The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1915-12-26
PLAN INFORMAL CAUCUS

CtSEll6 ltllS StdiellenJ from the nSau
OF the organization that there will be no
formal meeting of the league next week,
1t is learned on good authority that a
number of leading prohbitionists who are
wont to take charge of the practical poll
tics of the body, will hold a caucus in
Birmingham on Thursday, the day before
the meeting of the state democratic COM
nittee here The purpose of this meet
ing is said to be the selection of the proper
men to run as delegates to the st. Louis
convention, and the matter of a national
Committeeman from Alabama will not be
overlooked.
1t is further understood that there is
some dissention in the ranks of the pro-
hibition leaders as to this matter of con-
vention delegates. One faction, consisting
of those who are prohlbtionists first. last
and all the time, are said to be insisting
upon a full list of "a nationwide prohi-
bitionists to represent the state at the
democratic convention. Others, who are
reported to WELD the greater power in
matters political within the league, are
reported as favoring the selection of q
compromise slate, consisting of prohibi.
tionists and local optionists, all of whom
will be men who will agree not to make
prohibition an issue at the democratic
national convention and who will frown
upon any attempt to put a nationwide
plank in the platform.
PLANS KEPT SECRET
The utmost secrecy surrounds the
entire situation. Those who are inpo-
sition to give the inside facts decline
to be quoted and will not discuss the
matter for publication. 1t is learned
that the situation has been the sub
ject of many conferences behind closed
doors during the past week or 10 days,
and no less than score of men promi-
nent in state politics have been sum-
moned to Birmingham to consider the
question. Several others are expected
before the meeting of the committee
Friday.
President Wilson is known to be in
terested in the Alabama situation, and
he is said to be watching the outcome
with some concern. 1t is learned that
he has made it known to his closest
advisers that regardless of how he and
the party leaders might feel toward
nation wide prohibition, any declara-
ton on the matter at the next con-
vention would be fatal to the demo-
cratic chances. 1t is pointed out that
with a democratic victory practically
assured, it would be suicidal to inject
the nationwide prohibition issue into
the campaign. Democratic leaders in
Washington and throughout the coun-
try hold that any effort to put such
a plank in the platform, whether 1t
met with success or defeat. would hurt
seriously in the coming presidential
and congressional elections. This is the
view held by a large part of the lead
ing prohibtionists in Alabama.
MAY MEAN HOT FIGHT
If the ultra prohibitionists should
have their way and put out a list of
"a delegates pledged to nation wide
prohibition, Alabama will be hurled
into the midst of one of the warmest
campaigns Of recent years. The pro-
hibitionists who favor a compromise
delegation without regard to this is
optionists would fight the plan, goes
without saying
Another interesting piece of polit-
ical gossip just now is the report that
a prominent politician in Alabama has
been called to Washington at the be-
hest of the President and requested,
in the interest of harmony and for the
sake of the President, not to make a
fight to go as delegate to the ma
tional convention. 1t is understood that
this man was assured that the Presi-
dent appreciated his loyalty and sup
port, but feared that his zeal might
result in hurt to the Wilson cause.
Regardless of the outcome of the
events of the coming week, affairs of
vital influence on future politics in
Alabama will transpire. The activities
of the leaders and their efforts to see
that the fright things are done would
indicate that they are fully cognizant
of the possibilities of the situation. 1t
is not unreasonable to predict that
upon the outcome of the issues of the
next few months rests the political
future of many men in the public eye
of Alabama.