The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-29
COMMITTEE FACES
 CRAVE PROBLEMS Montgomery Meeting To Be Of Unusual Importance SOME OF THE ISSUES Sentiment Already Appears to Be Over whemngly in Favor of an Early
 Primary for State
 Officers.
SOME OF THE ISSUES
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.

Since the ripple caused by the an- nouncement that John L. Parker of Bir- mingham will be candidate for the po- sition of lieutenant governor has reached the political banks, the surface Is again calm and peaceful.
 But in an unostentatious manner, con- siderable work is being done, and many plans are being laid. Tagible results, 1t is indicated, however, will not be devel- oped until after the dawning of the new year.
 As to whether the state primary shall be held in April or in August, as to whether the plan adopted for the pri- mary shall provide for the nomination of candidates by a majority or plurality vote, and as to whether the committee having the matter in hand shall leave intact or tear away the local option plank in the democratic platform are features which are already being discussed. Both sides of each of the above have many and warm adherents, and these are pre- pairing to bring pressure to bear on the committee.
 In an anticipatory sense, politicians will begin to lay serious plans early in Jam uary. It is the general prediction that the meeting of the executive committee will be the most important in it's recent history. and that the effect of its action will be the most keeny felt.
 While every interest feels that in 8 material sense 1910 will be the banner year for the state of Alabama, 1t Is true, nevertheless, that the new year will dawn with the politicians already seated around it's natal cradle.
 As has been shown, the people from practically every section of Alabama arc desirous of having the primary in April There is an apparent desire to tackle the big game and get it finished. As far as known, all the candidates who have an- nounced are willing that the primary be held in April. The only protest has come from Gov. B. B. Conner. who be- lieves that the voters should be thor oughly informed on all questions and who holds that this end can be achieved only with an August primary.
 The sentiment in favor of the plurality plan seems to be gaining strength, too. for the reason that the majority of the people want an early release from the thraldom Of politics. They argue that were the eral primary held in April and A run-over is necessary. the run over" the bitterer of the two. will not be determined before June or perhaps August.
 The argument Is made, too. that those in favor of an early primary for the req son that an early date will sooner end the fight. to be consistent. must be op- posed, for the same reason. to a majori- ty rule for nomination. and vice versa.
 While on the surface affairs political are quiet, the candidates and their friends are far from state of perfect idleness.
 Little, 1t is true, is seen of the move ments of Judge Samuel D. Weakley, though it has become generally under stood that he will remain in the race for governor.
 Active indeed, are the friends of Col. Hugh S. D. Mallory of Selma, and the friends of Col Emmet O'Neal are al- ready making a quiet campaign in his behalf.
 State Treasurer Walter D. Seed is con- tinuing to press the campaign which he has waged almost single-handed since his election to the office he holds. He Is everywhere in the state at the same time in seeming contravention of the well established mathematical truth-is meet ing the people personally, shaking hands with them, discussing the crops and chucklng the babies under the chins
 The woods, in fact, are full of candi- dates Would-be auditors, treasurers, secretaries of state, commissioners of ag- riculture and possessors of other fat state jobs are quietly building Notifications from behind which, in the near future they will be openly firing shot,