The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-08-20
MERRITT MENTIONED FOR
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The "Outs" Are Not Yet Thoroughly
Organized, But r. E. Spragns
Seems To Be Most Popu-
lar Possibility.
BY HERVEY w. LAIRD.


Montgomery, August 1s-(special.)- 1.-The
political story in this correspondence of
last night, wherein it was stated that
Judge S. d. Weakley would likely lead
the prohibition forces as the candidate of
the active element for governor, was the
talk of the legislature today. 1t is re-
garded that the tip was from the inside
and worthy of full confidence. 1t is an
ticpated that there will be a definite an
nouncement in few days.
The only hitch just now is a man for
lieutenant governor, and there is talk
now of urging this race upon Henry Mer-
ritt, the well-known young statesman
from Macon, who has been marked in
iIuence in the upper house for the four
years of his term. Mr.. Merritt, of whom
mention has been made before. has the
confidence and esteem of the powers that
he in politics just now. and has been
consistent in his support of the prohibi-
tion movement He is easily the peer of
his fellows and enjoys the good will of
the minority as much as of the majority,
of which he is part.
Case of Carmichael
There was much surprise at the state
ment that Speaker Carmichael would not
under any circumstances enter the race.
Many felt that after his fight for the pro-
hibition bills he would be put in the
forefront of the coming campaign. But
according to reliable information he
blocked every move to put him out. He
likes the practice of law in north Ala
bama. He may come back to the legisa-
u x..fII H,.t f- sci in
safe that he will not run for state Of
flee unless he is very much of mind
other than at the present.
The fact that the governors office con-
ference did not take up the question on
United States senator is significant, but
productive of no explanation. There can
he no doubt that Weakley is the man
for governor, probability that Henry
Merritt is the man for the next office.
but who is going to represent the clans
for the place of Bankhead? 1t may be
that Bankhead himself will be favored.
but the history of the Conner regime does
not give color to that idea So 1t is back
to guessing for this, and the field is
wide, with no favorites. 1t may be Sell
heimer, or Frank White, or even Rufus
N Rhodes, though Mr.. Rhodes has been
out of the limelight of late.
What of Opposition?
The activities of the political ins has
set the minority to thinking and 1t Is pos
sible that there will be something doing
In that part of the family pretty soon.
Rumor would seem to point to Robert E.
Spragins of Huntsville, member OF the
senate, making the race. He has the ad-
vantage OF being with the conservatives,
but has record a temperance man.
His political life, like that of his busi-
ness has been of an open-faced kind
1aff y Fria de- of he
friends he has made. He is not averse
to making the fight, If he is made TO feel
that he is needed.
South and Middle Alabama politicians,
and those about the Legislature, seem to
lean more to Spragins than to Emmett
O'Neal, who is all but an announced can
didate. However, the farces of this in
terest are In the air. This much was
found after the report of the move of the
regulars Activities are irregular but the
men interested are not asleep. They are
not, as a rule, feeling good toward NAL
lory, and will be apt to run out after
any man who promises to offer success
against the capitol contingent Mallory,
1t appears. has lost many of his conserva-
tive friends by jumping on the prohibition
band wagon, and gained no strength IN
the cold water ranks.
WeakIey In Lobby.
Judge Weakley has been seen in the
lobby of the capitol more in the last three
days than at any time since the session
began and this Is taken to be part of
the work along political lines that he has
laid out to do. He is known to be star
fayorite of Gov. B. B. Conner, and to have
the support of the Anti-Saloon league al
most to a man. He has drawn every one
of the important prohibition measures
now pending.
The old talk of Senator H. e. Reynolds
for Congress in the Ninth is revived, and
1t is likely he will run II the new census
gives Jefferson q congressman AS a
fighter for education and the schools Sen
ator Reynolds has made a great reputa-
ton.
man or two has said that Fred Black
mon might run for Congress in the
Fourth. He Is very active in the interest
of old soldiers and takes much time to
look closely after his legislative duties.
Aroused to Action.
Aroused to action by the story in to-
days Age-Herald that the leaders of the
prohibition movement were not going to
support Mallory for governor, friends of
the Selma statesman came to the capital
tonight r. e. L. Neil, editor of the
Selma Times; Mayor ". B. Atkins of
Selma and Senator Reese of Dallas were
in earnest consultation tonight.
In the meantime Emmett O'Neal Of
Florence with MS 1rlenu, Judge Joe VA
than Of Sheffield came in Mr.. O'Neal
did not discuss the fight to be made
against the constitutional prohibition bill.
He believes however, that it can be
beaten by hard work.
Judge S. d. Weakley, who is expected to
announce for governor in short time,
was forced to go to Birmingham on
business. but will return right away, 1t
is said.