The age-herald., 1899-01-15
Takes a Stand Against Gas and
 Water Rates. GAVE OUT HIS PLATFORM
He Thought It Was Too High in Many Instances-For Higher
 School Appropriation.

As predicted by The Age-Herald. Alder man Mel Drennen yesterday entered the race for mayor, subject to the action of the democratic primaries. He made formal announcement and gave out a platform, the leading plank of which is his stand against the present water and gas rates.
 Saturday week ago the municipal political situation revolved, when Mayor Evans withdrew, and yesterday 1t took another sudden revolution when w. H. Morris pulled down. Each time the fight is left in three-cornered shape It is thought now that the race is fixed. unless another entry now thought possibility is registered with in the next few days.
 Prominent Business Man
 MT. Drennen has been a member of the city council from the Fifth ward for two years, and is a young man well and favor ably known in business circles. He is member of the Second avenue department store firm of Drennen & Co., This organiza- tion has been in existence thirty years, and has been located in Birming gham eighteen years, during which time MT Drennen has been resident of the city. He removed here from Philadelphia, in Blount county, at which place he was born and reared. He secured his education at the common schools, and started in life with nothing but a good supply of common sense and backbone. He has been successful in bus mess and has accumulated some property. His friends claim that he would give the city the business administration that it will need.
 Against Water and Gas Rates
 He has mt decided on a campaign mana ger, but his friends are already stirring among the voters. Here is his platform, as given to the press:
 To the Citizens of Birmingham: I hereby announce myself a candidate for mayor of Birmingham, subject to the action of the democratic party
 I ask for this office in furtherance of an ambition to serve the city, and hope to re- ceive the commendation accorded faithful servant.
 For the past two years I have been an alderman and upon my record as such al- derman I ask for the support of the peo- pie for the office of mayor.
 First-I opposed a continuance of the city contract with the Water Works company, because, in my opinion, the wal w OlhS COhpdny NiOlolSo ooio contract, both in quality of the water it had agreed to furnish and the prices it had agreed to charge.
 I am in favor of having water and gas furnished to the consumers at cheaper rates than the same are now furnished
 I am not in favor of attempting to fscate injure the propery rights of any quasi public corporation, but I am in favor of holding these corporations up to a strict discharge of their duties to the public.
 Second-I opposed the license schedule be- cause it was too high in many cases and was not justly and fairly apportioned.
 Third-I supported a larger appropriation for the public schols because the means of obtaining a common school education should be put within the reach of every child in Birmingham.
 Fourth-I am in favor of improving the condition of the city prison and providing separate place for the white and colored prisoners.
 Fifth-I am in favor of better sanitation, and think more effective means should be taken to keep the city clean. I am also in favor of keeping the police and fire depart ments up to the highest possible standard
 SiXth-I am in favor of an economical city administration. l am in favor of the reve- nues of the city being used exclusively for the benefit of the city and not for the benefit primarily of the office-holders I am in favor of the city paying fair wages for actual services performed by employees or officeholders, but am not in favor of the city's money being paid to any one where value received Is not returned to the city.
 w. M. DRENNEN. CLEARING HOIISE R.ECErprS