The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-28
EIGHT GOVERNORS OF ALABAMA
1374-t901
No. administration of Governor Houston
1874-I901

Pericles said the history of a coun-
try is written in the lives of its great
men. The noble history of Alabama to
be written of the period we here con-
slder is TO be found only in the reso-
luton, the patience and the wisdom
of all the people. There were no seek
ers for high place The government
at Washington ruled here by the sword.
Representative men could not enter the
Congress from this state or If they
should be permitted to occupy seats
there they were shorn of the influence
which was theirs by right of talent
to fill them.
1t was wonderful stride from George
L. Spencer of New York, in 1868. to
John T. Morgan in 1875, made in brief
time Caesar did not conquer Gaul with
greater condence in the issue, nor Ma
greater confidence In the issue. nor Ma
ance of final result than Lincoln con-
quered Alabama II Is a more wonderful
stride that places a southern man in
the presidency of the United States and
that brings oscar Underwood of Ala
hama into control of the one vital issue
OI 1eueTd1 leS1SidtlO DOln men COIL
temporary with Lincoln, the conqueror.
Most venerable is the record by which
Alabama and her sister southern states
have recovered their civil government
from the waste and debasement of con-
quest. We look with profound pride
upon the augmented and yet augment
ing prices on the markets of our lands
timber lands now largely sought az
$50 the acre that would not bring dol
lar in 1861; agricultural lands that now
command a higher price than ever be-
fore. We see railroad mileage increased
from, say. 700 miles in 1850 to 1900 in
the life of men who helped to build in
the earlier era. We see the then pauper
&C unity of Jefferson now richer than
several of the richest sister counties
combined. We see the public school
system advanced beyond recognition.
One million. whites and blacks have
grown to two millions. Our cotton
production is largely increased. We
make more pig iron, by 20 per cent
than all the union made in 1860.
What is the explanation OF the indus
trial phenomenon of Alabama prosper
ity? Certainly in the Interpretation
proper to be given to the state election
of 1874! We staIed our all then, and
we won. We were fallen and we rose
again.
Rescue of the state government from
the despoiler was the condition prece-
cent to the high plane of life we have
enjoyed since. The process of recov-
cry will remain an inspiration to free
men for all time.
The military legislature under Gov
ernor Smith passed the act of Decem-
Der 81, 1868. comforting upon counties,
cities and towns the right to subscribe
without limit TO the capital stock of
railroads and companies engaged to
improve the navigation of rivers Tho
organizers or directors of these cor
rorations were expected under the act
to suggest the amount to be subscribed
and the county authorities were to or
der popular election to decide the
question of acceptance. In the counties,
cities and towns recommending them
selves by reason of wealth to railroad d
builders. an overwhelming majority of
the voters We're negroes. who owned no
taxable property. The operation of th6
law was disastrous. The first session
of the Houston legislature repealed It,
ihe same session fixed the limit of the
state tax rate, 75 cents on the $Ioo Or
assessed values, whereas prior to that
Enactment the Legislature composed OF
aliens and negroes without taxable
assets had power to tax without limit.
On August IL. 1868, Governor Smith
approved an act making it the duty OF
the governor to select on or more
newspapers in each congressional dis
trict which should be known as official
advertisers. That is to say, every and