The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-11
MILLER DEFENDS ,
HIS ATTITUDE At
SUNDAY MEET ING
Expresses Confidence in Mai.
Baldwin and Thinks
Attacks Upon Him
Unjust


Sunday evening William s Miller.
Jr., who was a central figure in the
interruption of the speaking at the
Jefferson theatre mass meeting, is
sued statement in defense of his posi-
ton. lie claimed that he vents to the
meeting purely as a spectator and
that he exercised his rights in dis
approving the attacks which We're
made by Senator elect Walter Brewer
upon Mai. William l.. Baldwin. His
statement, as issued, reads
"Some of the striking railway en-
ployes called a public meeting Sunday
afternoon, and l. as citizen. at
tended. Il was anything but a public
meeting; rather it was meeting of
strikers and their friends. as only
one side was represented. The meet
ing, In my mind, seemed to be more
OF a personal attack on the Attorney
General of the United states. General
Steiner and Major Baldwin than any
thing else.
They had considerable to say
about Majo Baldwin's business ven
lures. | personally know that Major
Baldwin was interested in flour
and a grain corporation that failed.
l also know that a great many other
concerns, including banks, failed~dur-
Ling the times of depression after the
war. l also know that Major Bald
win was in the service of his country
at considerably younger age than
Mr.. Brewer / further Know, as many
friends who know him personally,
that Major Baldwin made far greater
financial sacrifice to the service OF
his country than his principal critic,
Mr.. Brewer
II also know that Major Baldwin
is also a major in the United States
reserve corps, and Mr.. Brewer seems
to lay considerable stress on the fact
that he is a reserve officer.
"Knowing Major Baldwin as | do.
know he would not knowingly wrong
any man. but neither will he be In
suited or abused by anyone and ] be-
lieve anyone attempting 1t will find
him a worthy foe. The fact that he
has the love and loyal support of his
eneire command is a fair insight into
his character.
I'm attending this meeting. it was
not my intention to be brought into
the controversy one way or the
other. l attended as a spectator. l
did not GO there prejudiced one way
or the other l would not have any
statement to make II Mr. Brewer had
not referred to me in his address.
Il am not n member of the national
guard, nor am ! member of any
union.
MIR Altman read extracts from the
constitution OF the United States. and
l believe / have right to my belief.
at one time served in Major Bald
wins command for some six months,
and | have had an opportunity to
know that Major Baldwin has never
sanctioned wrongdoing, but on the
contrary. was always very careful in
Z bia nf1hlip 81 we'll
as the soldiers. should be fairly
treated by his officers and all others
of his command
Remarks Were Pointed
"Mr. Brewer was quite pointed in
his remarks TO me at the theatre to-
i day This seems to be the policy of
the element he was speaking for.
They take the position that any one
differing with their views is wrong.
and. in my case. some suggested
! throwing me out of the theatre /
told them to throw me out; that |
would not be surprised at such action
on their part, and further that /
would not be surprised if ! were hit
with stick OF dynamite on the way
out. However, at the indication of
the chairman. ! sat down, although
throughout the meeting there were
| remarks of why don't you applaud
4
it?' or Why didn't / stand up when
their Resolution was presented.
However, l preferred to exercise
some of the rights that are stipu-
lated in the constitution of the United
States which they harped upon
throughput the meeting.
~ do not believe in unlawful ar
rest and wrongdoings on the part of
anyone, but it is common knowledge
that after the national guard started
their vigorous investigation of dyna-
hitting and flogging it practically
stopped, and further, from the num-
Der arretsed and Jailed, undoubtedly
the soldiers have some of the guilty
parties When there is so much smoke
there is bound to be a little fire.
| II believe l am as good citizen
as Mr.. Brewer, and the difference ap.
| pears due to the fact that he has just
made his debut in politics. As for
myself, / have no political ambitions.
Undoubtedly, If the soldiers were
violating the law or the officers vio-
lating their oaths of office. the grand
| jury or Governor Kilby would prop
erly investigate, but when they are
arresting people for dynamiting, flog-
ging and other acts of violence, how
can any law-abiding citizen raise OBJ
Election?
1T seems to me that IL the soldiers
are usurping authority of the sher-
lifts office, he the sheriff, should
be heard from. Has anyone heard a
complajht?"