The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-19
DIR. RUSSELL N. CUNNINGHAM FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Jefferson County Man Announces His Candidacy. He Visits Montgomery and Prepares for Cam
 paign---lS Friendly to Governor JelkS.

Dr. Russell M. Cunningham of Enslsy. day, authorized statement formally an- nounciug his. candidacy for the office of Lieutenant Governor, created by the re- cent Constitutional: Convention. He pledges his support to Governor Jelks for reelection, declares that the new Consti- tuition is a model instrument and says his friend, Hon. Jones G. Moore of Birming' ham will not oppose him in his ambition.
 Dr. Cunningham is the surgeon of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Com pany and he said he came to Montgom- sry yesterday On purely private business. He was accompanied by Captain F. J. Rogers. Superiltendent, of Pratt Mines. pr. Cupningham isf Grand Master Of the Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and he and Captain Rogers spent some time at the Masonic Temple on bus hess with the Grand Secretary. In the afternoon they visited the State Capitol and were in conference for some time with Judge J. M. Carmichael, President of the State Convict Boald. Later in the afternoon Dr.; Cunningham visited the Executive Department ana had ,n, noms ably the two distinguished Alabamlans, whose names will play prominent part In the next Democratic campaign went carefully over the political situation.
 Dr. Cunningham authorized the TOT lowing statement:
 For some time past have been urged by number Of my friends to oHer TOT the ottlce of Lieutenant Governor. mere are many reasons why l did not care to offer as a candidate. One-and the most cogent reason-was that one of my best and warmest personal friends l thought would be a candidate. l aliude to Hon: Jones c. Moore, Senator from Blob and Perry but now citizen of Jefferson County. He has informed me that ht does not intend to be candidate, and In fact has done more to influence me to of- fer for Lieutenant Governor cnan any that l am practicing my profession en- trely satisfactory to myself and l hope also to my patients. The fact is, the practice of medicine is my leading pur- pose and to achieve success In 1t my dom- lnant ambition
 !sAfter thinking the matter over care fully 1 have concluded that the office of Lieutenant Governor, should l have the terfere with my professional studies and work. The only certain duty of the office Is to preside over the Senate for about fifty days next winter. The possibilities consist in succeeding to the office of Gov ernor in case of disability from any cause upon the part of the Governor to dis charge the duties of his office.
 Tt is therefore, an office of great hon or, and one of which any citizen might De justly proud. l have, therefore, made up my mind to announce as a candidate for the nomination of the Democratic party for the office of Lieutenant Cover nor.
 "To those who have so earnestly and kindlv urged me to offer for Governor this announcement may seem strange. My explanation is that I am, and have been all along. and shall continue to be an earnest and ardent supporter of Gov ernor Jelks, who aspires to that high off, hce, and is entitled by merit, fitness, qualifications and Democratic precedent to succeed in his asnirations.'
 In political circles it is believed that the announcement that Dr. Cunningham will be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor Bimplfies the situation so far as the suc- cess of the Jelks or administration ticket is concerned. In other words it Is be. lived that the candidacy of Dr. Cunning ham and his support of Governor Jelks msures the support of Jefferson County to Governor Jelks and may have a ten pency to discourage the anti-Constitution faction headed by Governor Johnston.
 Dr. Cunningham said he had not the slightest idea what the future political conduct of Governor Johnston would be. He did not know whether Governor John- yton would be a candidate for Governor md ha indicated that he mt