The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-07-11
s----=------------=------------ ]. MORE TALK
 OF THE JOB Railroad Commission Vacancy Causes Gossip l. CRAIG SMITH MENTIONED W. D. Mccurdy of Lowndes
 Probable Applicant. c. L. Hybart of Monroeviiie canai- date "A Railroad Commissioner Has New se Devote Prseti-
 eaiiy All His Time ts
 His Job.

1t would have been interesting to watch the scramble for the vacancy on the Railroad Commission if the new Code had not been so cruel. But 1t had to go and make busy body out of the Commission with the result that 1t Is not such a coveted job after all.
 The Railroad Commission on May this year suddenly found, on reading the new Code going then into effect, that 1t had new duties. It's members read with diiated eyes that they were to sit and hear complaints not alone in Montgomery but for two days at least once a year in every one of our sixty -seven counties.
 Who wants to be a Railoard Commits sioner under such load? There are plenty and then not so many either. It would be sacrifice for good law yer to take the place. There was q time when a lawyer could make a mighty convenient thing out of this position. He would sit once or twice month in Montgomery. pass on q few complaints and so back home to his private ofice.
 It now looks as If even an attentive business man could not well combine the job with his private work. The Commission has many extra sessions besides the compulsory monthly meet lMAS anu biiGH tAtD SOaASS hO0AAA6~ A.a addition.
 The chances are that no lawyer will succeed the late Commissioner. John c. Harris unless w. c. Fitts. of Mobile, or John A Laisk. the Governors close personal friend and advocate. wants the job. Yet 1t is regarded as quite hitting that man of legal attainnents should i'll one of the three positions. The body ie quasi Judicial and the a~m nF4au lnawfvfrahlv fnkar- woven with matters of law. The pres- ence of a lawyer would be enlighten- ing in many instances.
 Some quiet gossip, whether responsi- bic or irresponsible, makes Hon. ! Craig Smith a possible appoiftee as Commissioner. He ia at present at the head of the Board of Convict Inspec- tors and has not indicated his desire on the proposition.
 On the other hand the sentiment in favor of g. P. Kennedy continues tt grow apace. Several possible appofn- tees of the Governor are known to have expfessed themselves in favor of thu present Secretary of the Commission He also commands 6 considerable in. fuenee at the Capitol.
 w. c. Fitts, of Mobile, sau attorney and well known in the State political iy. is still an avowed applicant. Hi Mobile and other friends are working hard in his behalf
 It Is also stated that H. E. Skeggs of Decatur, will be openly In the con. test for the position. Ills friends have organised in petition. 1t is under stood, for the honor.
 UnquestionabJy the successful appli. cant will have an opportunity to built for himself chance for success. sion. It might make 6 good political future for the appoin. tee as two years and a half hence the position will have to be filled by cleo. tion. Railroad Commissioner is nc mean stepping stone to higher politi. cal fortunes. It is time in Alabama politics, too, when one could distin.