The age-herald., 1902-03-31
Conference Causes a Revival of Interest in the Coming
 Campaign
STALLINGS DID NOT COME
Ex-congressman Was Due at Meeting. Citizens League Secretly Sending Out Pamphlets Outlining the
 Scheme of Organization.

There was a lull in state politics in the early part of the month but there is stir now and the situation will increase in interest as the spring advances. While Governor Jelks is the only announced candidate for the gubernatorial nomina- tion and Dr. R. M. Cunningham of Jeff erson is the only announced candidate for the office of lieutenant governor, there is some still hunting on the part of few other aspirants.
 It is known that General George P. Harrison of Opelika has been writing letters to Democrats in various sections for the purpose of ascertaining what support he could command as a possible candidate for the nomination against Governor Jelks, but it is thought that he will finally decided to keep out of the race. The faction of the Democratic party opposed to Jelks could be easily induced, 1t Is believed, to follow the ban ner of General Harrison, but even with the assurance of the solid support of these men who voted against the rati- fication of the new constitution last fall the general would hardly run unless he could command a large number of the Democrats who voted the other way.
 JohnSton or Nopouy.
 The impression seems to prevail that former Gov. Jos F. Johnston would sup port any anti-J elks candidate rather than run himself, but politicians are saying now that it will be Johnston or nobody. The ex-governor was talked about sever al weeks ago as the only logical can didate to lead the antis, and the talk is now much stronger along that line. Sem ator D. J. Meador of Marengo county who has been discussed as a candidate for lieutenant governor has not yet an- nounced. His friends say that he could win, but the supporters of the Jefferson county candidate express themselves as confident of the nomination of their man, even in Meador does go before the con- vention Dr. Cunningham said yesterday that he felt more confident than ever that the ticket would be Jelks and him. self.
 Johnston Conference,
 The partisans of the former governor held their first formal conference Satur- day. The meeting was held in the office of MT. Forney Johnston, son of the ex- governor, in this city. Among those who attended were Senator E. L. Pulley, of Madison; Former Railroad Commissioner James Crook, of Calhoun; Senator Step hens of Tallapoosa; Railroad Commis- sioner A. E. Caffee, and MT. N. A. Rich ards of Mobile. Former Congressman Jesse Stallings was expected but he was unavoidably absent.
 The conference was called for the pur- pose of discussing the situation, and for taking steps to promote the state prima- ry plan, The men who took part in the meeting refused to talk for publication, but 1t is surmised that they discussed Captain Johnston as the only available candidate to represent their faction. One of the anti's who Is a staunch partisan of Johnston, said yesterday that he would prefer to see the ex-Governor keep out of the gubernatorial contest so far as run ing was concerned, and announce as candidate for the United States Senate.
 But" said this Johnstonite, If no one else will oppose Jelks Captain Johnston will have to run.''
 The Citizens League.
 The Jefferson County Citizens Demo- cratic League Is circulating secretly in pamphlet shape its Declaration of Princi- pies and Form of Organization. On the cover is the legend Purity in politics, honest primaries and electiors, and clean m en in off1ce.''
 Under the head of Form of Organization it is seen that the officers consist of a president, a vice-president, a secretary and treasurer and board of censors com posed of three members from each beat and ward Subordinate leagues are to be formed in wards and beats.
 It Is provided that each beat and ward shall elect delegates to meet in Birming- ham and form county league. They will prescribe who is eligible in each beat and ward and call conferences to recommend candidates for office.
 Section says: While 1t pledges it's members to unity so essential to success. yet having due regard to the fact that unworthy candidates may be nominated it binds no man who cannot in good con science support candidates whom he knows to be unworthy, dishonest or in- capable
 Section 10. If any man wants to run for office he must resign from the league so he can be judged"
 Section 12 provides that any league which does not act in harmony after full and fair hearing shall be expelled from the county league.
 Leading Democrats are remarking about the mysterious way In which the. De clarations" are being distributed.
 T worked hard to get hold of copy" said prominent office holder, 'but 1t was week before I succeeded"