The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-23
Tells What He VIII Do f Elected Chief Executive
 of the State
.FAVORS MORE POWER FOR
 RAILROAD COMMISSION
Sets Forth His Political Record on the Matter of Rate Regulation and His Views on Other ln1-
 portant Questions.

pr. Russell M. Cunningham of Ensley, the lieutenant governor of Alabama, yes- terday issued a signed statement in which he announced his candidacy for the dem- oeratic nominatio for governor.
 Dr. Cunninghams announcement, which is herewith printed in full comes out emphatcally in favor of railway regula- ton, stating specifically that he would If governor, approve a bill establishing the Georgia classification of Railroads and Georgia rates for the transportation of property"
 Here Is Dr. Cunningham's statement, which reviews his political record and makes clear his position on many issues as well as that of railway regulation:
 Section 113 of the constitution of the state of Alabama provides that "The su- preme executive power of this state shss be vested in a chief magistrate, who shan be styled the governor of the state or Alabama" :"
 The office of governor is the greatest office under the constitution of the state. It is great because of it's duties, respon- abilities, power and honor To measlSe up to the standard of the office, the governor ought to be a man of patriot- ism, honesty, fidelity and ability. For one who may be candidate for this of- flee to entertain these high ideals appears presumptious. Let it be remembered, however, that the qualifications of the candidate will be passed upon by those whose duty 1t is to elect the governor, and not by the candidate himself.
 Duties of the Office.
 The lawful duties of the governor are both constitutional and statutory. Gov ering all these like a blanket Is the con- stitutional provision that "the governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed" Among other constitutions duties, he is to require Information in writing under oath from the executive officers of the government and officers and managers of state institutions; on extraordinary occasions to convene the legislature; to submit message to the legislature when in session giving infor- nation as to the state government and recommend for it's consideration such measures as he may deem expedient; | and shall "present to the legislature es- | inmates of the amount of money required to be raised by taxation for all purposes' to remit fines and forfeitures, to reprleve to commute sentences, pardon and pa role, except in eases of impeachment, and to relieve civil and political disabilities of persons convicted of crime; to exam inc all bills passed by both houses of the legislature and approve, suggest amend ments to them, or veto them to be com mander-in-chief of the militia and volun- tary forces of the state; to sign all grants and commissions issued by the syi<. Among the statutory duties he Is to issue proclamatons on all subjects when re- qured by the law; to offer rewards for absconding felons; to issue requlsitsons to pass upon acquisitions of other states to order the national guard into camp; to order court-martials to remove no- tares public and ex-officio justices of the peace and notaries public; to fund public debt; to borrow money as provld- ed by law: to order impeachment pro- ceedings In certain cases, and such other suits as may be brought in the name of the state; to employ counsel in certain cases; to approve contracts for public printing expenditures in coitvct depart ! ment, contracts for the employment of convicts, geological surveys, agricultural and insurance departments, and bonds of state officers: to cause removal of insane eonvicts to hospital for the insane to cede jurisdiction over lands to United States; to control all property of state, | except money or evidence of debt; to au- thorlze, when necessary, employment of additional clerks at capitol; to secure | copyright of statutes and supreme court l reports; to supervise offices of state aud itor and treasurer; to maintain and de- l fend authority and jurisdiction of state; l lO appoint three convict inspectors, three | examiners of public accounts, state tax commissioner. three mine inspectors. one bank examiner. examiners of mine bosses l boards of pharmacy and embalmers, state and county pension examiners, land l agent special judges and ehancellors | trustees of sundry schools and colleges
 etc.; to fill by appointment vacancies in the office of the United States Senate, all executives, judi9i&l county and precinct l offices, except circuit clerk and county 1 treasurer. He Is a member of the state
 board of compromise and trustee of sun- dry colleges and schools; is president of text book commission and of various l boards of trustees, and of the state board for assessment of railroads telegraph and telephone property and of the state board for the appointment of registrars | There are many other duties not pre- 1 scribed by law which he must strictly | perform.
 In submitting my candidacy for the l office of governor to the voters of Ala bama who will participate In the demo- cratic primary for the nomination for l governor, that they may know what quail 1 ficatins I possess for the office of gov | ernor, l know of no better method to I fairly and honestly submit to them for their consideration the principles and pol icies which would govern me In the dis 1 charge of the duties of the office. and to give my views upon leading and impor- tant questions involving the interest of the people of the state. and to give also my record in public life upon these me- ters where I have had an opportunity to make a record.
 Political Principles.
 I believe in the fundamental principles of democracy. I believe in party organ ization, loyalty atN authority. I have never voted any other than the straight democratic ticket.
 I have done under the direction of the proper authorities great deal of can wasting in this state in the interest of democratic primaries. policies and nom- mess. These services were mainly rem dered in the national and state elections of 1896, 1900 and 1902, and for the call and ratification of the new constitution.
 1 was member of the general assem- bly from the county of Franklin in 1880 and 1881; was physician of the peniten- tiary from March, 1881, to March, 1SS5; was state senator from the county of Jefferson from 1896 to 1898 and was pres ident of that body, session 1898 and 1899; was a member of the constitutional con vention from the county of Jefferson 1901: was elected lieutenant governor for four years in November, 1902; was acting gov ernor from the latter part of April, 1904 to March, IS, 1905.
 | l therefore do not go before the people