The age-herald., 1900-04-25
The Uninstructed Delegates Are
 in Sore Straits.
ON THEM THE CONTEST HINGES
No One Seems Willing to Venture Pre- diction as to the Result of the First Ballot-Victory Is
 Claimed by All

Montgomery, April A-(Special.)- The man who can pick the winner in the con- test for governor tonight Is entitled to the chromo. The question is more enigmatical now If that be possible, than 1t was this morning or any other time since the pri- mary election eleven days ago. Colonel Sanford comes to Montgomery with about 16O instructed delegates, and when the first ballot is taken tomorrow or Friday morning, probably the latter he will have practically that strength. He may possibly reach 200, but his most ardent supporters do not expect him to have that
 Old time wire pulling has been the ex- citement all day long, and tonight the Ex- change hotel, for forty years the political center of Alabama, has been a seething mass of humanity, all bent on the quest of political power or news, dependent upon the mans pull or position.
 "I don't see how they are going to pre- vent Samford's nomination." is heard on all sides, and from four-ffths of those one meets in hotel corridors or on the street. Yet the other three contestants speak just as confidently of their ultimate success as though they had delegates enough in- structed to nominate them on the first ball. lot.
 Shelley Sanford
 The race seems to have narrowed down to two candidates, General Shelley and Colonel Stanford. The prediction is freely made tonight that one of the two named will land the nomination. Colonel Sam at ba haop nf the convention may prove his weakness in the long run.
 It has caused combinations, as is always the case when one candidate develops such disproportionate strength so early in the struggle which may or may not lose him the nomination. There is this, however, in his favor. He has friends on nearly every delegation that is not instructed for him. So has General Shelley and in the general break up that is bound to come the general will gather in larger share of the votes. He is popular with all men, a true and tried democrat who withstood the enemy's attack during the dark and stormy days of post-bellum troubles in the south.
 His ability and his pre-eminence as a democrat and a leader are recognized by all and none there are who would not delight to honor him by gratifying his ann bition We'll known and beloved of Ala bamians before, he has endeared himself to his people by the clean and open and thoroughly honest manner in which he has conducted the present campaign
 Coming to Montgomery with Jeffersons s thirty delegates and Madsons thirteen, with several others of lesser strength, his influence is bound to be felt in the conven- tion tomorrow. It is the general opinion that he will have in the neighborhood of one hundred votes on the first ballot and that this number will gradually but steadi- ly increase as the balloting proceeds.
 Walters Strength
 MT. Walters strength is not inconsider- able, and he will go into the convention with practically the same vote as General Shelley, that is about 100. His friends claim that he will receive more votes on subsequent ballots, and he probably will, but it is most difficult problem to find 150 other votes for him. He appears confident, however, and may at the last suprise those who think him so weak.
 MT. Stallngs is the weakest man in the race and will go into the convention that way. He said tonight, however, that he would be Alabama's next governor, and his manner indicated that he meant just what he said.
 All the candidates for governor were in- terviewed tonight. and particularly ques- ticned respecting the strength they expect ed on the first ballot. No one would give any figures or would say anything that might indicate what he expected.
 The situation tonight, summed up briefly, is this: Colonel Sanford will go into the convention with big lead and will main- tain 1t for several ballots. In fact, he is not expected to lose any of his votes. Gen. eral Shelley will go in with a good vote, and will add to his strength. MT. Waller and MT. Stallings will have from 70 to 100 votes each at the start, and neither is ex- contest will eventually narrow down to Shelley and Sanford.
 Will Meet at Noon
 The convention will meet at noon tomor- row in Montgomery's new auditorium, and will be called to order by Robert J. Lowe of Jefferson, chairman of the state executive committee. A temporary chair man has not been agreed upon, but the only names so far suggested for that hon- or are Judge J. J. Banks and W. P. Pinck- ard of Jefferson, and c. s. McDowell of Barbour. Captain Frank s. White and Dr. R. M Cunningham, both of Jefferson, are mentioned for permanent chairman.
 All Are Hopeful
 The candidates all seem to be holding on with hopes of final success. The only withdrawal was that of Captain Walter s. White, who was, announced for a third term as state auditor. MT. White stated today that he had really not expected to enter the convention since his failure to se- cure instructions from Montgomery county last Saturday.
 One of the leading candidates for state