The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-02
Suffering from Severe Case of LaGrIppe and Physicians De- manded That He Have AbSo- lute Rest.
Puts New Phase on Municipal Campaign and Mir. Ward Thinks the Withdrawal Will Benefit His Candidacy.


 a candidate for mayor.
 His decision to withdraw from the race was reached last night about 8 o'clock just after consultation with his physi- cian Dr. John Davis, who deemed 1t im- perative that he have absolute rest and quiet for the next few weeks.
 Captain O'Brien Is suffering from a severe attack of la grippe and has been confined to his bed for several days. Two years ago. while chairman of the ways and means committee in the legis- lature, he suffered a similar attack and by continuing his work against his phy- sician's advice, grew worse and was a very sick man for several months. Fear ing repetition of his former experience mayoralty race and devote his attention to regaining his health.
 q am very grateful to my friends who had assured me of their support" said Captain O'Brien last night, but no of flee in Alabama could compensate me for the loss of health, and since Dr. Davis has insisted that I quit campaign work. I have decided to do so My experience of two years ago when I went through such long siege of Illness taught me a lesson and I am no longer candidate for mayor of Birmingham"
 As he discussed his action from his sick bed, Captain OBrien seemed little downcast over being forced to withdraw. as he felt confident of success.
 True and Loyal Friends.
 q had everything working nicely" said the captain, 'and I am disappointed that the work of my supporters has been of no avail as to final results. It has shown me. however. that I had many true and loyal friends, and after all, that is a greater satisfaction than the gratifica- ton of ambition
 Captain O'Brien was the first candidate to enter the race for mayor, he having been urged for the nomination long before MT. Drennen decided to ask for re-elec' lion. He is one of the best known and most popular men in Birmingham ana indeed. the state. He has seen the growth of birmingham from its infancy and has aone much towards its progress and up building. His friends thought it but righ' that his public life should be crowned with an election to the office or mayor .of the town he had helped to bring to Its present prominence from village 'oi few hundred inhabitants.
 His Legislative Work.
 Two years ago Captain o'Brien was elected to the Alabama legislature from Jefferson county. and on account or ms vast .xnerience in lawmakns he was ap- pointed chairman of the ways and means committee in the house. His work was arduous and while laboring over the revenue lil his health broke down. Feel ing the responsibility of his position ne disregarded the advice of his doctors, put this time he has decided to accept their  politics.
 The withdrawal of Captain O Brien has put new phase on the mayoralty cam palgn and the lines will have to be drawn again. The supporters of MT. Ward nat urally think he will benefit by the turn of affairs as 1t was a dual race between O'Brien and Drennen when he entered the contest. When told of Captain OBriens s action Mr. Ward expressed great sur prise and when asked what effect if would have on the race, said:
 Ward Makes Statement.
 "Eyery citizen of Birmingham, whether fo Captain O Brien or against him. will regret the disadvantage in which this sudden illness has placed hims especially since he has managed his campaign mag nificently and stood an excellent chance of winning
 Asked what effect the withdrawal of Frank O'Brien and M. H. Crittenden would have on his candidacy George B. Ward said
 "I feel very confident that nine-tenths of the votes that would have gone to the candidates who have withdrawn will he cast for me in the primary. The with drawal of Captain oBrien practically as- sures my nomination.
 s.Should the executive committee wish to extend the time limit two or three weeks to allow Captain oBrien to re-enter the race, if his condition should warrant it, I will be willing for it to do so.'
 Drennen Does Not Talk.
 Mayor Drennen would not discuss the matter last night The following conver- sation occurred over the telephone:
 Have you heard that Captain O'Brien has withdrawn from the mayoralty cam paign?"
 "Yes."
 what have you to say regarding your chances for the nomination since his vithdrawal?"
 T do not care to discuss municipal pol tiles in connection with Captain o'Brien's i'll health"