is a movement which seems to be gathering strength in certain sections nf ba weaken rather than to strengthen execu- tive authority and that Is the system of v B tint;ee. refersndtlrd and recall. The governor has no power to veto or amend a law initiated by the people and adopted s by referendum If the law is in violation of the constitution. invades vested rights or destroys individual liberty, the only remedy can be found in the courts; and where the system of recall of judges pre- yais, overthrowing, as it does, the in- dependence of the judiciary, the courts would degenerate into tribunals organized chiefly to register popular judgment on all legal questions"
 sIt was pleasing to know" he added that this 'insidious popular vagary will meet with the almost unanimous opposi- tion of the American tbar.'
 Governor Wilson did not reply until several western governors had spoken.
 Wilson Speaks
 "It seems to me-" he said, that in considering the question of the inf- tative and referendum, it is necessary that we carry the analysis little fur ther than, 1t has been carried. A very important thing, fundamental thing Is the source of the law. Some Of the laws that we have are bad laws, and they are bad for the reason that there is a suspicion as to their source. The people of the United states wans their governors to be leaders in mat ters of legislation because they have serious suspicion as to the source of the Legislation, and they have serious dlstrust of their legislatures.
 What I would urge as against the views of Governor O'Neal is that there Is nothing inconsistent between the strengthening of the powers of the eX- ecutive and the direct power of the people" He spoke of the caprice of the majority q have known of in stances of the caprice of the mob," he said, but I have never known of any instance where the vote of the population was spoken of as caprice. l don't believe there is any distrust of the fundamental principles of dem. ocracy I believe we are all democrats if we use a small d. 1 believe that Governor ONeal feels as Governor Me Govern feels, and that we are merely at odds as to the best method of giv- ingi expression with reference to that great public opinion upon which all de- pends.'
 As Governor Wilson sat down Governor O'Neal sprung to his feet and proclaimed the reiteration of his belief.
 I would rather stand with Madison and Hamilton" he concluded, after out lining what he believed the menace of the measures, than to stand with some modern prophets and some of our west ern statesmen
 The discussion following Governor O'Neafs address consumed the entire aft ernoon session.
 Among the speakers was Governor Kitchen of North Carolina. Tonight the governors and their wives were guests of Gov. and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson at Sea- grt.
 Called to Order
 Gov. Woodrow Wilson of New Jersey called the third annual conference of governors to order today with 19 gov ernors in the convention hall Gov. Fran cis E, McGovern of Wisconsin was elect ed temporary chairman
 '''rhe people of these United States ex- pect their governors to exercise leader ship of the most vital sort" said Gov error Wilson, in welcoming the govtr nors, therefore, 1t is of utmost import ance that tho men who undertake Ieader- knlp Siiouiu 'oiiS toSttuer Tn common council
 ',ihe vitality of this. conference Is man ifested by the fact that it has released itself from federal guidance. We are now an independent body.
 For the first time in year or more Governors Wilson of New Jersey and Jrdson Harmon of Ohio faced each ov er today. The greeting. wit, >ssed Ftl dozen of the 16 goverA as.W spef thc hi here was mos K N NJ How are you ess .dA sQ iov- ernor Wilson, & \ q am d> f'o( see v and k.r-l,f /
 Governor O'Neal of Ala 1bama on strengthening the Power of the Governor O'Neal reviewed the condi- tions III ms sLate.4 discussed the constitu.,