The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-13
Politics is Discussed More Than
 Anything Else
SKEGGS WILL RUN STRONG
Emmett o'Neal of Florence Will Also Be We'll Supported By His Friends In the Northern Part of
 the State.
BY W. " NELSON.

f N0tN@ANNA'f political situation in Northern Alabama is assuming an interesting aspect since the meeting of the state democratic ex- ecutive committee, held in Mntgomery last Tuesday.
 The Whitson plan, as adopted for hold ing the state primary elections, is the subject of much comment among the party men of this portion of the state. That portion of the plan which provides for the United States senators 'fn wait ing" is the subject of the most com ment on the commttee's action at the Capital City. There are those who believe that the election of the senators 'ln waiting" signifies as much as the fore casting of the death of those who will be elected to the Senate. There are others who believe that the action of the com mittee in this respect was a wise one and taking it all in all the opinion on this point Is very much divided, hence 1t is being freely discussed.
 There is but little doubt but that the state, senatorial and county primaries in this portion of the state will be held on the same date, August 27. Nearly all the party men favor this plan of but one primary election for all these various of- fices-national state and county.
 Skeggs Will Make Strong Race.
 North Alabama is lining up for Henry A Skeggs of Decatur, for one of the associate railroad commissioners, and it is the belief of the wise ones that he will have a sweeping victory in this DOT tion of the state.
 MT. Skeggs is a native Alabamian, hay ing been born in Huntsville in 1854. He moved to Decatur in 1873 and has been engaged in active business here ever sice He has served on the county and state democratic committees and is now and has been for 8 number of years, chairman of the democratic executive committee of this congressional district He has been mayor of Decatur for seven years and is now serving his fourth term in that office. This is the only elective office MT. Skeggs ever applied for.
 Having been engaged in active busi- ness all his life, MT. Skeggs has dealt largely with the railroads. He believes in railroad rate legislation and his years of reputation for fair and just dealing is sufficient guarantee that. if elected, he will administer the law to all parties concerned in Just, fair and impartial manner.
 During MT. Skeggs' administration of the citys affairs Decatur has made won derful industrial strides. due mainly to fair and buslnesslil1e administration of the laws and his get up and pull for his city.
 Emmett o'Neal's Candidacy. Emmett ONeal of Florence, is a strong candidate in North Alabama for lieuten- ant governor. He will get such a heavy vote in this portion of the state that it will be difficult to overcome it in other portions of the state. He comes from gubernatoral stock, his father hav- ing been governor of the state in the sos.
 There are only two candidates thus far for state senator from the district com posed of Morgan and Lawrence counties. They are s. A Lynne of Decatur. and Rev Montgomery Groenendyke of Moulton. Lynne will doubtless be reelected to the Senate.
 Attorney P. M. Brindley of Hartselle, is the only announced candidate for the legislature. Judge D. M. Russell of Wood land Mills, Dan Walden of Decatur ". H. Long, Jr., of Decatur. are spoken of as probable canoluates for the leglsla- ture.
 There are seven candidates in the race for sheriff and three candidates for coun- ty commissioner from this district. The candidates for sheriff are, Silas P. Ryan. Lem Jones, W. A. Pettey, Newton Hen dricks, Edgar Fennell, Lon E. Graham and Tom Shipp. This will be the most interesting race in the county. The can didates for county commissioner of this district are J. A Robinson, Charles Aus tin and Alex Hardage.
 This county will in all probability go for B. B. Conner for governor. although there is but little being saids about gov ernor thus far. Most of the interest is centered about the election of United States senators. lieutenant governor. rail- road commissioner and county offices.
 Both Senators Morgan and Pettus will have quite a strong opposition in this DOT ton of the state, but there is but little doubt of their carrying north Alabama, still General Oates has a great many friends here and will receive good vote.
 It is said that the republicans will not nominate a county ticket in Morgan coun- ty and nearly all the leading men of that party here are opposed to the nomination of state ticket. They say they are fully satisfied with the democratic nominations.
 Municipal Politics.
 Municipal politics is also the subject ot a considerable amount of discussion in Decatur at this time since a mayor and five aldermen are to be elected in May Squire D. B. Morrow announced for mayor today. One of the blanks In his platform is the consolidation of Decatur and New Decatur. He says If elected he will make his permanent office in the mayors of flee. No other municipal candidates have as yet announced.
 New Decatur will elect four aldermen in May.
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