Birmingham state herald., 1896-07-31
ALL OF I'M CAME ID MECCA Several Distinguished Politicians
 in the City Yesterday. SHORT TALKS WITH THEM The State Is Safe for Iohnston-AS to the tegisIature-Tom Watson Will Be
 Taken Down.
SHORT TALKS WITH THEM

There were several prominent politi- clans in Birmingham yesterday. among the number being Gov. ". C. Oates, Sem ator Pugh, General Pettus and Grand Master Workman Sovereign of the Knights of Labor.
 Here are their views briefly on state and national politics:
 Governor Oates.
 Speaking of the progress of the cam paign. Governor Oates says
 There is no doubt that Captain John- ston has won the fight and will be elect ed by handsome majority. Goodwin is as good defeated now. The populists are moving heaven and earth to capture the legislature, and if they get the legisla- ture that means Goodwin, it matters not how honest Johnston's majority. If the populists get the majority of the leg islature only by one they will count Goodwyn in. The populists have lost several counties, and If We save Jeffer- son and Tuskaloosa they will be beaten too bad to cry fraud"
 Senator Pugh.
 Senator Pugh spoke at Hefiin, Cleburne county, Wednesday and was in the city yesterday en route to his home in Eu- faula, where he will remain until after the state election.
 The senator says the state is all right, and the democrats will carry the day as usual He puts no faith in either the goldbugs or populists getting control of the state legislature.
 Speaking of the national ticket he says things will be properly managed. Wat son will come down at the proper time else he will be taken down. "The western populists want the straight Chi cago ticket, while those in other quar- tarS haua haap somewhat afraid of Sap- rificing their organization. Only the of- flee seekers want the organization kept up."
 General Pettusg
 General Pettus said the progress of the campaign is highly satisfactory to him. He has been met by good crowds everywhere he has spoken and given the very best attention. The people are stirred up, of course, on the silver issue and know that relief will have to come through the democratic party. Know ing this to be a fact, they are burying all past differences and are getting to- gether The old strife is fast dying out and the democratic party is in better condition in Alabama than it has been in several years.
 As to national affairs the general said: we will attend to that at the proper time. Alabama Is democratic and will support the platform and the nominees or the party, dii ptSutSeioao " the contrary notwithstanding"
 Master Workman Sovereign.
 J. R. Sovereign of Sulphur Springs Ark, master workman of the Knights of Labor of the United States, reached the city at o'clock yesterday morning on the Louisville and Nashville train. He was direct from Decatur, where he spoke Wednesday night.
 MT Sovereign says that Bryan will be elected easily, and as far as the vice presidency is concerned, it is about the lowest in the gift of the people. There is nothing in 1t unless the president should happen to die, and Bryan is young and vigorous and man of good habits. He will be elected and will serve out his term.
 He puts but little stress on Watson's candidacy and does not think 1t will amount to much one way or the other.
 The real purpose of MT. Sovereigns s visit to Alabama is in the interest of Bryan and free silver. His great fear seems to be that the goldbugs will cap ture the state and select gold standard senator to succeed Senator Pugh.
 MT. Sovereign is in the hands of the rep-pop campaign committee. and made a speech at Mary Lee mines last night.