The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-14
WILL NOT BE MAYOR. Dr. DOzier Declines to Make the Race and Gives His
 Reasons for the Faith That is in Him.

ling cars drawn by the Birmingham Rail- way, Light and Power company over their lines in the citys streets to allay the dust they raise (from the streets, not from the pockets of their patrons). I would also favor the letting out of more contracts to common sprnklers and in- sist that the eontractees be put under a sufficient bond to compell them to sprinkle the streets at least every time it rains. And am in favor of regulating. street car fare only cents. where pas sengers have to stand up for lack of seats. Such a regulation might induce the company to put on more cars to aeeommo- date the tired men and women when going home from work.
 And I would also like to suggest to the present mayor that he appoint commlt- tee of one from the council to draw up an ordinance prohibiting the stopping and standing of freight trains across Twen- tieth street, near tl-e passenger depot. And 1t may be he will deem 1t well at the same time to appoint and set aside day for the people to fast and pray for inspi- ration and guidance to that committee man that he may have the wisdom to draft such an ordinance as will do that work.
 These and many other matters I could mention need looking after, and if l was mayor 1 would do it. But just now cannot accept the office; can't afford to. The people need my professional work and must have it. l am now restoring health and saving lives, which is better than playing politics. But If some real robust hearted. honest and brave friend of the children of Birmingham will come out as a candidate on my platform, prom ising reform In our public schools, and advocate Birmingham building, owning and operating it's own water works and electric light plant, l will stake my every chip and give my every influence to his support, and If he will pledge his efforts to have the teachers to teach as well as to hear recltations, and to amend the present curriculum which consists chiefly in the purchase of books, marching, sing ing and unmtigated lilipution, tom fool cry and tommy rot. by adding a little sup plementary instruction in spelling, read ing. writing and arithmetic, out which by the present system seems tabooed as too classical for common neds, he will receive the moral support of thousands of poor. tired parents who after the discharge of their daily duties. must devote their hours for rest to teaching their children their lessons to be recited the next day In school. Or if they neglect to do so, must see their children grow up in ignorance to become hewers of wood and drawers of water for those who by reason of better fortune receive an education in the pay schools, not under the rule of incom~etent political rings
 The very large number of letters and personal indors nets of what I have be- fore remarked on this line assures me that a candidate standing for reform in the public schools will, If not elected. make the man that beats hlm. outrun the telegram that beat a streak of greased lightning In heading off a scared comet fying through space with tin can tied to its tail
 But as for myself I don't want the of flee Very respectfully.
 O. T. DOZIER