The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-05
SOME WEEKEND GOSSIP
 FROM THE STATE CAPITOL
By HERvEr w. LAIRD.

turned the tide against us. We had the amendment beat in the senate until he came and lined up for it. Now I can not see that we have any reason to fall in behind him, even to beat out the Conner crowd"
 It has been argued by many who are not in sympathy with the Conner follow ing. that if all the opposition were to fall in behind the Selma man, adding this to the strength he will carry himself, the political power of the present governor could be broken, thing well desired by the friends of Mallory as a whole 1t Is quite certain But 1t seems equally so that they are not going to lend them selves to the movement, which would seem to be another evidence of the good luck of the man in the chair of the chief executive and his friends.
 Activity of Antis.
 While Governor Conner and his friends are fighting the way to organic prohibi- ton, a large element of high-class bus mess men are pulling the other way, some of them when who have stood with the governor on all his other policies. Among these is Charles Henderson, president of the railroad commission, who is not for the amendment by any means His op- position to the movement has led many to believe that MT. Henderson can lead the antis to victory in a race for gov ernor It is well known that pressure is brought to bear to get him to con- slider the proposition
 If those who are against the amend ment can beat it out they will beyond question put out man for the governor ship but who he will be is matter for the future. 'If the fight does not develop a man we need not expect to get one." said fellow who is in line with the opposition to the capitol crowd. And this seems to be the impression at this time. The man who leads In the fight on the amendment is yet not certainly known. though it might be either one of those mentioned above The work, however, will go right along. At the conference on September 15 there will be named a manager who will lead the ever-growing forces against the amendment.
 Governor at Work.
 Many have expressed surprise at the continued activity of Governor Conner in the interest of the various movements that are now on foot. He is not out for any office, nor could he make any race for the Senate, the only thing he would be likely to have, for several years yet. With four year sessions he Is out of 1t. But he is fighting as hard as any man in the field With speeches at num- Der of points this week and next he is helping to begin the fight. for every one of the prohibition laws. After a short stay in Canada, where he will go next week, he will return for a hard campaign of speechmaking.
 The writer asked him why he should be so anxious about these matters, hav- ing done much for them, and giving all his ardent support He told story of the last campaign. man said the pri- xxs,ka vryo~ fnn " the search for office to the rich. Yes" said one of the party, "it is hard on the candidate, but good for the people. in that they are fully informed and not left in the dark on any question" This is his answer, that the people know all about the questions at issue.
 Much New Power.
 It is we'll known that the laws of the last session give the Governor added power in that he will have two examiners of public accounts and two assistant bank examiners, with POI jury commissioners to appoint, and, as he may choose them from his friends, and all prohibitonists, his power will be greatly restored in the county districts, as well as in towns The word has gone out that every jury com missioner is to be prohfbitionist
 Garber Pleased.
 Attorney Genera1 "A. M. Idi uoi AS pleased that the legislature cleared up great many doubtful points of law, thus relieving his office of lot of search work Colonel Garber is getting large share of prominence of his own in the de- velopment of the ideas that are being carried out by the administration forces. He was speaker with Gov. B. B. Conner at Wetumpka Thursday. It is generally believed that the friends of the colonel will get him out for the supreme court bench.
 Julian Happy.
 Secretary of State Frank N. Julian. who is. by virtue of his office, insurance com missioner, is happy over his victory in bringing the next meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to Mobile in 1910. He says it was pretty fight, much of 1t against unreasonable prejudice against the south. He thinks 1t will not only be a great help to the in- surance mon of the nation to come to Mobile but will let them in on the fact that they have lot to learn about the south.
 Wallace ls Smiling.
 Having gathered strength for another year in . happy vacation in North Caro- lina, etate Gams and vtBh Cornuaissioner John H Wa1laoA Jx.s is again at his dssk.