The age-herald., 1899-09-22
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE

don't seem to think about the problems in- volved in our occupation of those islands, and they appear to be indifferent as to the action of our government. But 1t would be easy enough to arouse the voters. Let trusted leaders of the party go out amongst the people and systematically work to arouse public interest, and imme- diately the Philippines would become a political issue in this state. Meantime the people are quiescent upon this and all other present or possible issues. It is doubtful if the public has been so indifferent regard ing politics at any other period within fifty years as it is now. The theory that everybody is too busy to bother politics is scarcely sound. Here in the mineral region everybody is at work. and the same is true of the farmers In the cotton fields and the lumbermen in the pine country; but in the county seats and country villages are the real political leaders. These men are idle enough just now; they have little to do but talk and act politics. They may be talking, but there is no evidence of any sort of activity except on the part of coun- ty candidates, and they merely gum the game so to speak. I am not saying that the present indifference to politics is to be deplored. On the contrary, it is a good sign. Grown weary at last, the people are resting from the strife and turmoil of the political bear-garden. They are taking their rest by digging coal and iron, picking cotton, and saving wood in various ways. We shall have enough of politics soon: fear very much more than enough"
 
 Speaker Waller and Representative Stall lfngs continue to have the free-for-a all gubernatorial race practically to them- selves, as they are the only candidates who are making a show of contesting for the honor, They are visiting all the counties, and each is giving a good account of him. self. Colonel Newton N. Clements, of Tus- caloosa. who was thrice speaker of the Ala bama house and once a member of con- gress, and all the time a strong man and good citizen. is a candidate; but he has declared that he would not enter into a scramble for the governorship. He is not canvasslng the state and probably will not do so. It may be stated upon excellent authority that it is the intention of John W. Inzer. of St. Clair, to become a can didate. He is one of the familiar and hon ored figures of the state. He was a mem- Der Ol Uf1e AldDdtnd SSceSSlOH COHNSnllOn, was twice probate judge of his county. and for years a leader of the state senate. Thus there is authority for speaking today of four citizens who are candidates for governor. IL is certain that the list is not closed.
 Something was said the other week about Special Judge A. H. Alston, of Barbour, as a possible gubernatorial candidate Whether he shall enter the race has got nothing to do with this story, told of him last night by an old friend illustrating the judges kindness of heart. 'I was a guest of Judge Aston at Clayton many years ago, when he was probate judge of Barbour" said the friend. "The day after my arrival had been fixed for the hanging of a negro murderer, and early in the morning of that day Judge Aston invited me to go with him to the jail, as he de- sired to do what he could for the com fort of the man who was to be hanged at noon. Arrived at the jail, we were shown to the murderers cell where the death-watch had been set. The judge ask ed very sympathetically as to how the con- demned man felt. The negro answered that he felt we'll Would you like any thing to eat? the judge asked.
 Yes, sir, jedge; I feels hongry.'
 What would you like Bill? Tell me, and I will nave 1t sent to you
 Jedge l want some fried chicken, some biscuits, and some cheese.
 What amounted to the murderer's dying request was faithfully compiled with by Judge Aston, and the man breakfasted upon the most delicious of southern dishes. A pot of coffee with rich cream and sugar, was added. and homemade butter was also sent Duty required me to witness the hanging, which was carried out under the then recently enacted law prohibiting public executions. On the scaffold the man made a wild and incoherent talk; but it brought tears of sympathy to the eyes of Judge Aston, stout hearted and brace as he is.
 Mobiles trade is rapidly growing" said w. K. McNell, who has headquarters in Birmingham as the representative of Mobile dry goods house, and who travels through the Alabama counties north of Montgomery "Our firm now keeps two men constantly in Cuba selling goods and two in Central America. The men in Cuba SCH SOOuS III dli lllc pIiHClpdl tOWnS. In Central America one man keeps to the coast towns and the other travels through the interior Our Cuban trade is large and valuable, while our Central American business, already great, is increasing inn mensely. The firm places strong reliance upon this trade from across salt water. and is doing everything needed to increase it's volume. Doubtless many people will be surprised that Mobile drummers are doing big business in the West Indies and Central America, but Mobile is wide-awake and progressive. l can speak personally for our trade in Birmingham and all the chief towns of the state north of the capital. and naturally I am glad to say that it is most satisfactory. Mobiles home trade is growing, while its sea-borne commerce is attracting the favorable attention of the world. It is making prodigious strides"
 Charles G. Sherman, of Chattanooga, Is in Birmingham.