The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-21


 was that of state Senator from the Dis trtct composed of Bullock and Macon counties. He was elected to this office in 1898. While serving his four years term he was elected to the Congress from the Fifth District defeating Congressman Willis Brewer in one of the most fiercely contested races ever run in Alabama. Colonel Brewer was his opponent two years later, but Congressman Thompson was returned with an increased majority. He wasacompleting his second term when his untimely death ended a career of great possibilities.
 He was, peculiarly adapted to public life. The possession of unquestioned tai- ents alone explains the notable successes which he business man in training and habit achieved in politics.. A candidate for State Senator, eight years ago he was untrained and unpractice6 fin oratory, yet at the time of his death he was recog- nized as a most attractive and forcefui public speaker. Although his early life was spent in the store and the counting room he was at his death regarded aa one of the best ''mixers'' among Alabama public men, He had a magnetic person. ality. He was hearty and generous in his intercourse with men and his heartiness and generosity was of the sort that car ried instant conviction. It was his pleas ing personality. combined with his frank ness which gave him a widespread popu- larity.
 AS Congressman, Colonel Thompson was a notable success. His bent of mind peculiarly fitted him for Congressional duties. He was ever energetic and his continued industry and natural tact bore fruits in tangible benefits to his constitu- ents. His district had come into a high appreciation of his services. Men who had fought his aspirations when he first sought to enter Congress became his most ardent supporters. Not only was the appreciation of his district for his ser vices shown in the flattering vote which gave him his second term over a strong opponent, but 1t was shown in the fact that the district proposed to send him back for a third term without opposition.
 The City Council of Alexander City. yesterday. as soon as his death was an- nounced. met in special session and pass ed resolutions of sorrow and of eulogy for his service to his people. This Is an evidence of the sorrow the district feels in his untimely taking off.
 In the promises of the future made vain by hls death his personal friends feel the keenest loss. They felt that they were justified in the confident hope that the future held more for him than the past He was looked upon as a formidable
 
 1906. Regardless of what should transpire in the intervening two years 1t was be- lieved that aspirants for gubernatorial honors would have to reckon with Con gressman Thompson's personal popular ity
 Congressman Thompson was one of the most useful and prominent lay members of the Methodist Church in the State. In the upbuilding of the church, his activity and energy found a congenial field. At the annual conference of the Alabama Conference his familiar figure will be missed, as 1t will be at all large gather ings of the members of that church in the southern part of Alabama. Congress- man Thompson was last seen by his Montgomery friends alive during his visit to the city. to give the benefit of his ex perlence and wisdom in the disposition of matters of importance relating to his church.
 The death of Congressman Thompson causes more or less complication in Dem ocratlc matters In Alabama. It will re- suit in two elections and possibly two primaries. His term of office does not expire until March of next year. The duty devoIves upon the Governor to call A special election to fill out his unexplred term. His successor to fill the term be- ginning March 1 of next year will be nominated at the primary of April Il. The time during which candidates may file their names for this primary expires tomorrow night. It was thought at hrst that the time limit ended with today, but 1t is now said that the twenty days pre- ceding the primary will not begin unui Wednesday morning