The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-08
Politics M The Air
 Who Is NeNf Mayor?

gently that an effort will be made to bring the squabble early in the spring. There is one feature which, on first sight, might lead to the opinion that the office of Mayor will not be very much sought. The term which will begin at the expiration of Mayor Wards term in May, 1909, will extend only F months, to October 1910, which Is the state wide date on which all municipal officers take their seats Not until then will the municipal bill have thoroughly adjusted Itself to local conditions.
 But far offsetting this is the fact that the next Mayor of Birmingham will be the first Mayor of Greater Birmingham an honor of no little value, the honor Of coping with stupendous problems and of directing the movements of a large peo- pie.
 The man elected next September will govern Greater Birmingham, provided it is ratified on January 6, beginning one year from the time it becomes effective on October l, 1909. And right here 1t may be said that Greater Birmingham is going to receive tremendous majority. All objections have been squarely met The City Council will pass the resolution in troduced at the last meeting providing that the wards of the greater city shall be divided according to the population preserving the Identity of the suburbs. The code provides that there may" be 20 wards, but it is left optional with the aldermen to decide whether there be F, 14, IS or 20 wards. The population of 60,000 inside of Birmingham and 10000 now on the outside easily be so divided as to leave the center of authority in the hands of no particular section. If the people do not sleep while a few selfish ! persons vote the question down the result next month will be as patriotic Birming- ham people desire.
 So the candidates for Mayor of Greater Birmingham are going to be numerous and are already popping up their heads fin every direction. Half the present Board of Aldermen are troubled with the bee, and half dozen outsiders are often prominently mentioned for the office.
 The salary is one inducement. While 5000 may be considered too much since the Mayor has been severed from the legislative body, yet when he has to direct all the issues of the greater city all his time will be required, and the salary will be none too high.
 The liquor interests are going to reg ister every voter in the city next year. but the law-itbiding element has and will hold the upper hand. No candidate will dare enter the field who would not be worthy of the position. On the other hand the man who has ridden so far on the prohibition band wagon will not neces- sarily go in with such ease as he may predict. for by that time the citizens will have seen how well the prohibition laws can be inforced by an prohibition mayor.
 The friends of Mayor Ward do not be- lieve he has been killed politically, al- though he is not a candidate for re- election.
 Names of candidates are numerous on the public lips. Prominent among them is Jere c. King. the persistent champion of Greater Birmingham, to whom the success of the measure is undoubtedly due. MT, King if induced to run, will be one of the foremost candidates.
 Capt. Frank P O'Brien, who made such a close race last time, is expected to raise his flag again. Prominent among those suggested is John B. Weakley, po- lice commissioner, compiler of all the city & documents and man of experience in municipal affairs. A Morris avenue merchant is considering the practicabl- ity of embarlking. Among the aldermen suggested are George H. Estes, c. c. Hel-t and John w. O'Neil
 Perhaps the strongest administration alderman in the city is B. H. Cooper. whose friends expect to urge him to the contest. From the signs of the heavens the candidates will come like a meteorc shower, and many of them will flash out of sight before they reach the earth.
 The president of the City Council, new factor in the situation. ranking next in importance to the Mayor, is an office for which a strong contest is expected The present incumbent will more than likely be a candidate and other names are being mentioned, prominently that of Walker Percy.
 At the same time next year nine alder men will be selected by the qualified voters to succeed J. c. Greener in the First ward. Simon Klotz in the Second,