The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-12
BROOKS LAWRENCE
 CLOSES OFFICES Furniture IS Moved From Bell Building NOW IN BIRMINGHAM
 v Says Fight Will Be Directed From Birmingham, Though He Will Be on the Ground at Montgomery
NOW IN BIRMINGHAM


 Montgomery, March 11.-(special)- Like ships that pass in the night, the Rev. Brooks Lawrence, superintend- ent of the Anti-Saloon League, yester- day afternoon left Montgomery for parts unknown, though report has 1t that he went to Birmingham. Whether or not MT. Lawrence intends to return to Mont gomery could not be ascertained, though
 1t is believed he will not reopen an office of the legislature
 The only source of information who could be found regarding MT. Lawrences s departure from Montgomery was one of the elevator boys at the Bell building, where the anti-saloon superintendent has had his headquarters. According to this information MT. Lawrence left the build ing yesterday afternoon with seven or eight suitcases and other luggage. A few minutes later. according to the re- port, men came from a local furniture dealer and removed the desk and other office fixtures. Today the office Is locked, and upon inuury 1t was learned that the quar- ters formerly occupied by MT. Lawrence had been vacated. Itsis generally be- iieved that MT. Lawrence will only re- turn temporarily to Montgomery during the remainder of the legislative session. as it is pretty well understood that the anti-saloon leader gave. up hopes of maintaining the statewide laws when the Parks bill passed the legislature.
 During the extra session of 1909 Mr. Lawrence was regarded as an important factor in the passing of liquor laws, and it is believed that he was largely re- sponsible for bringing about the amend ment fight. At that time Mir Lawrence had the ear of thes governor, as well as a large majority of the members of the legislature. His fight was aggressive from start to finish, and he was one of the most familiar figures about the hotel lobbies. At the finish he could have well used the expression: 'Weni, vidi, vici.''
 During the present session the Anti Saloon leader has been more in retire ment, his efforts having been confined mainly to correspondence. At times he appeared on the Exchange hotel lobby. but it is not believed that his efforts met with any material success.
 While the present session is not yet finished local optfonists are confident that they have nothing more to fear, proof of their assurance being found In the Tact that scarcely any cognizance was taken of Mir. Lawrence's departure.
 When it is over 1t is doubtful what expression MT. Lawrence will use He wilt have every right to say "Veni vidi, bug his opponents believe his latter ex- pression should be, eVictus sum.
 Rev Brooks Lawrence, who IS in bir- mingham, last night in. commenting upon the closing of his office In Montgomery said: tg
 "Yes. we have closed the offices at the ca pital. but will maintain our office here in Birmingham, from which point our fight will be conducted. Of course, shall return to Montgomery and be on the ground all the time, but we slmpiy decided that it was unnecessary to go to the expense of maintaining the Montgom- cry offices for another month.