The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-22

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 the purpose to see, as far as possible, that special interests do not dominate as against individual rights, are also among laudable aims set out In the charter.
 Upon inquiry, 1t was ascertained that the purpose of the league is non-political, and that it does not indulge in or in- tend to promulgate any political tenets or doctrines, but that the idea is to work out results by utilizing the lawyers them selves and their influence, so as to ob- tain simpler forms. with more speedy and economical results
 The following constitution and bylaws was unanimously adopted
 Constitution of Lawyers League
 The Lawyers league Is organized to promote the general public welfare While composed exclusively of lawyers. 1t Is not designed to benefit them as a class II favors no class, party or interest, and opposes none as such. Upon the broad principles of humanity and justice 1t seeks the common good of all
 Our court procedure Is antiquated the course of justice is obstructed by tech- nlcalities; the helpless poor are being exploited by an extortionate fee system; legislative and executive action is large ly inspired by selfish interests and 1t Is charged that even our court officials and juries are sometimes assailed by improper influences, and that justice is not always mpartially administered. As members of the profession having directly to do with the administration of law we are deter mined to secure a betterment of condl- tons.
 Declaration of Principles
 We hold that laws should be enforced ,fa op nd oIf a rights of property are not more sacred than the rights of man; that litigants before courts are entitled to speedy trials and to justice administered without fear or favor.
 We believe that. to remedy existing conditions. 1t Is necessary that our gov ernment be made more responsive 10 the ideals of the masses of the people. To the end, therefore, that true self-goyern- ment shall be secured, we demand for the people full control of public affairs. We oppose bosssm. corruption and all trickery whereby the selfish few have been enabled to impose their will upon the many. We demand for the voters the free and untrammeled opportunity 10 select all public servants, whether executive, legislative or judicial. We hold that it Is a monstrous perversion of the principles of democracy that any official fHOulu Ittdtf oilltt dkdiIiNl lit VIII pi his electorate. We claim for the people the right to rule themselves by enactng such laws as the collective wisdom may deem best. and repeating laws deemed detrimental to the general good.
 We hold that society advances through the masses and not through favored in- dividuals or interests. Since political and material welfare are alike dependent upon the intelligence of the people we favor the fullest support of the public schools
 Pledge of League
 We pledge ourselves to support these principles by vote and influence. We will work to secure a body of laws solely designed to promote the gem eral good. to secure government which shall truly reflect the public will. to place capable. conscientious and fear less men In office; to elevate the ideals Of our professions; to correct abuses in the administration of the laws to se- cure speedy civil justice as well as the enforcement of criminal laws; to ele- gate the character of our citizenry; in short to put humanity above interest.
 To the end that our efforts may pros