The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-20
PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION

was organized for the purpose of con ducting a campaign against MT. Hud- dlston, whose record in Congress has presented this district in an alleged false light before the country MT. Hud- dleston voted for declaration of war against Germany, and against sole re- maining possibility of raising an army to prosecute or defend that war In a formal speech he opposed the idea of Liberty Bond issues, and argued that such issues would result in a deteriora tion ot American money In his speech against the selective draft bill he de- clared in effect that the poor man had nothing to lose except liberty, as if that was not all and everything. and that if he had to lose it through "conscription" in the beginning, he might just as wei lose it in the end without defending it. Furthermore his speeches contained matter considered menace to the neces- sary harmonious cooperation of capital and labor. ', partnership considered es- sential tc the defeat of Germany by American a,ms. COMMITTEE IS CHOSEN
 Several gentlemen announced them selves candidates for Congress on plat forms of blanks diametrically opposed to the attitudes assumed in Congress hy Representative Huddeston.
 It was generally understood that vic tory would be made more certain were at least three of the candidates to elini- nate themselves. A committee to conduct the prel:minaries was appointed by the patriotic organization. This committee wos composed of J. Mercer Barnett and J. D. Matlock officers of the organiza- ton Dr. N. A. Barrett and John R. Hornady, representing the city govern. ment DI. Winters, representing Besse- mer; Dr. Kent, representing Ensley; Col. T. o. Smith. representing the Vigilantes, a patriotic body formed to suppress Ger. manism in the Birmingham district; ]. Frank Rushton, representing the allied armies, charged with the duty of put ting Birmingham lover the top in all patriotic enterprises, and Col. w. F. AL drich. a prominent and well versed citi- zen.
 CONSIDER STRENGTH OF ALL This committee considered the natural strength and pulling power of each of the candida tes who had expressed them- selves against Huddlestonism, German ism and Boloishm, and finally selected MT. Jackson and pr. Dickinson.
 Following that action, the committee issued this statement, feature of which is the reminder that a second choice vote for either Dickinson or Jackson wouia make ultimate victory certain
 At n meeting of all the candi-
 dates in opposition to MT. Hud-
 dIeston, it was agreed by the as-
 pirants that they would submit
 their candidacy to the committee
 representing the Patriotic League
 of Jefferson County, doing this In
 the interest of patriotic move
 ment to give this district proper
 representation in Congress. The
 committed, actuated by the same
 motives that govern these candi-
 dates. accepted the trust. All the
 candidates and their representa-
 lives were heard and the matter
 was weighed with the utmost care.
 It was finally agreed that Col.
 F. M. Jackson and pr. A. J. Dick
 fnson should make the race. and
 we now call upon all patriotic cttf-
 xens to give them their support,
 voting the first and second choice
 ballot.
 The gentlemen appearing before
 this committee displayed the finest
 possible spirit of unselfishness and
 our only regret is that we could
 not indorse all of them. They
 acted solely in the interest of the
 district and nation, displaying the
 spirit of self-sacrifice which
 should characterize all loyal citi-
 xens at this time of crisis in the
 history of our nation.
 Patriotic meetings will be an-
 nounced in the near future and m
 active campaign will he launched
 in behalf of these two candidates.
 All patriotic citizens are expected
 to rally to the cause.
 PATRIOTIC LEAGUE OF JEFF
 PERSON COUNTY.
 By J. Mercer Barnett, President.
 PETrUS MAKES STATEMENT
 Erie Pettus, on retiring from the race, issued the following:
 "When I announced for Congress it was in the belief that my entry would bring about the defeat of the present incumbent. In view of his record it is
 fCout;ru~d m pays. cixN