The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-14
THOMAS OUT
FOR SECOND PLACE
viii Make the Race for Lieu
tenant Governor
JULIAN DEBATING PLAN
May Decide To Get Into Contest For
Nesbitt's Place on Railroad Com
mission-Lusk Will Again
Be a Candidate.
JULIAN DEBATING PLAN
BY HERVEY w. LAIRD.

i'.nN - W. LFNl01s
Montgomery. December 13.-.(Special.)-
Perry Thomas, senator from Barbour
county, president pro TEN of the upper
house and anti-admnistration leader in
the organization of the legislature under
the Conner regime is in the race for lieu
tenant governor, subject to the regula-
tions of the state primary Of the democ-
racy. This announcement is made from
Eufaula. his home, today, by number
of friends. who say they speak with
authority.
AS speaking leader of the opposition to
the Conner majority in the Senate, Mr..
Thomas drew wide attention to himself.
His knowledge of the law made him
valuable in committee work, and his prac-
tice in speaking, ready debater and his
familiarity with parliamentary practices
an ever ready adversary. He led forlorn
hopes as a matter of course, but he
made a name as a fighter for his opin-
ions that is as wide as the state itself.
Mr. Thomas would not allow the use
of his name before the fight on the pro-
hibition amendment. as he did not care
to mix that issue with any personal am
billions. Unalterably opposed to 1t, he
was among the first in the campaign of
the opposition and his speeches were
among the telling ones of the contest
The large majority against 1t In the
county of Barbour indicates his strength
with his own people. This is especially
so in face of the fact that Barbour Is
as much the county of Governor Conner,
warm advocate OF the measure, as is
the present home of the chief execu-
tive.
A strong effort had been made to run
Mr.. Thomas for circuit court judge, a
place now held by Mike Solly of Ozark,
appointed by Governor Conner after the
elevation of Judge A. A. Evans to the
supreme bench. But this is not what
Mr.. Thomas thinks best. 1t would mean
closing his career at the bar and this he
does not care to do, even il the place
of judge were to De given him without
trouble. His ambition to preside over
the next senate has been known for some
time and it is regarded here that he has a
fine show to win out.
Is Julian In the Racer
Is Frank N. Julian a candidate for
membership on the Alabama railroad
he said it was too early yet to do m CHI
talking. He admitted that the pressure
of many friends had been insistent and
that he had the matter under considera-
ton, but he did not know what would be
the outcome. There are so many things
in the office to take upfmy time and so
many interests to serve that 1t is not
easy for man to say so far ahead what
he would like to do or will do"
H. a. sol a
of Mr.. Julian today: frank Julian is
going to ask the people Of Alabama to
make him railroad commissioner. The
retirement of Commissioner w. d. Mes
bitt. which will take place at the end Of
the present term. means that we are 60
ing to look out for a man, and that man
is Julian. Don't get 1t down that he will
not run. He will if the boys get In
behind him and they are going to do that
very thing. There Is a demand for him
that comes from every section of the state
and he cannot resist it"
Mr. Julian, who is secretary of state
and insurance commissioner, has been
before two state primaries, the first time
failing to land for secretary of state, but
winning the second He knows the trou-
bles Of politics, even If he has enjoyed
its successes. ST would do this MUCH
he said, IF elected. I would live in Mont
gomery and keep in close touch with the
entire workings of the office I think it
is a very important line of service, and
one freighted with the greatest import
to the welfare of the state.
It is assured that Col. John A. Lusk,
associate commissioner by appointment of
Governor Conner, will seek election, and.
strange to say, with approval of the
railroad forces of the state. During his
term as senator he was as hard on the
rail lines as any man, but with his ap-
pointment to the commission he developed
a judicial spirit that has made him as
great a surprise to rail line men as
he was a terror in the high part Of the
legislative body. Colonel Lusk is one Of
the best lawyers in the state, having
made a study of rate laws and those
governing the operations of Transports
fion corunanies