The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-10
ALABAMA SWEEPING
 UPWARD AND ONWARD Magnificent Success of Busi-
 ness Throughout the State CONDITIONS EXCELLENT
Realty Assessments in State Increased This Year More Than $20,o0o,ooo. Old Soldiers Share Prosperity.
 Cunningham Will Stick.
BY HERvEY w. LAIRD.


 Montgomery. December 9.-(Special.)-As the year draws to an end there are many things to which Alabama may look back to with pride, as well as numerous duties in the future that will have to be fully solved if the state moves well up into It's own. Grand in achievement and wonder ful in prospect the new year comes to the people of this favored commonwealth with many more obligations than rest upon citizen of less favored subdivision of the domain of Uncle Sam
 In business it promises to step far ahead of the magnificent record of the past twelve month, and in politics the outlook is fair for not only activity but valuable discovery and education.
 The race for the democratic guberna- torial nomination indicates that there is to come before the primary of next Au- gust-if that should be the date-some valuable information by which the people may be benefited in all their relations, If they grasp and digest what will be given them.
 Nothing so indicates our progress In a commercial way as the increase in tax values as given in by the owners of prop erty. For 1905 these values were increased over a year before S20,099.657, or from $S24- PA, S4S in 1904, to $344, ,2240Oo in the year just ending
 Wonderful Increases.
 Comparing these figures in periods of five and ten years the showing is even more remarkable. In 1900 the values were given at $266 S93, 100, or less than this year, $67 1881, 000 They were less than 1905 by $102, ,sS6 in 1S95,Nand $l7l, ,695000 in 1885, No record was kept for 1875, but they were in 1876, $135, ,536000, or less than 1905, by s20S 5SS, 900.
 When it is remembered that the values are not as a whole 50 per cent of the real worth of the property taxed-all thinking men admit this-and that there is always an immense lot of property owned by indi- viduals that is never taxed, not to men tion securities and other non-taXable values, including exemptions, the great richness of the state is to some extent appreciated. It is not an exaggeration to say that with all things considered the property values of the state may be safe ly said to be not far either way from $750, ,0000 GOO.
 Other Good Showngs. There are other indications of our wealth. too. For the first time in the history of the care of old soldiers of the state they have received the maximum of pension allowance, and had set aside to their care s1O0,ooO not expected some months ago. One hundred and fifty thousand dollars has been set aside for the inn provement and enlargement of the state capitol and half of it spent, with plans for work that will result in a handsome new building Counties that have been careless about paying everything they owe to the state have been called to book and several officers have been forced to pay up. Tax assessors who have been slack on fighting up the values have been looked after so carefully by the governor that they have been forced either to bring up their averages in value or have their neglect emblazened to the world and what has been neglected any way has been looked after by the tax commissioner and his deputies. As result there has been a general stffening up In backbone all along the line that promises to result in much good to the coffers of the state.
 Cunningham Sticker. There does not seem any reason on earth to presume that the first of the year will see either Dr. R. M. Cunningham out of the race for governor or former Gov ernor Johnston in the fight. While here this week the doctor laughed at the idea that he was to retire, and said it was too foolish to treat seriously. He expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the outlook and thinks he will be elected in spite of all the influences against him B. B. Conner, his opponent. was also here this week, and talked with his friends of his prospects to land the plum at the next democratic primary There has been an impression that MT. Conner has the best of the struggle just now, and it seems that the Cunningham men are willing to allow that to prevail. In fact one hears that the Cunningham club at Birmingham and such organizations else- where are taking it quite easy until after the holidays, at which time, one hears, there are to be sent up a few Cunning ham fire works. The rather conciliatory policy of the doctor has given his friends some uneasiness and they have com plained about it. However, it Is said that he has given assurance that when the proper time comes he will take on enough activity to please the most exact ing.
 Carmichael Going Out. Minor officers have been taken into the talk lately to some extent and as 1t stands now there is little doubt about some of the lineup. Judge J. M. Car michael is not expected by his close friends to make the race for auditor. He has not said that he will not and when approached about it has been exceeding ly non-committal, but there have been side lights that count for much and one is fo.- rt,at to. fIat