The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-23
THE VOTE OF THE SOUTH.

The National Association of Manu- lecturers has issued a statement, pur- porting to show what has been gained by the non-partisan movement to get out the vote." A comparison is made between the vote of 1920 and that of 1924, the number of eligibles being con- trasted with the number of votes cast. While not in position to verify or even pass an opinion upon the method by which the compilation and compari- son have been achieved, we recognize that, the same method being employed in regard to the vote in each of the two elections, the resulting percentages must be accepted as of value in reach ling conclusions. Taken, long and large, therefore, the comparisons show that the "get-out- -the-vote' campaign had considerable effect, but altogether in Northern states. There is reported an actual decline in the South in the num- Der of votes, compared with the number of qualified voters, as the figures given indicate:
 Alabama, 1920, PIP per cent; 1924, TIA per cent.
 Arkansas, 1920, 21.8 per cent; 1924, 20 per cent.
 Florida, 1920, 3O.7 per cent; 1924, 25.1 per cent.
 Georgia, 1920, 10.6 per cent; 1924, 10.1 per cent.
 Kentucky, 1920, 71.9 per cent; 1924, 61 per cent.
 Louisiana, 1920, IA per cent; 1924, 12.5 per cent.
 New Mexico, 1920, 62.1 per cent. :; 1924, 5S per cent.
 North Carolina, 1920, 44.6 per cent. {; 1924, SIP per cent.
 Oklahoma, 1920, 48.2 per cent; 1924, 47.5 per cent.
 South Carolina, 1920, s.e per cent. ; 1924, per cent
 Tennessee, 1920, 35.5 per cent; 1924, 23.7 per cent.
 Virginia, 1920, 19.3 per cent; 1924, 1894 per cent.
 Two Southern states showed increase :: Texas, 1920, 21.8 per cent; 1924, 29.6 per cent; and Mississippi, 1920, 9.4 per cent; 1924, 10.8 per cent.
 Notwithstanding the decrease shown in twelve Southern states, the vote of the country as whole increased from 49.1 per cent of the eligible voters in 1920 to 52.8 per cent. in 1924. In the list of 1924 states, Indiana leads, with showing of 83 per cent, followed by Kansas, with 80 per cent; and the hne ranges down to South Carolina which closes with per cent. and no fraction.
 Whether the statement is accurate in detail or not, the deduction is about what would be expected by persons ob- serving the small percentage of voters taking part in any Southern election. The marked distinction between the per Iformance of citizenship duty by eligibles in the Northern states and those in the Southern states is attracting most un- favorable attention to our region and people.
 Men and women of the South, what about it? Are you really content to let it appear that as a people you care less for the privilege of being American citizens than do the people of the North, many of whom cannot boast a citizen ship as old as yours. The situation may prove serious in it's affect upon your representation. The South has long been spoken of as "rotten borough enjoying more than it is entitled to-; and men are not lacking who make use of the argument to the Souths disad- vantage.
 The Southern organizations for bring ing out the vote in the South will have to increase their activity, beginning early and keeping at it; and bringing to the attention of the eligibles the duty resting upon them of voting in the cleo tions. This is the program for the next four years; and it should be followed with sincerity and vigor, to the end that the South may yet prove that it's in terest in the good government of the country is equal to that exhibited by any of the other grand divisions of the republic.
 This is matter in which all of us can be of help; all can have part in; and all profit by. Let us take hold in manly way and put it through!