The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-01-19

Montgomery, January 1S.-(Special.)- With the advent of the new year there are many matters of political moment coming to the surface. While there is always much talk of the men who will likely get In the race for governor at this time some of the minor positions are attracting more attention than the gubernatorial There seems every possibil- ity of lively contest for state auditor, with something in the same way for sec re.ary of state and commissioner of agri- culture and industries. Nothing recent has developed among more aspirants for lieutenant governor, and there has been no late talk about new candidates for governor. Only one man has been heard of as a possibility for treasurer, and one for attorney general. It Is not expected that more than one is being seriously gossiped about for superintendent of edu- cation, though others may offer. The only positions for which no one has yet been discussed in any particular way are the two associate railroad eommssionerships.
 The Governorship.
 There is nothing to indicate that anoth- CT than Lieutenant Governor Cunningham will announce soon as an aspirant for the governorship. He has said that he Is in the race and his candidacy Is, there fore well known. There has been some talk of Col. H. S. D. Mallory of Selma, chairman of the state democratic exeeu- tive committee, making the race, but few believe that he will. Some days ago there were several gentlemen at the New Nab son hotel in this city and the conversa- tion turned to the report that Colonel Mallory would run with the suggestion from a friend that if he did he might give the acting governor some trouble With one of those genial smiles for which the popular Selman is noted the Colonel replied: Well, Cunningham need not worry about me- This is not an as- surance that he will not make the race, but there is something in it from which to assume that he is not thinking of 1t now.
 Candidates for Auditor.
 In the race for state auditor there seems possibilities of much excitement as is expected from the mayoralty contest in Montgomery, and that Is saying a great deal It is conceded tha- Brooks Smith, warrant clerk, who has been with Audi  to office, will ask for the place. He will be hard man for the others to handle, having been a member of the democratic committee of the state from Hale coun- ty for some time and has the personal friendship and acquaintance of large number of influential men from all over the state. There is also a report that Hon. William W. Brandon, now adjutant general O. the Alabama National Guard will offer for the place. The latest ru- mored candidate. however Is MT. J. R. Ro sson, a well known newspaper man of Crllman. MT. Rosson was the Presidential elector from the Seventh district at the last election and is well known as politician. Until last week it was not known that he entertained any ambition to serve the state a+ the capitol
 Brandon's Position.
 There are many reasons to believe that General William w.. Brandon may not en- ter the race after all. though if he does he will be formidable candidate as he is known the whole state over. He made a number of speeches in the recent Presidential campaign and has been regular attendant at meetings of church anG state all over the northern section of the state especially for several years It is regarded as certain. however, that he can hold his present place as long as he desires It pays him a good salary and still allows him to keep up his law practice at his home in Tuscaloosa. Many of his friends have thought this will in- fuence him to seek reappontment to the place he now holds. which has been well conducted under his care. Mir. Rosson Is an unknown quantity. He has been so lit- t.c before the people it would be difficult to tell from what source he could gather following. Personally he Is very popular and as business man stands very high an, would develop a certain amount of strength from the attractiveness of his personality.
 The Farmers Man.
 fter the auditors office discussion there seems more interest in the prob- able candidates for commissioner of agri- culture than anything else. It is beyond question that Jesse Adams, now chief clerk to Commissioner Poole, will be in