The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-23

ticed in all the departments of the state government consistent with efficient service. In the matter of the expenses incurred in the transportation of prison CTS back to the state who had absconded from the state, was perhaps rather lib- eral in that I felt it to be the duty of the state to give the criminal class no- tice that if they committed crime in this state and absconded that the power of the state would be employed to effect their return, trial and punishment.
 It is well known fact that my name has been frequently mentioned in con nection with the office of governor. have meyer asked man in my life to vote for me for this office. Neither have l ever authorltatively announced my candidacy. I believe the time has ar- rived when I should make known defin- itely my intentions. havs therefore prepared this address that the people of the state may form some idea as to my fitness for the office and as to my views upon questions of public interest. I have had a great deal of assurance through out the state of support in the event that offered for the office of governor
 l am In favor of primary for the nom- nation of state officers I expect to support for the United States Senate our present distinguished senators, General Morgan and General Pettus. provided they offer as their own successors shall not run as candidate of any spe- cial interest. have very little money of my avn to spend fin the campaign. nor can I accept contributions to cam paign fund from any interest which may be specially interested in the office of governor. In my judgment. anS funds expended from whatever source derived other than the strictest legitimate cam paign purposes. is against the letter and spirit of the constitution and good mor- als. I shall not promise to appoint any man to office nor make any pledge to serve any special or particular interest Of all men in the state the governor should be absolutely free and independ- ent in the discharge of the duties of his office. There should be only one obli- gation resting upon him, and that Is the patriotic honest, faithful, and able dis charge of duty.
 While acting governor I made 1t a rule to listen to everybody and take orders from nobody If elected governor of the state such would continue to be my pol icy. am a practicing physician and have to make my living. and 1t Is im- possible for me to engage in an active campaign for twelve months. After the executive committee meets and fixes the plan for the nomination I shall actively enter the canvass, and 1t will be my purpose to go into every county of the state. My asperations for the office of governor are based upon a legitimate ambition and sense of duty and loyal ty to my state and friends who have of- 1 fered their support and urged me to offer for governor. If in the course of the campaign I am convinced that in this aspiration there is nothing left but ambition, I shall not run for governor. Alabama is a great state and 1t Is doing well and progressing rapidly. In my judgment all that can be done by tho executive department of the government has been done. and is being done by Gov ernor Jelks and his able associates in the executive offices. If elected to the high office of governor I shall endeavor. pray ing the blessings of God upon my ef- forts, to do all that I can to continue and further the upbuIlding of our state