The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-21
WARD ENTERS THE
 MAYORALTY RACE Six Candidates Have Announc- ed and Others Expected CAMPAIGN ON IN EARNEST Of the Candidates In the Field Four Are AIdermen-The Friends of All
 the AspIrants Are Work
 Ing Enthusiastically.
ON IN EARNEST

The mayoralty contest is opening In ear nest. The declination of ex-Mayor Lane to go into the race seems to have opened the way, and the entries are increasing. George B. Ward announced yesterday.
 There are six announced candidates; and the friends of each are rallying to the support of their favorites.
 In the list are four members of the pres- ent board of aldermen-each experienced in the work of municipal government. and therefore informed as to the needs of the city. These are Aldeeman George B. Ward, John c. Forney, J. R. Copeland and John w. O'Neill.
 Then the names of M. II. Crittenden and c. S. Simmons, both well equipped and being urged with enthusiasm. Ex-Chief of Police T. c. Mcdonald has been promised hearty support should he decide to enter. but has not as yet made positive an- nouncement.
 It is expected that others will seek the honor, but if so there names are with held for the present.
 Eac.l and every candidate will abide by the decision of the democratic voters to De ueleTuulueQ U. plliiitiy tlSSlioii= hO date for this primary has not yet been fixed by the city executive committe. but it seem quite certain that it will be held before the close of the year. Some of the candidates have expressed themselves in favor of a very early date; but there Is some objection to this on the part of some of the voters upon the ground that county, congressional and presidential elections are to De held in November, and that, as they say, too many elections interfere with business.
 George B. Ward, in making formal an- nouncement presents his platform in clear and definite terms, as follows: To the People of Birmingham:
 l herewith announce as candidate for mayor and respectfully ask for your votes and the benefit of your influence.
 If elected I will give my entire time to the city and direct my efforts
 First-Towards providing permanently for the interest on our bonded debt and so handling our finances in d business like way that the highest credit will be maintained both at home and abroad.
 Second-Towards the persistent and un- tiring cleansing of our streets, alleys, byways and private premises. This
  owing to its direct effect on the public health and one to which the mayor should give a liberal portion of his personal at tentioD
 Third-Towards conserving and main- taining as economically as possible the great public Improvements our people have been paying for in recent years; also towards confining further public improve ments to localities where petitioned for or found necessary
 Fourth-Towards improving and main- taining our fire, police and public school departments at the highest state of eff ficiency compatible with the city's finan- cial condition.
 Fifth-Towards giving the utmost pub lcity to all phases of municipal affairs; that the people, who own the government after all, may have a chance to approve or disapprove of measures affecting their welfare.
 The firm and consistent enforcement of policies outlined above together with con- handling of other questions that may arise from time to time will place our great city in such a position as to remove all apprehension as to Its future welfare.
 As native of Birmingham and educa- ted in her public schools; as a member of the board of aldermen for six years, gaining there from some knowlege of civic affairs such as experience only can bring, I submit my claim to the honor and wish to assure all who aid me of my deep appreciation. Faithfully,
 GEORGE B. WARD.