The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-12-04
POLITICS WILL Be
BUzZ|NG NEXT YEAR
State, County and City EIec-
tons Coming
CANDIDATES IN tbs FIELD
Harry Jones and Frank Nelson Both
Suggested as Possible Opponents
of o'Brien-county Fight
Rocking Along.
CANDIDATES IN tbs FIELD

| The people, it seems. never tire of poll
tics. Since Mondays election there has
been almost as much discussion of the
causes. effects and ultimate results of
| the decision of the people as there was
| argument before.
Next year Birmingham will be full of
| politics. With state county and city
elections all approaching. and hundreds
of candidates already in the field, there
can be no rest from the battle over pub
lie office.
Since the victory of the conservative
element 1t is generally understood in Biz
mingham that a new candidate for COVER
nor will take the field, with the best
chances of election. Whether he shall
be an out and out local optionist, such as
Emmett O'Neal, or a man who will be
acceptable to a great number of avowed
prohibitionists is the question Sydney
]. Bowies friends have been bringing
all their influence upon Mr. Bowie for
the past two weeks to make the race.
Frank s. Moody of Tuscaloosa is con-
sidered another available man, but Mr..
Moody is in poor health, and may not
be able to stand the rigor of the cam
paign. Others mentioned are Gov W.
! D. Jelks, Charles Henderson of Troy and
| R. L. Spragins of Huntsville. 1t is a
question Of the most available man and
his announcement is expected about the
| first of the year.
| Mr.. O'Neal has been in the city for
the past few days, talking over the cam
paign with his friends. He was consid-
cred sure candidate before the election,
but promptly buried his ambitions in the
| fight, and spent his time in the battle
| against the amendment
| Up to the present time, John L. Parker
is the only man mentioned for lieutenant
! governor. His friends are becoming ac-
tive and will put him prominently before
the public in a short time.
One thing. it appears is sure-the people
of Alabama and Birmingham will have
large hand in the election of the OIL
GERS next year. Thousands of men who
were ruled out last Monday will qualify
and prepare to use their franchise and
any election after February will register
the sentiment Of the real voters of the
state.
In Birmingham and jefferson county
the lists will be almost doubled. The man
ner In which they were caught in an off,
year has been sufficient warning to every
voter and each one is getting ready for
business.
After January l young mems polit-
, ical club will be organized In Birning-
ham to take an active part In the cleo
! ton of sane, pure. public officials. This
is being generally discussed and is meet
ing with approval on all sides.
The city primary will probably come in
midsummer and already in city hall cir
cles whispers are being heard. Mayor
Frank p. O'Brien will have just taken
hold OF the Greater Birmingham propo-
sition and after his short. successful term
will no doubt appear for reelection.
Among others prominently mentioned are
Harry Jones, president of the City Coun-
ell, and Frank Nelson, Jr. Both are said
to have the qualities OF g. good executive
Mr.. Jones has made a favorable impress
sion at the head of the council. President
Nelson's business administration of the
Chamber of Commerce has put him in
the lmelight, and the vote which he
would command would not be small
The control of the City Council will
bring on warm politics In every ward.
About II candidates, If not more. will
come up for reelection. Walter Met
calf, chairman of the city democratic
! committee, having become an alderman
! will not be in a position to act, and as
soon as the committee gets together
new chairman will be elected. probably
II. B. Alternately.
Indications now point to late state
primary as the state committee Will put
it off as long as possible and as the city
election comes In September, the city pri-
mary may be the first thing on deck.
There will be lull in the fight over
county offices for few months during
the winter, as all the candidates seem
to be in the field, and the campaign mat
ter has about run out.