The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-21
CULLMAN DIDN'T
 FURNISH 4 CROWD
Joint Debate Declared Off for
 Lack of Audience
LOVES FRIENDS JUBlLANT
They Claim That Lack of Interest In Comer-Smith Debate Indicated That Lowe Is the Strongest.
 KoIb Also Confident.

Dispatches from cnllman indicate that the Smith Conner joint debate has en- countered cold wave which is depress- ing upon oratory as well as argument. The people of Decatur did not take kindly to the large bundles of figures produced al the opening of hostillties and as the forces moved on to cullman tEe situation grew worse. The meeting at Cullman was scheduled to take place at 10 clock at the courthouse but when the time ar rived dispatches say there were only six persons in the hall and the engagement was cancelled for lack of listeners Lead ing men of culman say however, that the speaking was not advertised and this had much to do with the sparseness of the assemblage.
 In Birmingham Tomorrow.
 After resting today the deoaters will move on Birmingham tomorrow and ths two champions who aspire to the pres- dency of the railroad commission will discuss the questions at issue in the city hall armory tomorrow night It is ex. pected that the crowd will be much larg- CT than at any of the previous meetings
 The friends of MT. Conner are preparing to turn out in full force and naturally this will act as a stimulant on the friends of MT. Smith.
 The two speakers learned much of each others respective positions at the Deea. tur debate and will be able to deliver some telling blows before the Birming- ham audience. Judging from what trans- pired In Decatur 1t is likely that the dis cussion will revelop some rather raey colloquies. Both of the candidates have promised not to get angry, however, and an entertaining evening will be furnished the voters who attend
 Lowes Friends Jubilant.
 In the meantime the other candidates are making good use of the failure of the joint debate to draw crowds and the friends of MT. Lowe believes that he has gained much strength as result. h fact, a strong supporter of MT. Lowe said last night that he was confident his champion had gained numbers of votes in both Culman and Morgans counties as result of the chill given the joint debate. Tt indicates" said this Lowe supporter, that the people are more in. terested in MT. Lowes candidacy than in that of either MT. Smith or MT. Conner We are delighted with the general situa- tion and believe MT. Lowe is gaining strength every day"
 We believe" continued MT. Loves friend, that there are many questions ir the railroad commission race of more i'm portance than the mere question of vera. city between Mr. Conner and Mir Smith as to whose figures are correct on the freight rates. In due time MT. Lowe will probably address the voters on these ques. tions and throw an entirely new light or the subject.
 On Conservative Basis.
 Tt is not. our purpose to engage ir any bombastic utterances or heated ioni debates. MT. Lowe will endeavor to pui the matter before the people in a calm, conservative light and not appeal to pas. sons or prejudice He is not defendina ;he railroads or attacking them. He is nof working for the shippers or against them. He is simply a candidate on a plat. form of law and equity and if elected will administer the office accordingly. IT other words, MT Lowe could not say in advance what decisions he would ren. der when elected to an office which i. quasi-judicial in It's nature"
 Capt, Reuben F. Kolb, who attended the debate at Decatur. was in town yes. terday after a trip through north Ala. bama. The captain Is very cheerful over his prospects and says he is assured oi success. He thinks he will carry Lime. stone county by an overwhelming major. fly as well as Morgan. The appearance of Captain Kolb in state politics brings back some old memories and he goes about his campaign work with the al, or one thoroughly familiar with what he Is doing. There is probably not a bet ter known man fin Alabama than Cap tain Kolb and he receives the most cor. dial greetings wherever he goes.