The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-07
O'Brien And Drennen Address New Ward Voters From
 Same Platform
ENTHUSIASM HIGH AT
 TIMES FOR BOTH MEN
Meeting Was Hastily Arranged Yes. terday by the Various Candidates For Alderman From the
 New Ward.

The first guns of the campaign were really fired at Avondale last night, when the two candidates for Mayor met on the platform and indulged in a warm debate. The enthusiasm ran high for both can didates, and at times the interest was vociferous. Drennen spoke first and Cap tain O'Brien followed. The only point of personal contact between the two speeches centered on Drennen's term of office.
 The debate was gotten up hurriedly, and the candidates were not notified until late yesterday afternoon. However, a good crowd attended, and the vote promises to be large in the new ward.
 committee from East Birmingham was present, and asked the two candidates for Mayor to speak in their town tomor- row night, which they agreed to do.
 Promptly at S:30 o'clock last night J. B. Messer, who acted as chairman, called tho meeting to order, and stated that 1t would be a joint political meeting. He then called upon Captain O'Brien to speak first, as he was the senior candidate, but he yielded the floor to Drennen. Drennen then arose and stated to all that he was in the race for Mayor of Birmingham and that his policies would be the same as they were before. He called the attention of the voters to the fact that several schools-among them being the new high school-were erected and planned during his term of office, and that he proposed to continue this work if he was elected to the office which he was seeking. He then outlined his platform in lengthy address, which was much applauded.
 After him Captain O'Brien addressed the citizens and told them what he in- tended to do if he was elected. He further more reviewed the trouble of the salary which came up during Drennen's term of office and called their attention to several points in the latter's arguments which he could refute He spoke of the numerous prominent citizens who had pledged him their support, and said that he would try not to disappont them if he won out in the race. Loud applause greeted the clos ing of his speech.
 At this point several other men-candi- dates for alderman from Avondale-ad- dressed the meeting in brief talks, each outlining his policies and showing why he was fitted for the office which he was seeking.
 During the speeches of Drennen and O'Erien enthusiasm and rivalry ran very high and yel,s were heard from all parts of the room. The last part of the debate, which was very warm. brought forth sentiments of favor for one or another of the candidates, whicS showed that each had a strong following in this new ward.
 Just before the meeting adjourned a committee, composed of several citizens and voters of the proposed new Eleventh ward, which was formerly East Birming ham, gave a cordial invitation to the two candidates for the office of Mayor to speak in their ward tomorrow night. They agreed to this, and, in view of the rivalry that has been stirred up, very large crowd is expected to attend this next meeting. The hall last night at Avondale was greatly crowded as some had to stand during the entire meeting.