Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-03-21
SOUTH ALABAMA AFFAIRS
Planters Practicing Rigid Econ
omy, but Merchants Cheerful.
JOHNSTON LEADING CLARKE
Observations in Pike, Bullock and Montgom-
aN All of Which Will Support John
StOn for Governor.

Mr.. G. M. McRea, travelling representa-
| tive of the State Herald, returned yes
| terday from an extended business trip
| through Montgomery, Bullock and Pike
| counties.
Mr.. McRea reports that the farming in
| terests are in good shape Lands are
| about all prepared for planting. The
! cotton and corn acreage, he reports will
be about the same as last year. Con-
siderably more commercial fertilizers
are being bought than last year, and Will
be literally used for both corn and cot
ton. The farmers say they have more
corn and meat, but no more money than
they had last year They are buying as
little possible and the idea seems to be
to continue the practice of rigid economy
until the farm can be made practically
self sustaining and the credit system is
totally dispensed with.
There seems to be but little change In
the mercantile interests of the towns
visited. The merchants appear in good
spirits. though the amount of business
does not appear to be near so large as
1t once was at this season of the year.
The streets are noticeable for the absence
of the wagons loading with corn, meat
and general farm supplies characteristic
of this section at this season of the year.
and thercredit or supply merchant seems
to be directing his attention in the main
ing new papers on the less fortunate
who failed to make the landing last fall
and will have to be spliced over for an
other season.
Speaking of the political status of the
counties visited, Mf.McRae says that Bull
lock county Is his old home, and there is
no question but that Captain Johnston
will carry not only. that county for the
nomination by good majority, but
there will virtually be no opposition to
his election in August.
Mr.. McRae was in Troy Saturday last
and attended the~ Johnston speaking.
Every beat in Pike county was repre-
scented: in fact, it was a regular ovation
that Captain Johnston may always feel
proud of. The court house was packed
to it's utmost capacity, and a large num-
Der were unable to hear the speaker.
Judging from the general expressions
by people of all classes, professions and
trades Johnston will carry Pike county
to 1 against Clarke. His friends are
claiming even larger majority, out
to 1 will be safe estimate.
I'm Montgomery the Johnston forces
are the most active and sanguine work
ers I have met anywhere in the state,
remarked Mr.. McRae with emphasis,
land / have been nearly all over II.
They are leaving not stone unturned
and some of the over Jealous now claim
that Johnston will carry nearly every
ward in the city. Some say they propose
to give him Montgomery county's vote
not only solid, but majority at every
voting place in the county. If you want
to see real, genuine determined young
democracy with its fighting clothes on
you ought to go to Montgomery"
Joint Discussion.
Dr. Cunningham and Mr.. Porter, can
didates for the democratic nomination for
the state senate, have agreed to hold
Joint discussions at the following places
and times
Mount Pinson March 81, at II a. m.
Trussville March "a, at II a. m.
Leeds March 81, at IL a. m.
Elyton March 80, at 1880 p. m.
Adger March 81, at 1880 p. m.
Bessemer, April 2, at p. m.
Toadvine April 4, at II a. m.