The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1915-01-12
DECLARES PUBLIC
OFFICIAL SHOULD
TAKE FIRM STAND
Hundreds Crowd Room of
G0vern0r-Elect Through
out Day-Makes No Pre-
diction Regarding Fight
BY L. $. BETTY

ny Iss - BETTY
Montgomery, january 11.-(Special. }
"Duplicity I'm public life il worse than
duplicity in private life. A public Of
hcinl owes responsibility to the entire
state and he should take q positive
stand on every question affecting the
public welfare. II he does not take this
| stand he is unworthy the trust -eposed
in him by those who placed him In Of
fce..
| These words were spoken today by Gov.
ernor-elect Charles Henderson in his room
at the Exchange hotel, In commenting
on his statement calling upon his friends
and those in sympathy with his policies
to vote for Oscar s. Lewis for president
pro tenn of the senate and Edward D.
Johnston for the speakership.
Governor-elect Henderson declared that
he had not desired to take position In
the organization Of the legislative bodies
but that he had been forced into the
| fight. He stated that the prohibition fac
tion wanted him to cooperate with them,
but that they were unwilling to cooper
ate with him.
Cooperation should be on mutual
n cial. JaA tsclaiad.. ''nSearly every asater
Sye at tho by the prohibitionistt ma !;
been to the effect that should co-bper-
ate with them. but l have seen few state-
ment of their intention to cooperate with
me-
II was elected governor Of Alabama on
a we'll defined platform, and 1t is my in
tention to abide by that platform. If the
prohibitionists or other factions defeat
my plans, the responsibility will be on
their shoulders. 1t is my duty to use all
the powers of my office to carry out those
policies and principles laid down in the
party platform. and l shall labor con-
scientiously and untiringly to that end.'
Arrived Early This Morning
Governor-elect Henderson arrived in
Immediately to his rooms at the Ex-
change hotel During the day he was
greeted by hundreds of friends. including
practically all the members of the legis-
lature who were in the city.
His rooms were open to all comers, and
he talked on various subjects. He was
asked by newspaper men whether he
thought the administration would win in
its fight on the organization of the two
legislative bodies.
He declared that he could not say, but
indicated that he believed the chances of
success were good.
THAT is a question | have not yet con-
sidered." said the governor elect. IT am
lot thoroughly acquainted with the situa-
tion. In espousing the cause OF Senator
Lewis and Mr.. Johnston l have been ac-
tuated and inspired by the belief that 1t
was a just and righteous cause. and I
believe We will win because of that fact
However. the question of winning this
contest is of minor Importance when COM
pared with the principle involved While
do not say we will win, for 1 never
make predictions, should have taken the
position I did had known there was not
a possibility Of victory. The gentlemen
who are candidates for president pro tenn
OF the senate and speaker of the house
are my friends and in sympathy with my
policies hence l have taken up their
cause gladly and shall use my utmost in
huence to assure their election
Hartwell Issues Statement
The first statements given out today
was issued by Senator Harry Hartwell of
Mobile, who declared FOR Oscar Lewis for
president pro tenn. of the senate. He de-
clared that no issue should be injected
into the deliberations OF the legislature
which will tend to work against a busi-
ness administration.
Following is his statement:
Il am here in my humble way as a
business man to give to our state what
ever assistance is within my power
business administration. No issue should
be injected into our deliberations that
will tend to destroy this thought. which
believe Is in the mind of every men,
Der of this legislature. The most inn
portant subjects, to my mind that
should be first considered when the leg
islature conyenes Is revision of our
iContisued on Page seven.)