The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-01
Leaders In Conference Give Out Statement of Their
 Intentions
NOT HOSTILE TOWARD GOV. HENDERSON
Will Not Let Issue Monopolize thu New Session, But Will Push It Vigorously-Interfa Diff
 ferences Settled

Montgomery. December 3I.---t spe- ciaI.)-rollowin9 a conference of pro- hibitfon members of the legislature here today statement wns issued to the effect that the several conferences recently held fin Alabama were called for the purpose, first. of settling "thc friendly rfvaIry'' which existed between prohibition candidates for the speak ership of the house and for president pro tenn of the senate. and further for the purpose of sdiscussing among our selves the character of prohibition leg- islation to he presented to the IegisIs- ture.-
 The statement further declares that 'in none of these conferences has there been one word of hostility oward Gov ernor-elect Henderson or his adminis- tration," that prohibition should not be allowed to monopolze the time of the Legislature and that mo secret in- fluences' had summoned them to the conferences.
 IA Members Present Fourteen members of the legislature composed the conference here today. and the session lasted the greater part of the day Those present were: J. B. Ward, chairman, representative from Henry county; pr Cecil S. Yarbrough Lee county; Henry r. Merritt, Macon; Representative Andrews. Lee county G. J. smith, Crenshaw; Representative Iasenby, Butler; w. B. Copeland, Bir- mingham; N. w. Scott Birmin ghdm; A. C. Rogers. Elmore; w. B. Cooper. Ma rengo; Senator H. C. Fills Dallas; J. B. Green. Dallas; Charles Rice. Blr- mingham; Borden Burr, Birmingham, and J. A. Carnley, Elba.
 The most significant utterance voiced in the statement given out was the confidence felt by the members rela- tive to the passage of prohibition leg islation. Ut has been agreed that this legislation will be introduced and passed upon so far as we gre able at tts earliest pf ctieabie moment. We re confident of success"
 Differences Adjusted Those attending the conference dis cussed tho meeting freely. declaring that all differences had been adjusted and settled and that at the proper time the members of house and senate would determine upon one candidate. No in- timation was given by any conferees as to whom they would determine upon
 Henry Merritt of Tuskegee. one of the prohibition candidates. was at the conference, but MT. Merritt would not make any statement following the meeting. During the day it was cur- rently reported tfDt Mir. Merritt had de- cided to withdraw from the race fci ths speakershp in favor of A. Il. Car michael of Colbert but neither Mir. Merritt nor any of the other conferees would discuss the question.
 However. 1t is generally understood and believed here that Mir Merritts name will not go before the house as a candidate. though positive denial is given the rumor that he will come down out of the race. According to reports among prohibitionists of Mont gomery the friends of MT. Carmichael and MT. Merritt will meet in Montgon.- err few days before the legislature convenes and determine upon the one who seems to have the greatest strength. The race for president pro tenn of the senate will be settled in the same way.
 The official statement follows:
 Whereas. certain newspapers have in recent issues criticized the mem bers-elect of the legislature who favor the enactment of prohibition legisla- ton for holding conferences In Ala bama. and have threatened war upon them for holding such conferences. and have propounded certain Inter rogatories as to what influences were behind such conferences; therefore
 Be it resolved. That the secretary of this meeting be authorized to give to the press the following statement:
 Said conferences consisted of dem ocrats and Ala abamians.
 "Said conferences were for the pur- pose, first. of settling the friendly rivaly which existed between two avowed prohibitionists for speakership of the house, and three awoved pro hibitionists for president pro rem of the senate. AS result, without the sacrifice of any principle or the sur render of any powers or privileges belonging to these offices. the friend 1y differences between these several candidates will be adjusted.
 Said conferences were also for the purpose of discussing among our- selves the character of prohibition legislation to be presented and sup ported by us which would carry out what we conceive to be the wishes of our constituents in the different re- spective districts and counties whose commission we bear. and the pledges