The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-09-30
THREE BACHELORS
 UNDER DISCUSSION Ward, Drennen and Allen as
 Political Factors RUMORS NOT ALL WRONG A Reporter Accorded Two Receptions. What the Rumored Candidates
 Had to say-some Very
 Interesting Gossip.
.RUMORS NOT ALL WRONG

As municipal politicians. Birmingham's 8 bachelors made famous by song and story. seem well to the fore.
 In the next municipal campaign. rumor has 1t. and an investigation shows that rumor may not be wholly wrong. that three of the prominent members of the bachelors club of Birmingham are pre- pared to advocate certain issues and fight for them.
 These three gentlemen are George B.. Ward, present Mayor; B. M. Allen, the well-known attorney and capitalist, and M. Melville Drennen, former chief exec utive, and now general merchant.
 Mayor Wards position Is, according to his friends, that he doesn't care for the offfce, for the office itself, but that he may make the race again; that he will not make up his mind before February. Judge Aliens position is that he has given the matter little thought, that he is ac- quainted with the fact tha rumors con- neoting his name with the mayoralty race are 1oaing around, that he has been ap- preached by several persons and assured of support, but that now he sees no like lihood of his running. Ex-Mayor Dren- nen. when seen in his office yesterday, gave utterance to the following:
 "I am too busy with my private affairs to discuss municipal politics at this time" !"
 Allen Evaslve.
 An Age-Herald representative found Judge Allen busy, but kind in his recep- tion, and rather willing to talk.
 q have come for a confirmation or de- nial," declared the reporter right off the real. "I would like to have a statement from you relative to the rumor that you may enter the mayoralty contest"
 Judge Allen smiled: 'I have heard the rumor." said he, and paused. Tt is true that several parties have approached me, but-goodness I have so much work to do, I hardly think, now, that there is a probability of my running" Then he con- tinued: q have been assured of certain support" and the judge assumed a thoughtful mien.
 "I have just returned from my planta- tions in Marengo and Hale. I have made big crops Cotton needs picking and labor is exceedingly scarce We need white la borers in South and Middle Alabama, the richest sections in the world"
 Then Judge Allen talked about his new playhouse on Third avenue, the Majestic, ! and said he hoped 1t would be a success. Then he discussed a new well,san artesian well that has just been dug on his prop erty, and out of which he intends sending sample of the dirt and mineral to Dr, Eugene Smith, state geologist.
 After a little while he again approached the mayoralty subject laughing all the while. 'T hardly think that I will run but. say, I hear that Mel Drennen is plan ming a campaign. See Mel about it."
 Drennen Very Busy.
 After climbing several flights of stars the reporter reached the former Mayor of Birmingham. He was exceedingly busy. He was feeling well, however, and smiled broadly several times during the inter view, and more than once broke into hearty laughter. T see,' saidy he, that you are bringing the bachelors to the front, all right enough. It seems that you are determined to make us old city fath- ers"-and here he chuckled-"make us re- enter politics It would be an interesting campaign, wouldn't it? I am very busy just at this time," and the former Mayor began handling some papers with which his desk was piled. "No keep your seat, the subject is an interesting one,' and again the former Mayor gave vent to a laugh, one that seemed to come from the depths of his chest.
 Here is my only answer to your query: "I am too busy with my private af- fairs to discuss municipal politics at this time"
 Then as the reporter started to the door, held open by a potter. MT. Drennen said: See B. M Allen about this matter. feel sure that he is thinking of running"