The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-19
-NTRY LENDS MUCH
 LIFE ID POLITICS
Knox's Card Was Specially
 Hard on Bankhead
HOW KNOX WAS BEATEN
senate, Was Benten By Both Johnston and Bankhead Four
 Years Ago
By HERVEY ". LAIRD

| Montgomery, February 1S.-(Specia) The entry of John B. Knox into the senatorial race has added new inter- est to Alabama politics, as much for the vIgorousness of his card as the fact that he has entered. He seems to be specially hard on John H. Bankh cad, present senator, who beat him in a
 ace before the people four years ago for nomination to one of the senator in waiting" places.
 There is much that is entertaining in the story of the race. In the spring of 9OS with both Senators Morgan and Pettus in feeble health the state dem ocratic committee provided a plan to nominate in the general primary two men whom the governor should appoint if there should be a vacancy by the death or retirement of either of the old men. As it was known that Governor Conner, who seemed sure of election, even then, would not appoint Knox, the idea is supposed to have been in his behalf.
 Knox, who had been elevated to the presidency of the constitutional con vention with the hope on the part of many that it would give him aid to
 
 chance for indorsement that would land the place But Bankhead who had just been beaten for Congress by Rich mond P. Hobson,, the hero of the Mer- rimack, grabbed up a good roads move nent that was then making its way to popularity, an easy thing for he had been for good roads all along, and jumped into the race for the indorse- ment. He got it, leading the ticket.
 In the meantime Joseph K. John ston, who had been laid out after term as governor by opposition to the constitutional convention that gave ad- Vertising to Knox. saw a chance to re- enter and he did, coming in second, leaving Knox, whom most of the state believed the plan was made to save, third and out of it. General Morgan died first and Bankhead was given his place, the term ending March 4, 1913. Later on Senator Pettus passed away and the last fell to Johnston as the people had decreed. And all the time there was little hope for Knox as he was out of line with the dominant forces.
 Four-year terms of the legislature make strange doings in senatorial elections Pet tus had been elected for the term ending March 1, 1909, but as the four-year terms of the legislature contemplated no session from 1907 to 1911, 1t was necessary in~19W 10 elect for the term beginning March 4, 1909, hence Pettus was chosen for this also, running his time to March 4, 1910, aud to this short and this long term John- ston fell heir; hence he is taking things easy.
 John B. Knox is one of the most prom inent and brilliant men in Alabama. For years he has stood high in the estimation of the nation and of the people. Conse- quently, with the upheaval of politics that lias thrown, out everything that had any part in the regime of Gov. B. B. Conner, he may have large following in the race he is now going to make. On the other hand, Bankhead has made good, his friends assert, being on most important committees and having for years done fine service fo- the rivers and harbors. In a not debate be has just defeated Senator Hepburn and secured the loan of army tents to the old soldiers at the Mobile re- union- The Corner side of the house is repre- scented by Frank S. White, one of the leaders for the governor in his railroad rate fights. While both Bankhead and Knox were against the prohibition amend ment, White was for it. Thus Is lined up with any sympathy for either of the ernor and O'Neal led the fight against the amendment in the state. Captain Bank head was also against the amendment, 1i5,00o of his letters declaring on that side being used as campaign matter. He has not stated his position on the race for governor, nor has Captain White.