Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-22
ATTENTION, OWN ER$

proRram and voted 1t down item by item.
Then the rate reformers declared that they
would elect q governor Of their own and
legislature to back him up as well as
two associate commissioners. and have such
laws passed as would insure lower rates and
better regulation Of the railroads. They
announced general anti-railroad campaign
and Conner was pressed to the front as
their leader.
Dr. Cunningham, who is opposing Conner
for governor has been in Alabama public
life for many years, having first served
in the legislature from Franklin county in
the early eighties. He has served as pres
ident Of the state medical association, as
member of the state board of convict
inspectors, as grand master Of the Masonic
fraternity Of the state, as state senator
from this county, and also as member OF
the last constitutional convention. -Four
years ago he was elected lieutenant gov
ernor, and 1t was known then that he would
make the race for governor this year. AT
that time Conner was an unknown quantity
politically, and Cunningham would prob
ably have been unopposed for the guberna-
torial nomination today but for one thing
the sudden development of the rate ques-
ton as paramount political issue.
Joint Debates Acrimonious.
The campaign has been hot one, and
seven joint debates between the candidates
for governor have added to the interest of
the contest. These debates have been ex-
ceedingly acrimonious at times, Conner in
variably charging that Cunningham was
being supported by the railroad and corpo-
ration influence, and would be so ''envi-
| roned" II elected that he could not carry
out his rate reform pledges. At the same
time Conner has said that he did not desire
the nomination himself unless he was given
a legislature that would support him in his
general anti-railroad program.
On the eve of the primary the Conner sup
porters are declaring that their man will be
nominated by a majority ranging anywhere
from 10000 to $1,000. 1t is the unbiased
Judgment of observant politicians that be-
cause Of the prominence OF the rate issue
this year nothing can prevent Conner VIC
tory, but estimates on his probable majority
vary widely.
The Grand Old Romans.
It is fact worthy of note, as forecasting
the triumph of Conner and rate reform, that
every candidate for a subordinate state
office has declared in favor OF the Conner
rate reform program, and many of them
are openly espousing his cause, which is
strongest in the country and small towns.
where the anti-railroad and anti-corporation
feeling runs highest. Indeed, some OF the
aspirants for minor state offices have gone
Conner one better and declared for even
more radical reforms than he has advo-
Gated.
In face Of such a campaign 1t may seem
peculiar that Senators Morgan and Pettus.
two of the three members of the Senate who
voted against the adoption of the railroad
rate bill passed by the last Congress. should
be unopposed for reelection. This. how
ever, is easily accounted for by that south
ern sentiment which holds these two old
statesmen In high veneration and compii-
Inents them for past distinguished services
and their own recognized ability, regardless
of ali else. Had other men than Morgan and
Pettus opposed the rate bill as they did they
bou ratired TO Drfyate life by
the democrats of Alabama; but pure love
for these grand old Romans permits them
to do absolutely anything without endan-
gering their seats in the Senate.