The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-19
.EXPLODES BOMB IN CULLMAN POLITICS Probate Judge Fuller Files a
 Contest CHARGES ARE SENSATIONAL S. H. Herrin, Nominee for Clerk of Cir cult Court. Dies Very Suddenly
 of Apoplexy at His
 Desk.
CHARGES ARE SENSATIONAL
BY WALTER HARPER.

Cullman, April 1s.-(Special.) )-Probate Judge S. L. Fuller, who was defeated Tor reelection by Robert l. Burke in last Mondays primary, exploded a pomp Ill Cullman's political arena this morning by filing a contest after he had announced that he would not do so. He filed his petition with R. L. Hipp, chairman Of the county democratic executive com mittee today. This was a surprise even to most of Judge Fuller's closest friends, who had strongly advised him against 1t. It is generally claimed that after Judge Fuller's defeat last week he had open council with the republicans and tried to dictate the nomination of a republican candidate in their convention last Sat urday. It is claimed that 1t Is significant that he held up his contest until after the republicans had acted, and he was refused admittance in their councils. Judge Fullers petition makes some very sensational charges and if they can be sustained will create consternation in Cullman county politics.
 Illegal Votes Were Cast. He alleges that 357 illegal votes were cast by republicans and populists, that | money was used to bribe and defraud, that republicans were allowed to manage the election at some of the boxes. He also alleges that gambling and fraud were resorted to to wrongfully influence voters. He charges fraud, irregularity and illegal ity in management, certifying and return ing.
 He starts out with the allegation that "a deep laid scheme" was perpetuated in the appointing of committee to appoint managers who were favorable to MT. Burke his opponent. He charges that obnoxious republicans were allowed to and did stand at the polls in Cullman precinct and challenge. and intimidate democrats, and that the same was en- couraged by Mir. Burke and his follow CTS.
 MT. Burke and his campaign managers, Messrs. J. B. Brown, A. A. Griffith and | s. J. Griffin were interviewed and stated that Judge Fuller's petition contained no | charge that could be sustained. | Judge Fuller is positive in his assertion l that his charges are true and that he has been defrauded out of the office. | ferrin Dles Suodenly. S. H. Herrin, who was nominated in the democratic primary last Monday for clerk of the circuit court, died very sud- denly at his home here last night at 7:3O | o'clock of apoplexy. He was sitting at his desk writing his card of thanks to | the people of Cullman county for his nomination.
 He was signing his name to this card l when he was stricken and died in a few moments sitting at his desk. He was 67 l years of age and one of the best known and highly respected citizens of the coun- | ty. His majority over o. s. Roden, his opponent and the present incumbent. last 1 Monday was 4S1. He was buried in the 1 City cemetery here this afternoon at 1 l o'clock. It has not yet been decided how this vacancy on the democratic ticket
 will be supplied. but O. s. Roden will
 very likely be the choice of the people l for the place.