The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-06
JUDGE ALSTON OUT FOR SUPREME BENCH Supernumerary Judge Will
 Make the Race WILL BE STRONG FACTOR Six Men of Unusual Ability Are Now In the Race, Which Promises To
 Overshadow All Others
 In Interest.
WILL BE STRONG FACTOR

All candidates, whether state adn1inis- tration favorites or not, having an ambi- tion to wear the mantle of the supreme court, have a new and admittedly strong Richmond with whom to reckon.
 Judge A. H. Aston of Clayton, super numerary judge of Alabama, known from popular man and a splendid jurist, an- nounced his candidacy last night. For some time his name has been connected with the list of probable candidates. and publicity given to his intention resulted in the reception of countless inducements. Last night Judge Alston was registered at the New Morris, and stated to repte- sentative of The Age-Herald that he would enter the race. He authorized his formal announcement.
 That the newly announced candidate will be of the strongest is generally admitted. Judge Alston has made splen- did record during the years that he has served as supernumerary judge of the state. For long number of years he has been in public life, in which time he has made many and warm friends. Being the only candidate from South Alabama, 1t Is generally believed that he will poll d magnificent vote in that section of the state. The fact that his name will stand alphabetically at the head of the list of candidates will result in his gaining the votes of those having no personal ac- Quaintance among the number.
 q have seriously considered the matter of making the race, said Judge Aston last night flor some little time. l have mentioned that fact to numerous friends, and have written several letters to diff ferent sections of the state My friends assure me that the present Is the best time for me to enter a race for state of- fee, and I have yielded to their ad- vice. I have been exceptionally busy dur ing the last few years and will hardly be able to make close canvass of the state. However, l will do as much work as I possibly can and l have certain hopes that will be among the leaders when the result is announced"
 The entrance of Judge Aston has in- creased the number of candidates for the two vacancies on the supreme court bench to a round half dozen. In addition to the supernumerary judge, the follow ing are announced candidates: Judge James J. Mayfield of Tuscaloosa, Senator John A. Lusk of Guntersville, Judge John A. Bilbro of Greensboro, Judge J. M. Chiffon of Montgomery and Judge Slmp- son, one of the present incumbents. Judge Haralson, the other justice whose term expires this year, has stated that he will not be a candidate to succeed himself. Judge A. D. Sayre of Montgomery is still discussed a probable candidate.
 Before the entrance of Judge Aston, Birmingham politicians considered Judge Mayfeld and Senator Lusk the leading candidates. The popularity and recog- nized ability of Judge Aston will make him equally as strong as either Ills friends, hearing of his announcement last night unqualifedly predicted his success. Others adherents of other candidates, ad- mitted that he was a force to be reckoned with. and did not hesitate to state their belief that his chances for success were excellent,
 Judge Mayfeld is exceedingly popular throughout the state, and will get splendid vote. He has been the state codifier for a number of years and hls judicial ability is admitted. Senator Lusk, a leader in the recent sessions of the state senate, has the support of Governor Conner and other attaches of the present state administration. Judge Simpson has the prestige of former excellent service and widespread popularity Judge Bilbro is considered exceedingly strong. During the last campaign he received more than 1000 votes, and was beaten on the nome stretch by less than nose. The race promises to be exceedingly close and spec tacular. It begins to appear as though the interest in this struggle will counter balance that centered in the remaining features of the ensuing campaign.
 Judge Aston is en route to Troy, where he holds court tomorrow. He has been this week in vernon At the New Morris, where he registered last night he held little reception in his room, there oein8 numerous friends there to greet him and wish him success in his campaigns