The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-17
CANDIDATES ON FREEZING DECK
 OF |CE FACTORY Small Crowd Did Not Cool the Ardor of Those
 Running
COOPER DESCRIBES HIS
 MANY WORTHY EFFORTS
Wier Faces Bodeker In Debate-Seals and Copeland Talk-Drennen and Compton Delivered Their
 Usual Message.

The politicians stood upon the freezing deck at the ice house last night delivering hot air by the peck of few Seventh ward voters They stood upon the plat form surrounded by negroes who were packing lee for shipment and delivered their addresses to the crowd standing on the sidewalk and In the street.
 Despite the fact that the crowd was small and there were no joint debates, the candidates delivered themselves of their platforms and under the shining stars pledged themselves to the peoples interests.
 B. H. Cooper the father of the muni- cipaI ownership of waterworks movement, was the first speaker. He outlined his connection with the movement, how he was the chairman of the committee which proved the feasibility of bringing water from the Warrior river. how he has re- peatedly advocated and fought for a submission to the voters of Birmingham the question of issuing bonds to build a waterworks plant, and declared that as president of the City Council he will ad- vance the cause in every fair manner pos sibleA
 The "chlefs" Debate.
 Mr Cooper declared himself in favor of the abolition of grade crossings. He recited the history of the street tax fight, and how, under his leadership. it had been defeated.
 T want it understood he said. that Mir. Jones introduced the street tax ord- nance after Mayor Ward had financed the loan, and he knew that the city did not need the money"
 The Wier-B Bodeker speeches were the most interesting of the meeting. Chier Wier again recited the manner in which he was dismissed by the commission or which Hal Copeland was chairman by Tom Parkers typewritten resolution. He declared that under his administration there would be. little gambling and T war against blind tigers.
 Chief Bodeker was next called upon. He made a quiet speech, stating that while his opponent might be using his discharge as an argument that he had nothing to do with it.
 Let Wier fight that out with the com missioners l was a subordinate. The position of chief was declared vacant and the job was offered to me. l was then drawing SO a month Who would not have changed It for s2oO?
 ''I am indulging in no mud-slinging, but am pitching my campaign on my rec ord. I have given you an opportunity tol see just what I can do, how l can or ganize and control your police force, how I can protect your stores and your resi- dences. and if I have made you the best chief I ask that you.yote for me.
 My opponent speaks of blind tigers, 1 challenge any man to show me where Inc law Is not being enforced. l refute any charge of a combination but am running simply with the ambition of making you a good chief of police
 Carl Seals Talks.
 Carl Seals made an earnest talk, ealing on the voters to pick the best men, and insisted that he Is qualified to give good. clean, business administration.
 we have nothing to do with the laws on the statute books except their enforce ment. I am not politician. but my sole object is to do what l can for the en- forcement of the laws. There is no money in this office. I have nothing to gain. As a man who has never before asked the public for an office, I am seek ing to help administer the law with jus tlce to the people of Birmingham"
 Hal Copeland the next speaker, said he did not come to make a speech that he had been in Birmingham 26 years; that he was now seeking his second term, and that democratic principle should give it to him.
 Melville Drennen, candidate for mayor, said that he was not after a continuation in office, explaining that as George Ward had been in office for some time, some years had elapsed since his own ser vice. He repeated his ambition to be the mayor of the greatest city in Alabama. and stated that he felt proud of his rec ord, as a fighter for municipal ownership and as a builder of schools.
 He was followed by MT. Compton, who, as he said did little ''windja jamming.
 There will be political meetings tonight at Ellis store, in the Eleventh ward, and in the Second ward.