The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-23
FORAKER IS NOW
 IDOL OF THE NEGRO Receives Loving Cup from the
 Dusky Population CAUSE OF HIS POPULARITY Delivers Himself at Wiberforce Col lege on the Grandfather Clause
 In Some of the Southern
 State Constitutions.
CAUSE OF HIS POPULARITY
BY. J. R. HoRNADY.

Cincif nati, June 22.--Joseph Benson For al1er, sometimes known as Fireworks" may never get in hailing distance of the presidential chair but he is doubt less happy. since he is now the idol of inc colored population and is the proud possessor of q loving cup, expressive Of the affections entertained for him by the duslly population.
 Not since the days of reconstruction, when the colored brothers first reveled dn the glorious privileges of citizenship and enjoyed their first experience on the bridge instead of in the stoke hold of the ship of state, have they been so fred as they arc now And the man wno inserted the rod of his eloquence into th: dark mass and created this late cummoton is the aforementioned Fora ker The scene at Wilberforce college, when he delivered himself upon the grandf ther clause and other restrictions which the naughty whites had thrown about the ballot. was one of indescribable frenzy. The negroes were swayed like T field ol wheat in the midst of storm and their cries of Amen" Bless de d." and "Dats so, Brudder," rent the air like the baying of hounds in full chase. It was much like an old time camp meeting and every man and wom- an present was " 'verted" under the nasteifu preachn of the Man with an Axe.
 Matter of Speculation.
 -,a. Foraker hopes to accomplish by arousitg the rosro population is mat ter of speculation. The colored voter is small potato d whole, cutting but lit- tie ice except in a few central states, an. having practically no influence in the matter of selecting delegates to the na- tonal convention. Tis agitation among this element cannot therefore, be of ma terial aid to him in furthering his pres- delual ambition. The conclusion then is that hc/hopes to make trouble for others -partcuarly for Roosevelt and Taft and in this he is meeting with a fair meas ura of success Whatever his object it is causing the democrats no worry They are willing for him to wave the red iias throughout the rema inder of the Cab paign if he so elects, as it will only moan disconteut within the repnb- lican ranks and perhaps help the demo- cratic cause in a few of the doubtful states, where the negro vote is d fac tor.
 AnotLer notable event in Ohio during the week was the appearance of Senator knox of Pennsylvania, whose presiden- tial boom was aired for a short time at Union college Alliance. Knox behaved beautifully on this occasion. He let t be l0ln wn that there was absolutely nothing of q political nature connected with the visit and that he wouldn't for the world do or say anything in Ohio that could be construed as a bid for the delegates which are now being chased by 1a11 And he wouldn't do anything but smile and shake hands. Yet when his name was mentioned in connection with the presidency the great audience went wild and the smile on his face broadened to Roosevetian proportions. His presence in the modest and exclusive capacity of q sradl ate is regarded as a very foxy move and the enthusiasm he aroused in- dieates that he may become a factor In the Olio situation.
 Third Term Talk.
 Roosevet's third-term talk gave the Taft forces q severe jolt d few days since being coupled with a lively rumor that the Secretary of War would quit me race. Prompt denials were made but the effect could not be entirely removed, and the fact remains that the candidacy of Taft is becoming more embarrassed every day because of the knowledge that he would retire instantly should Roosevelt decide to run. and the popular belief that sooner or later the President will reach this de- cision, if he had not already done SO
 The prediction of Henry Watterson that Hughes of New York would be the republican nominee has created some in- terest hut there Is nothing on the polit- teal horizon 10 indicate the approach of a Hughes cyclone. The average republican knows that Hughes is not the type of man to inspire the big interests with en- thusiasm, and with all their talk about trust regulation etc, the republicans realize that they will need money as well as friends when the campaign Is on, and they will scarcely put out a man who would be opposed by the gentlemen who have heretofore furnished the oil and other precious ontments for the healing Of the voters.
 In Old Kentucky.
 Speaking of Watterson naturally sus- gests Kentucky. and reminds one thai there is a rather interesting fight on in that state One of the most interesting among recent developments has been the republican state convention, and the most Interesting thing about the convention was the frantic struggle to erect a plat form on which both the prohibitionists and the saloon men could sit and feel per fectly at home. The architects in charge Of this particular structure labored for many hours, and they are nightly pleased with the result. How well pleased the divergent elements will be when they come face to face on it's wide eXpanse remains to be seen. The demo- rrats are closely committed to the tenn peiance programme. and in view of the apparent ascendency of the temperance element in the Blue Grass state, they seem to have the best of the argument.
 Political conditions in Alabama have excited national interest of late, owing to the prominence of Senator Morgan and the unusual developments which followed his death The suggestion that pii- mary election does not bind is distinct novelty. and while it is not believed by party men who are accustomed to seeing the party will carried out by those charged with its execution, that Senator Pankhead will have any serious difficulty in obtaining election at the hands of the Alabama legislature, interest will not vane until the issue has been settled.
 Strange, Indeed.
 From the Chicago News.
 Tall Bard-Here is an article that says