The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26
Hope to Get Rest from Po- Iitca| Agitation After
 April GOV-RNOR'S STATEMENT CAUSES MUsH GOSSIP Gossip on How the Committee Stands. Will Amendment Line Be Drawn-something of Poll
 tics in 1910.
BY HUGH W. ROBERTS.

BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.
 From practically every corner of the state comes a demand for an early state primary.
 | The people. it seems, want rest. and after considering the proposition, have reached the conclusion that the end de- sired can be obtained only when the point in issue has become part of history.
 The argument heard Is to the effect that were the primary postponed to Au- gust. until that date the campaign would be waged, whereas short. crisp fight concluding In April would have little bane- full effect.
 1 The announcement that Governor Co., mer is hopeful that the primary will be held in August, printed in The Age Herald, caused considerable gossip in Birmingham. The governor believes that snap judgment should not be taken on questions as grave as those which, will arise in course of the campaign, and does not believe that a long political agitation will injure the business of the state. Those. however, who argue for an early l primary, hold that the rest from political i agitation cannot be obtained until after l the primary is held They want the test | of ballots in April-not later than May. at any rate.
 How Committee Stands.
 The date of the primary will be de- termined by the state executive com mittee at its meeting January 24. | It is understood that when the commit | tee assemblies it will be besieged by a host of petitioners-some desiring an early primary and a long rest from poli- tics, and some urging late primary in | order that the people might be thorough ] ly enlightened on questions of moment. :, In case there occurs split in the mem bership of the committee brought about i by the late prohibition amendment cam paign an interesting fight will probably ensue It Is believed that the majority of the committee favored the amend ment. It is understood. however. that 20 members of the committee opposed that | issue Originally, as is known, long before | the amendment campaign was launched, l the friends of Governor Conner had com plete control of the committee. If the friends of the Governor are still in the saddle the primary will probably be fixed | for August unless the demands of the people, which, 1t is understood. will be formally presented, carry weight. | It is practically certain that the can | didates for office who fought the amend ment want an early primary. That is considered natural
 | It Is equally as certain that those who favored the amendment desire a late l primary. That, too, is considered natural In case those who voted against the amendment vote for candidate who op- posed the amendment, the race is already run That the amendment line will not be drawn taut is the only hope for the amenders.
 Interest Is Lagging. | At the present time the date of the primary is practically the sole topic of political discussion
 There Is, comparatively speaking lit | tie interest in state politics. save that which anticipating the action of the com- : nittee and the action of probable can dldates after the committee meets. pro duces.
 | men have announced their candidates for the governorship. They will begin running, however, only after the com- mittee meets and after the date of the primary Is ascertained.
 | As to whether or not sthere will be numerous other candidates for the gov 1 ernorshp after the committee meets is a matter for speculation It has been 1 rumored, as is known, that Charles l. l Henderson will enter the field. 6en- ator Moody is still mentioned in spite ! of the fact that he has already an- nounced his intention not to run. For mer Congressman Sydney J. Bowie and l ex-Gev. William E. Jelks are mentioned 1 Frequently one hears the name of Rob- ert E. sprasins. the Madison senator.
 To date, from the ranks of the de- | lenders of the constittution. but one name has been formally presented for | the consideration of the psople-Col. Elm | met ONeai. From the ranks of the amenders there are three candidates each of whom was announced prior to I ths conclusion of the amendment cam paign-Col Hugh S. D. Mallory of Sel- i ma. State Treasurer Walter D. Seed and ex-Chief Justice of the Supreme Court | Samuel D. Weakley.
 Desire of "Defenders." l There is a disposition on the part of 1 those who opposed the amendment and { who stood in solid phaianx in defense of the constitutional rights of the peo- ! pie to poll a solid vote for some man of their own way of thinking. ! They do not care especially whether that man Is O'Neal, Jelks. Bowie, Moody I or Henderson.
 They are anxious. however. that in some manner all candidates who opposed i the amendment be eliminated but one. 1 and that on that one they may be per- 1 mitted to center their sntirc strength.
 The leaders who hold this view be- ! lieve that the people iD the late cleo ton expressed themselves in favor of . change in state administrations-a complete sweep, in other words And | they hope that too many candidates from the side of the defenders will not cause | the miscarriage of the desire of the people.
 1 On the other hand there Is a dispo- sition on the part of those who favored