The age-herald., 1899-01-15
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE

cratic committee on the 26th in Montgomery and make one of the most important polit- ical propositions in the recent history of the state," declared an influential public man last night.
 Judge Gaston will propose that if the democratic organization will accord the populists representation in the constitution al convention equal to their present strength in the senate. that the populists will go in with the democrats to carry the convention with the people, and afterward cease to exist as a separate political party. That is to say, that he would urge upon the populists that there would be no fur ther need of separate parties. since all the white people had come together in electing a convention to form the organic law under which all could live in harmony and be prosperous.
 Judge Gaston is certainly very much in earnest about the matter, and assuredly his proposition is of most far-reaching impor- tance."
 The young judge of Butler, who is now serving his second term, is in Birmingham. the guest of MT. Thomas Ashford, on tho South Highlands
 ASSlSldHl 0ldle IAdHlllET JaiilSS OOW- an has completed the work of examining the books, records and general accounts of the county commissioners of Jefferson and returned yesterday to Montgomery. He will prepare his formal report at his home and hopes to have it in the hands of the gover- nor next Wednesday,
 MT. Cowan declined, of course, to so much as hint at the result of his investigation, but he said that the examination had been one of the most laborious he had ever experienced. He has been several weeks at the work, and great part of the time has labored far into the night. Mrs. Cowan ha been ill at their Montgomery home for two weeks, and that has added very materially to the examiners burden.
 MT. Cowan admitted that his report on the commissioners would be lengthy. He will boil it down as much as possible for he and the governor both dislike long re- ports. The publication of the results of his examination will be awaited in Bir- ham with the keenest interest.
 ROSS C. Sm tn tells a hunting story on Representative John Mcqueen, one of the most successful of the local Nimrods It is to the effect that during the recent holi- days Mr. Mcqueen and some friends, in- cuding Governor Johnston went to South Alabama to hunt deer and wild turkeys Each huntsman was placed at stand" by which it was hoped the dogs would chase deer Like many another good man, John Mcqueen dearly loves briaroot pipe. So when he reached his "stanC," he calmly lit his pipe and proceeded to enjoy smoke. Then if OpPurrad to i'm so b,,ii1 1 day being chilly. and Sc he enjoyed himself, and all the deer in that forest fled to Flori- da. It appears that at no time did any or the party hurt deer or a turkey.
 
 At the headquarters of the Birmingham fire department the fire laddies have re- markable pet It is an enormous Buff Cochin rooster which was on exhibition at the recent poultry show in this city. The owner gave the rooster to the firemen, and now he struts about, crows lustily, and ap- pears to consider himself of far more im- portance than the big horses that draw the engines. The boys have named him freddy Roosevelt" If a visitor goes in to have a chat with Chief Mullen and his men, Teddy eyes him suspiciously for d minute or two and then begins to crow, and keeps up his growing till the visitor departs.
 Hon. F. M. flight the mayor of Anniston, spent yesterday in Birmingham. MT. flight is just completing his third term as mayor, and is without opposition for a fourth election. Stronger proof of his fit- ness for the high office he adorns could not be given.
 Everything is going we'll in Anniston," said the ilayor. We were very fortunate in getting several thousand troops stationed at our city. The soldiers have spent a great deal of money with us-probably $20O,O0O d month or more. Some of our best citizens were not friendly with the original proposi- tion to bring the troops to Annstcn; but all are agreed now that the troops have been of great benefit to the city. We owe or good fortne in the matter to Colonel Hilary A. Herbert, that eminent Aabamian who is ever ready to help his home people and the state he honors."
 Representative John A. Wallace Jr of Madison, is in Birmingham, visiting friends. MT. Wallace is one of the youngest and at the same time ablest members of the pres ent general assembly. and personally he is gifted with most engaging manners and bearing. It is said that he is one of the very best stump speakers in Alabama. He is bcholar, and by instinct hard-working student.
 Hon. Peyton G. Bowman has returned home after spendiys some weeks in Wash- ington, where Mrs. Bowman remains for the present. MT. Bowman was very pain fully Ill during his absence and has not yet fully recovered. He visited Washington on business and pleasure, but owing to his ill., ness he could not well attend to the one or enjoy the other.
 The Hon. Richard H. Kelley, of Anniston, the distinguished young chancellor of the Northeastern division, spent yesterday in Birmingham. He wears his high honors lro,,;,,oIu hut ha ic sti1l stDictxH fo tha