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Editorial
August 12, 1894
Birmingham Age Herald
Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama
What is this article about?
Alabama Democrats must maintain unity and harmony after their recent victory to prepare for the 1896 elections, where key county offices like sheriff will be contested. The editorial warns against internal divisions fueled by personal ambitions, similar to those that aided Captain Kolb's opposition in 1892.
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.
The condition of politics in Alabama admonishes the Democrats that they must
keep the ranks close and harmonious for
the fight of 1896. Glorious as was the vic-
tory on Monday last, still the enemy car-
ried over half the counties, and two years
from now the most important of all the
county officers are to be elected. It is not
going too far to say that in Jefferson
county it is more important to the cause of
good government, law and order that the
Democratic party elect the sheriff than that
a Democrat be Governor. While not so
vital in other counties, still the political
power of the sheriff's office is paramount
in all of them, so recognized by the consti-
tution of the State, which renders him for
that reason ineligible to a second term.
We may be sure that the positions of
sheriff, tax assessor and tax collector,
which are to be filled in 1896, will attract
the cupidity and shake the party fealty of
many men, just as the county officers were
at the bottom of Captain Kolb's strength
in 1892. It was the opportunity which
many men saw to get office outside the
party which they couldn't get in, that en-
ablcd the opposition to create so large a
diversion.
In the next election this same spirit will
assert itself, and we may expect to see a
number of influential men make a break.
We may rest assured that the enemy,
though beaten, will rally again under some
other guise, and that is what renders har-
mony and fair dealing and good feeling
and the subordination of personal ambi-
tions so paramount during the ensuing two
years. Let Democrats save their ammuni-
tion for the enemy, for he will be at us
again in force.
The condition of politics in Alabama admonishes the Democrats that they must
keep the ranks close and harmonious for
the fight of 1896. Glorious as was the vic-
tory on Monday last, still the enemy car-
ried over half the counties, and two years
from now the most important of all the
county officers are to be elected. It is not
going too far to say that in Jefferson
county it is more important to the cause of
good government, law and order that the
Democratic party elect the sheriff than that
a Democrat be Governor. While not so
vital in other counties, still the political
power of the sheriff's office is paramount
in all of them, so recognized by the consti-
tution of the State, which renders him for
that reason ineligible to a second term.
We may be sure that the positions of
sheriff, tax assessor and tax collector,
which are to be filled in 1896, will attract
the cupidity and shake the party fealty of
many men, just as the county officers were
at the bottom of Captain Kolb's strength
in 1892. It was the opportunity which
many men saw to get office outside the
party which they couldn't get in, that en-
ablcd the opposition to create so large a
diversion.
In the next election this same spirit will
assert itself, and we may expect to see a
number of influential men make a break.
We may rest assured that the enemy,
though beaten, will rally again under some
other guise, and that is what renders har-
mony and fair dealing and good feeling
and the subordination of personal ambi-
tions so paramount during the ensuing two
years. Let Democrats save their ammuni-
tion for the enemy, for he will be at us
again in force.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Alabama Politics
Democratic Unity
1896 Elections
Sheriff Office
Captain Kolb
Party Harmony
County Officers
What entities or persons were involved?
Democrats
Captain Kolb
Jefferson County
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Democratic Party Unity For 1896 Alabama Elections
Stance / Tone
Urging Harmony And Subordination Of Personal Ambitions
Key Figures
Democrats
Captain Kolb
Jefferson County
Key Arguments
Democrats Must Keep Ranks Close And Harmonious For 1896 Fight
Recent Victory Was Glorious But Enemy Carried Over Half The Counties
Sheriff Election In Jefferson County More Important Than Governor For Good Government
Sheriff's Office Power Is Paramount, Ineligible For Second Term Per State Constitution
Positions Like Sheriff, Tax Assessor, Collector Will Attract Cupidity And Shake Party Fealty
County Officers Fueled Captain Kolb's Strength In 1892
Opportunity For Office Outside Party Enabled Opposition Diversion
Expect Influential Men To Break Ranks In Next Election
Enemy Will Rally Again Under New Guise
Harmony, Fair Dealing, Good Feeling Paramount For Two Years