The age-herald., 1899-01-22
"BOX BALLARD"
 IS A CANDIDATE Anonymously Announces His
 Platform for Mayor. Is WELL KNOWN FlNANClER Mayors Office Executive, Not Legisla- tive-Will Not Make Race if One of the Present Candidates Will
 Stand on His Platform.
Is WELL KNOWN FINANCIER
There is a new candidate for mayor.

There is new candidate for mayor. A well known man of finance in Birming- ham sent the following as his platform to The Age-Herald last evening: To the Editor of The Age-Herald: I want to announce my name as a candi- date for mayor, and I want you to say to the people:
 1. That my platform is Good laws for Birmingham and their strict enforcement" If elected, will honestly and fearlessly en- force, to the very best Of my ability, every ordinance of the city.
 2. That I want no mans support who will not vote for me on this platform. had rather be defeated than to stultify my self by failing to respect and observe the oath required of me by the ordinances of the city.
 g. I want to explain to the people that the office of mayor is an executive office, and not legislative, nor ought to be, and unless the new charter is so amended as to clearly make this the case, I will not be candi- date
 4. have my views about the water sup ply, but they are individual, and of minor concern to the public. I will say to MT. Earle that I will not go about town abus- ing him or the supply of water that he fur nishes the city; but if the ordinances of the city require that I shall litigate with him about his contract or the character of the supply of water that he is furnishing the city, I will do so with all the talent that God has given me.
 5. have individual views about the Gas company and the character of gas that MT. Roden is furnishing us, but these the pub lie are not especially concerned in,l and I will not go about town airing them; but If the ordinances of the city require that I shall have any litigation with him, l will give it the same honest attention that will do with regard to the water works.
 6. I will enforce such laws with regard to licenses as the city requires of me. That, and nothing more.
 And I want to say to the saloon men that I once in while go in and take a drink; but if the ordinances of the city say the saloons must be closed up on Sunday or any other time, then if any man goes in at the front or back door, l will catch him if I can.
 Whatever penalties the law prescribes as to houses of ill-repute, gambling establish ments, etc., shall claim like rigid enforce ment at my hands,
 '. want to say to those who do not think the sanitary laws have been heretofore properly enforced. that if the city council requires the city to be clean, and will furnish me the necessary means, will en- force their decision with all the energy and talent that possess.
 8. promise to do my best, if given au- thority by the council, to fund the city debt at a lower rate of interest.
 g. will recommend to the city council from time to time, such policy and legisla- tion as l think is for the best interests of the city and its people, and if I have the power, will veto such law or laws as think would be injurious to them; but whatever laws are passed, whether with or without my approval, will enforce them with all the power and authority I possess.
 l have made no promises about offices. Nor do I desire to make any demagogical appeal or to cater to the prejudices of the people in any manner
 And now. MT. Editor, want to say final ly that while this is my platform, if there
 
 candidates for mayor who will adopt 1t, and who will say in a published declaration that he will honestly and fearlessly enforce the ordinances of the city, and that he does not desire the vote of any man who is not will ing to support him on this platform, then l shall have accomplished my purpose, and will cheerfully remain in private life.
 In my opinion the man who runs for may or of Birmingham on any other platform than this will surely dig his own political grave. BOX BALLARD.
 This is the Week
 This will be week of stir and hustle among the candidates.
 MT. Parker is the only one having already selected campaign manager. Mir Drenpen and MT. Smith will probably select mana gers and open headquarters this wee(