The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-02-17
MAY HAVE EYE ON
THE GOVERNORSHIP
It is Said Commission Race VIII
Develop GubernatoriaI Timber
INTEREST IN The DEBATE
Smith and Conner, Candidates for Pres
ident of Railroad Commission, Open
Their Joint Discussion at De-
catur Friday Night.
INTEREST IN The DEBATE

In the campaign for the presidency of the
railroad commission, according to lead
ing politicians, the real secret of ITS
overshadowing all other contests lies In
the fact that the race will be productive
of gubernatorial timber. II is very like
ly that at least two full-hedged candi-
dates will emerge from the railroad conn
mission campaign
Public men who are in touch with the
situation believe that the campaign is
being waged more vigorously on this
account than for any other one reason.
Naturally none of the candidates will
discuss this phase of the situation, as
their whole time is being taken up just
now in keeping the wary voter informed
on the points at issue.
Persons who are taking a birds eye
view of the race and keeping hands or
say that the gubernatorial bee has most
certainly struck the bonnet of Mr.. Conner
and that it has already begun buzzing
around Mr. Smith. As to the other can
didates not much has been said regarding
their future Intentions if elected. Friends
of Mr. Conner have been asked about his
gubernatorial aspirations, but they will
only say that he is taking up his time
at present in running for the presidency
of the commission. They intimate, how
/, OH a oOn1
or and when the present campaign is over
they will be ready to give more thought
to that side of the question.
AS leading man in the democratic
party said last night: This campaign will
be the making or unmaking of candi-
date to succeed Governor Jelks."
Joint Debate.
Considerable interest is being taken In
the coming joint debate between Mr.. Co
mer and Mr. Smith and it is believed that
a number of democrats from various parts
of the state will be on hand at Decatur
Friday night to listen to the discussion.
In the meantime both candidates are keep
ing the points of their respective argu-
ments hidden They explain that it is
not desirable to let the other fellow know
what you are going to say, as he would
then be prepared. Both Mr.. Smith and
Mr.. Conner feel confident of being able
to maintain their positions in the argu-
ment. AS to repartee it remains to be
seen who will be the victor.
Though nothing definite has been decid-
ed upon, 1t is probable that during their
arguments the candidates will invite
questions from the crowd, and lively
time is expected After the opening guns
are fired the debaters will move on Gull
man the following day and will come TO
Birmingham next Monday. BY the time
they reach here 1T is expected that each
of them will have sized the other up,
and will be able to deliver some telling
blows.
The Supreme Court.
While all eyes are turned ON the COM
mission race, the candidates for supreme
court judges have not neglected to make
themselves known to the voters. Great
interest is manifested in this race, es
pecially by the lawyers. and there seems
to be general desire to select the best
men for the distinguished position re-
CARELESS of their past political records.
j. Thomas Heflin, secretary of state.
was in town yesterday, and he says that
in his opinion both Chambers county can
didates, Judge Dowdell and Judge Den
son, will be elected. Judge Dowdell is a
candidate for reelection, while Judge
benson is among the new men. He is now
Judge of the Fifth judicial circuit, and Is
regarded as one of the best judges in the
state, and possibly the south. 1t seems
to be the general opinion that all Of tho
candidates for reelection will succeed.
They are Justice Dowdell, Justice Haral-
son and Justice Tyson. Chief Justice Nc
Clellan has no opposition. Jefferson coun-
| tvs candidate, Fl. C. Selheimer, has every
promise of success He has the solid en-
dorsement of this, the largest county II,
the state, and has many friends In other
| counties. He is an able lawyer and up to
this time has not taken an active part
in politics, though he has always been a
sturdy democrat.
! In Jefferson county there has been a
slight lull in politics. Very few additional
announcements of candidacy are expect
ed and the races have about settled down
and the aspirants are hard at work but
saying little. Trips are being made to
| the rural precincts almost daily. AS this
vote is an important element in Jeffer-
son county politics. the fire has been CEN
! tered in that direction with the intention
| of winding up in Birmingham. All of
| the candidates will fight 1t out In town
the last few days.