The age-herald., 1899-02-22

member Of the railroad commission There was more than surprise-there was disap- pointment, amazement, indignation There were earnest protests. But all protest is un- availing now. It had been generally con- ceded that one of the two appointments would go to Senator Canee, but nobody dreamed of Representative Kyle being named for the other place. Everybody be- lieved it would be Tomlinson; failing whom, it was thought some other man south would win.
 Senator Caffee, who was formerly probate judge of Lowndes, and is an admirable citi- zen, appears to have done Governor John- ston much political service; and nobody will begrudge him the new honor conferred up- on him. All those who personally know him would rejoice at any good thing that came to so genial a gentleman. MT. Kyle was a Major in the First Ala bama regiment during the recent war, anI whilst serving as such was reelected a representative in the legislature from Nor gan county which he had served in the previous general assembly. Before taking up his duties as a volunteer he announced that he would be a candidate for speaker of the house, and is understood to have se- cured the pledges of a great many of the democratic nominees. Indeed, 1t was very generally believed that his election as speaker was assured, when, suddenly, a few weeks before the legislature met, he an- nounced his withdrawal from the speaker ship race, much to the astonishment of the public. MT. Kyle voted for Governor Oates for United States senator, and it has been understood all the time that he was gold-standard democrat, though he did not go off after Palmer and Buckner.
 Governor Johnston's refusal to appoint MT. Tomlinson, who has served his party faithfully and constantly for years, un- doubtedly creates great indignation in Jeff ferson county. It Is held to be politically an outrage-a sad disregard of the claims of an old and faithful friend. MT. Tomlinson has
 done as much for the cause of free coinage as any other man in Alabama, and he has done as much as any other to promote Governor Johnston's political fortunes
 But now he is turned down for a mere youth in politics, who is alleged to be a gold-standard man. It is not an engaging illustration of party devotion and public service to a politician. Few events in the
 politics of the state have called forth so
 much unfavorable comment as this action of Governor Johnston is likely to do. Such was the spirit and essence of com-
 ment in the Hobbies last night Men re-
 fused to believe in the first instance that the governor had finally refused to appoint
 MT. Tomlinson, his staunch friend and earnest political supporter. Even men
 who were personally not much concerned in MT. Tomlnson were indignant, and many men spoke bitterly of the governors
 action. To them it seemed almost incom- prehensible. MT. Tomlinson probably had
 five times a stronger backing than any other applicant for appointment as rail- road commissioner. ''The governor has evidently made up his mind to pursue his
 political career without Jefferson county.
 His county commissioners measure and his conduct towards Tomlinson settle him
 in so far as this county is concerned" de- clared one man, who spoke for many.
 "There is a story told of Senator Caffee, which shows his courage and his pride in his southern ancestry" said man in the lobby. T cannot vouch for its truthful ness, but 1t will seem reasonable enough to those who know the man. Many years ago Caffee then very young man, was sitting with friend in cafe in Saratoga. Near by sat two or three eastern men, and one of them was denouncing the south in coarse terms. Caffee restrained his wrath for a space, but when the talking man made some impolite reference to southern women Caffee turned and threw a glass of wine in the mans face, following 1t up by pulling the mans nose. There was a great uproar; but the slanderer of the south was afraid to fight the southerner."
 
 The presidents appointment of David D. Shelby, of Huntsville, to be judge of the Fifth Judicial circuit, announced today, will cause feeling of satisfaction through out Alabama. This man, who has been raised to so high station, is an Alabam- ian in whose character and attainments all Alabamians may reasonably take pride. He is strong man, learned in the law, and of most engaging personality. To kindly heart is added simple worth. Moreover, Judge Shelby is a gentleman in th, ex lusiva sense. He is a polished scholorly man of the world, and is of gentle birth. Few men so fully unite within themselves those quail ities which alone can endear a man to the intelligent, the educated-that element which may be termed the real salt of the earth in this day. David Shelby is a man of the greatest merit, of the most adnira- ble qualities. He is also a man of great ability. Physically, the new judge is slight ly~above the average weight, balancing the scales at about 160 pounds. He is of very sturdy appearance. His hair is iron-gary and he wears an iron-gray moustache His eyes laugh with school boys good humor and about his strong lips there is always the suggestion of smile.
 Judge Shelby's salary will be s7,5OO year. He will have the appointment of a clerk, whose pay will amount to almost as much. The judges circuit includes Ala bama. Georgia, Florida, Mississippi ard Louisiana.
 
 Mir, William F'tts of Tuscaloosa ,yas