The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-04-10
New System Has Wrought Many
Changes in Methods
MANY BETS ON THE RESULT
Most of Money Laid on Races for Rail-
road Commission and Probate Judge.
Captain Hobson Comes to
Town Feeling Confident.

bled voter will be at rest alongside of
defeated candidates whose numbers will
have far exceeded four score and ten.
Under new constitution and with the
primary system made general through
out the state new ideas have been inject
ed into Alabama politics and the final
tours of the candidates yesterday mark
ed the close of what is regarded as the
most remarkable campaign in the politi-
cal history of the state.
Incident to these conditions came the
perplexity of lengthy and numerous bal
lots and while the party committees strug-
gled hard they failed to solve the prob
lem but did the best in their power.
Consequently the voters of Jefferson
county tomorrow will be confronted with
four ballots, three of which would rival
signatures to the declartion of indepen-
dence In length. These tickets have been
delivered to the voters in advance, how
yer, and any who feels a little ner-
vous about picking his favorites at the
polls can take an hour before breakfast
and fill out his ballot according to the
latest and improved methods. This bal
lot can then be deposited in the vest
pocket and thence transferred to the po-
4itiCdi iSCSpidclt III lHe various NOlnS
place, thus making ballot casting a mat
ter Of small moment.
Candidates Number 151.
On the ballots to be cast tomorrow there
are the names of 151 candidates who
have left themselves in the hands of their
friends. OF this number sixty-six are to
be elected and 1t is evident that no mat
ter which way the index finger of Dame
Fortune may point, disappointment will
be in the majority. Many of the unfor-
tunates will probably console themselves
with determination to do better the
next time, but scores of the one-time
nimbe aspirants will have made up their
minds to quit politics forever. These two
classes always predominate Immediately
after elections and tomorrows primary
will likely prove no exception.
In politics Jefferson is unlike any coun-
ty in the state. Campaigns are run on
different basis from those in other coun-
ties and methods employed in Birming
ham are entirely different from the staid
old ways and mannerisms of the more
historic towns and cities. Outside of Bir-
mingham the paid poll-worker, or ward
heller as he is called In some places, Is
rot known in Alabama. Here they -four
ish.
Corner on Carriages.
1ne system OF carrying Notelo " AhO
polls in carriages. designated by huge
banners announcing the name Of the can
didate hiring the team, has been badly
upset by the large number of candidates
resulting from the general primary. 1t
was rumored last night that the two can
didates for probate judge had foreseen
a short market and had successfully es-
tablished a corner on all such vehicles.
The humble followers of other aspirants
for office may be compelled to walk or
condescend to plain car rides to reach the
polls This is regarded a serious blow
to the many plain voters who for years
have enjoyed an annual ride in car
riage.
Around the courthouse, the First Ma
tional Bank building, the Metropolitan
hotel and the Morris hotel. there was
great activity yesterday. Campaign man.
ayers, messenger boys and official ward
leaders were rushing around distributing
information as to how the various pre-
oincts would go and looking for bets on
the final result. The contests for the
presidency Of the railroad commission and
for probate Judge of jefferson county ap-
parently led in interest though there was
considerable comment on the chances of
the candidates for solicitor of the GRIM
ina court These three races seem to
lie particularly Of interest to the class of
citizens who place an annual or bi-annual
wager on elections
The Betting.
There was considerable money in sight
on the race for railroad commissioner IN
Jefferson county. Persons who were
willing to bet that Smith would carry JEFF
ferson county found few takers. though
the Conner men were willing to bet on the
result In the state The largest bet known
TO have been placed on the county was
$3.50 at even money.
In the race between Judge Greene and
Judge Stiles for probate judge consider
able money was wagered. one bet of
$1,000 was made, though it is understood
this was divided between several mer,
who went into a pool. Apparently this
race will be very CLOSE
Late in the afternoon the supporters of
II. P. Hefin for criminal solicitor were
also willing to place money on his
chances and many of the bets were taken
by the Terry men. The other contests
did not seem to attract the bettors,
though one gentleman of a sporty turn of
mind offered to lay even money that no.
body could pick five winners among the
candidates to be voted for in Jefferson
county, excepting those who have no OPP
position. This was an attractive offer
and several persons made IS bets. This
did not prove nearly so easy task as
some of the bettors at first supposed.
Hobson- Bankhead Race.
There seems to be a general impression
In Birmingham that the Hobson and
Bankhead race in the sixth congressional
district is going to be very close and
this was also productive of a few bets at
even money. One bet was made at odds
of 3 to in favor of Bankhead. but this
proposition was taken up rapidly that
even money was the best that could be
obtained.
Captain Hobson came in to Birmingham
last night from Walker county and left
this morning for his home In Greensboro,
where he will remain until the votes are
counted The Captain has fully recover
ed from his recent illness and said last
night that he was just getting his second
wind. II have gotten 1t down to a sys-
tenn now" said the captain. land 1 can
~aake three speeches day without much
''yue. feel absolutely confident Of my
~ 'on."
!, Mussrove. campaign manager for