The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-22
h Ta|Iadega Speech He As strs That Railroad CabaI
 Controls the State
"QUARANTINE AGAINST
 RAILROAD ATTORNEYS"
Says Cunningham's Platform Is Good and That He Is Good Man, But Ills Environment Is
 Against Him.
BY SEYMOUR RANSOM.

BY SEYMOUR RANSOM.
 Tallladega, October 21.-(special)-B. B. Conner of Birmingham. president of the Alabama state railroad commission, an nounced in a speech made here today that he would be a candidate for the governor ship of the state.
 In the course of his address, MT. Conner attacked what he called ''the railway cabal," that has, according to his views, dominated Alabama politics for years In conclusion, MT. Conner stated the reasons why, In his judgment, advocates of railway rate reform could not support the candidacy of pr. R. M. Cunningham for governor.
 MT. Conner paid no mean tribute to Dr. Cunningham. He said he believed pr. Cunningham was sincere in his plat form, but that Dr. Cunningham's "en- vironments' were such that even in case he should be elected he could not be ex- pected to execute the policies set out in his recent letter of announcement.
 MT. Conner said that in order to get railway rate reform it would be neces- sary to have a governor, legislature, d state auditor treasurer and attorney gen. eral and railroad commission that would be friendly to the cause.
 Will Not Dictate Nominee.
 He said he had not thus far, and would not under any circumstances, attempt t' dictate or designate or even intimate who should be the nominees for other of fees in the state, as he believed the selection of candidates was exclusively the peoples business.
 He made fervent plea for educational development, saying that but for the lack of education. the people of Alabama would long ago have thrown off "the yoke Of railway oppression
 He also endorsed liberal pensions for Confederate veterans and the immigra- ton movement.
 Mir Comer's address was listened to with well sustained interest by an audi ence that filled the court room. When he ceased speaking a great many rushed for ward to congratulate him and assure him of their support.
 MT. vandiver Talks.
 Wilmington vandiver, who has served three successive terms mayor of Tal- ladega, had this to say of MT. Corners speech:
 "The audience who listened to MT. Conner were from all sections of the coun- ty and the attention paid to him was notable for it's gravity, the lack or nolse' and the refraining from enthusiastic applause. It was a deliberative, thinking crowd, reminding one of a jury rather than political gathering.
 , am of the opinion that at least two- thirds of the gathering will vote Tor Conner. I think the city of Talladesa will be equally divided, one-half for cum
 
 think, is the present sentiment. Talla- dega county will easily give Conner majority over Cunningham. l am con- vinced that Conner will poll more than 300 votes over Cunningham in this coun- ty. provided the present alignment is not changed later in the campaign
 Introduced By -Joyner.
 Mir. Conner was introduced to the au- dence by G. A. Joyner, a cotton mill man and a former member of the state sem ate. MT. Joyner said that MT. Conner would speak on question of vital in terest to the people of Alabama-a ques- tjon that touched every producer and every consumer in the state." The ques- ton was a national as well as a section- al one. and no man in Alabama, said MT. Joyner was better qualified or more com petent to discuss it than was MT. Conner. In fact. said Mir. Joyner, the issue of
 
 in the country had found in MT. Conner a state champion precisely as it had found national champion In President Roose- welt.
 Glvel Respectful Applause.
 When MT. Conner rose to speak he was prseted with respectful. though not ar dent applause, indicating that the au- dience was more interested than enthus- iastic-more eager to listen than to stamp.
 lxfx MT he felt that he was almost citizen Of Talladega county. He and his business associates, said be, were among the largest property owners in the county, and he was glad to state that the mills in which he was interested were doing well and contributing to the develop ment of the community.
 Duty of Cotton Growers.
 Continuing, Mir. Conner heartily endorsed the work done by the Cotton Growers association and made an earnest plea for united effort on the part of cotton men to get satisfactory price for the fleecy staple. He pointed out that the New England cotton mill interests. supported by the bearish influences of Wall street, had combined to force down the price of cotton, and that if they could do so they would drive the price down to or 5 cents A pound. The cupidity of man. he added. could not be limited if left un- restrained, and 1t was the imperative duty of the farmers of the south to unite and resolve that they would defy the bears of Wall street and prevent them from fixing the price on the great crop of the southern country.
 Ills Interests Cross.
 Now" said MT. Conner 'I am both manufacturer and a farmer As farmer I think that 20 cents for cotton is cheap. As manufacturer think that cents is about right. I'll be perfectly frank with you, gentlemen. I do not claim to be bet tAr than my fellow men. know what