The age-herald., 1902-02-28
Has Already Sent Out Letters Soliciting Support of
 Friends -,-
SETS LEADERS GUESSING
One Theory Is He Will Be Running Mate of Ex-Governor Johnston. Another Connects Him
 With Conner. 7

Senator D. J. Meador of Marengo Coun. ty is opposing pr. Russell M. Cunning ham for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor. This fact reached local politicians ly way of Naontg6incry yesterday.
 Senator Meador, so gossip has it, wrote to Senator Arlington of Coffee making the unqualified announcement that he was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor The letter was not more than a formal announcement and request for support
 The candi6acy of Senator Meador is quite an interesting announcement, and it has driven the politicians to guessing His name has been mentioned in connec- tion with the office since it was created by the recent constitutional convention, and sever al mo1ths ago, Senator Meador virtually admitted that he would ask for the nomination.
 He is one of the largest planters in Marengo County and is very popular, serving his county almost continuously. in one or the other branches Of the leg islature for the past fifteen years. He. won considerable reputation as legis- lator, and was virtually at the head of the reverue committee. He has been q. candidate for both Speaker of the House and President Of the Senate, but was tin- successful. His friends claim that he would have succeeded in atis race for Speaker in 1896 had his health permitted him to have been at the capitol at the beginning of the session
 Opposed Governor Jeiks. af#e
 He was candidate for president of the Senate against Governor Jelks, but with drew from the race before a caucus was held. When MT. Jelks was called upon to act as temporary Governor Senator Meador was unanimously chosen as pres ident pro tenn of the Senate. ,.aIt tg4-,
 But the announcement of Senator Meador for Lieutenant Governor. is most interesting because of the fact that Pr. Cunningham has announced as Jelks partisan, and it is very generally ac- eepted that Jelks and Cunningham have formed a combination and will assist each other in the campaign.
 Who will be running mate of Senator Meador? is the queStpn, z, Is be brave enough to 'tote his own skillet against the combined strength of Governor Jeiks and Dr. Cunningham. or is he to become the tail of another kite to be sent up in . the March winds?
 To Have Running Mate.
 From sources that cannot be nam ed in- formation is obtained which leads to the conclusion that before the campaign is ended Senator Meador will have a run ming mate, and this running mate may be none other than former Governor Joseph F. Johnson. Captain Johnston and Senator Meador have long been close personal and political friends and perhaps with sin gle exception the former has always had the support of the latter. It is suggested that with Senator Meador as a running mate, Governor Johnston would hope to gain some support from the Black Belt, section of the State now though to he solid for Governor Jelks. It has also been stated that combina- tion might be formed with General George P. Harrison for Governor and Senator Meador for lieutenant governor. This would give the ticket strength from both East and West Alabama, it Is argued
 But the still further combination of MT. B. B. Conner of Jefferson with Senator Meador with Governor Johnston as the campaign manager is the one taken most seriously here. The well informed politi- clan would not be surprised at this com bination. with anti-railroad platform. MT. Conner has been bitterly arranging the railroad commission for several years, and if he enters the contest for Governor, it Is stated that it will be for the purpose of carrying his fight against the conn mission and the railroads directly before the people.
 Is From JeIks' Home.
 MT. Conner Is formerly from Barbour county. the home of Governor Jell1s, and he still has many strong friends in that section, including influential relatives. Politicians claim to see a double purpose of Governor Johnston in getting MT. Conner to become his candidate-to claim support from both Barbour and Jefferson as home counties, and thus give both Governor Jelks and Dr. Cunningham op- position at home. Whatever may be, the purpose of the opposition, their every open movement is being closely watched. The friends of Governor Jelks assert that they do not fear opposit on, but very naturally they are anxious to keep up with the "other fellows"