The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-30
POLITICIANS BUSY AT BLOUNT SPRINGS Presence of Governor Jelks is
 Strong Drawing Card ELECTION BILL AN ISSUE Congressman Richardson Gives Ills Views on the Benefits to 5e De-
 rived From tho Measure
 By Voters of the State. =
ELECTION BILL AN ISSUE

Blount Springs. Aug. 2s.-(speciaD- Blount Springs has developed into meca for Alabamians prominent in politics, and just before the legislature reconvenes some of the party leaders have had fre- quent discussions as to pending legisla- tion-work that they feel must be accom- plished before the present legislature takes its final adjournment.
 While there have been a number of men prominent in political life here during the week, there has ben no evidence of any thing like the conferences of the olden times when Blount Springs was made fla nous by the consultations of public men which outlined the democratic policy for the state. In those days 1t was necessary for the success of the white mans govern ment that leaders should pull together. and many have been the states framed here that were endorsed by the democracy assembled in convention at Montgomery.
 There are number of these 'old guard who still come to Blount but probably many, many more during this season than for years past.
 Jeiks Draws Politicians.
 The presence of Governor Jelks here for several weeks probably attracted many politicians that might not have came otherwise, but once the stream starfed it has continued to flow.
 Among those here are Senator E. w. Pettus, Judge Thomas w. Coleman, for merly of the supreme bench, and who is now being urged by friends to offer for the chief justiceship; Judge John c. An derson of Marengo, probable candidate for position on the Supreme court bench; Roebrt J. Lowe, chairman of the demo- cratic state committee, and probable can didate for president of the Alabama Rail- road commission; Congressman William Richardson of the Eighth district; Col. Wiley C.. Tunstall of the railroad com mission, and probable candidate to sue ceed himself; Mayor Drennen of Bir- mingham frequently mentioned in con nection with gubernatorial honors; Sena- tor Hugh Morrow, Solicitor Ez. Coleman, and number of others prominent in po- litical life
 Politicians Speculate.
 Where so many of prominence are gath cred together, there most assuredly will party matters of the future be discussed, and with the reconvening of the legisla- ture so near at hand the work to be ac- complished by this body has most nat uTdlly GPcelNtu lnt SItdltSt dNNthtioh.
 Politicians generally consider the gen. eral election bill as the most important work for the legislature, but equal with this comes the general primary law.
 While all admit the necessity for a care- fully framed bill to insure fair primaries, Congressman Richardson is most em- phatic in his endorsement of the Age Herald's demands for fair and just bill. Speaking of the matter this morning Con- gressman Richardson~said:
 Congressman Richardson Talks.
 The election bill that passed the house of representatives at the January session of the legislature and now pending before the senate, is most excellent bill and provides every fair and reasonable safe guard for the production of an honest election. It is hardly to be expected that the senate will accept the bill without some amendments. In view of the fact that the session is short and much impor- tant legislation Is to be disposed of it seems to me that the senate would act in the interests of the people of the state to accept the election bill as it comes from the house. l hope to see primary cleo tion law passed by the legislature follow ing closely the provisions of the election bill as it stands now. I believe that the people were greatly influenced in their support of the new constitution by the promise and earnest assurance that when adopted the era of fair elctions in Alaba- ma will commence.
 Necessity of Primary Law.
 "The real benefit of fair elections can not be secured without the enactment of a primary law which is stamped with ab- solute honesty. and shuts off every known and understood opportunity for fraud. For the legislature, under present political conditions in Alabama. to fail to pass such primary law, would create dstrust among the people and place the demo- cratic party of the state at a great disad- vantage. I have absolute faith that such a law will be passed by the present iegisla- ture. It is almost universally considered among the people that the primary has wisely taken the place of the convention. It has worked well. and to the satisfaction