The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-02
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BY BURR BLACKBURN

tSudS.
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BY BURR BLACKBURN
The day of the primary Is at hand. A
governorship race which evolved from a
political revolution is finally to be settled
by the people. The polls will open at the
usual hour this morning, and before, the
day is done every state office of trust
will have been filed
The sovereign people who four years
ago established radical administration
which has turned out more legislation
than any of the others in the history OF
the state, will today decide the course
of the next four years.
The contest for the governorship began
nearly two years ago. Both Col. II. S. D.
Mallory and Col. Emmett O'Neal have beer
running a marathon. They made their
announcements when the Conner admins
tration was in its glory. B. B. Conner was
the political boss of the state.
He held the rens, and thes two little
men who dared to stick up their heads
were not in his favor Men said they
had no chance. They were lined up
wrong.
But the administration and its advisers
brought on a revolution. The whole
was to amend the constitution, that some
one might be United States senator, while
Weakley and Henderson were to perpetu-
ate the dynasty.
The issue upon which they were to ride
into office was statewide and constitu-
tional prohibition, biplane which seemed
capable of flying aaginst any, wind.
When all was eady the governor called
the extra session of the legislature. 1t
did his bidding. The track was creased,
and the white light seemed to be burn
ing. though the way led over the party
platform ana through rent in the con-
stitution.
The very boldne5s of the idea cowed
tho people Conner was so big and SO
all powerful that no one dared fight him
ITS no use,'' was the usual expression
around the capital. He doomed up
as he has since called himself, like Ma
poleon.
But the people, in whom the politicians
| had lost confidence, suddenly discovered
that their constitution was being at
tackled. Then the revolution.
Old Guard Is Aroused
Emmett Okeal brought up the old guard
to the defense. BY the side of Conner
fought Mallory. The people won.
On November 20 the two emerged once
more. Conner frantically attempted tc
bring out his weakley, and then his Hen
derson. but the people laughed and he
withdrew into his shell, taking them
with him.
Abandoned by the men, to whose aid he
went at great sacrifice in their most trying
hour, Colonel Mallory fought on, alone.
For the past five months he and ONeal
have travelled the state over.
The dead ghost OF the amendment has
stalked before. Tho funeral procession
has been long and tedious, the obituaries
eloquent and pitiful.
Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.
In the midst of this solemn scene the
candidates for other offices have spoken
only in whispers. They have moved on
tip toes around the state, some lodging
the ghost in fright others pointing to Its
dumb. shriveled shadow with dlsdain.
The race for lieutenant governor has
been the tamest affair of all. Perry
Thomas of Barbour made little trip
over the state, simply to get acquainted,
and look at the beautiful scenery of his
home commonwealth. Walter Seed has
been content to simply ask individuals for
their votes.
The fight for United States senator gave
promise of interest. but none of the cam
didates ever got together on the stump,
and the funeral silence soon settled down.
But during all this quiet the people
have been awake, and will leave their
farms and their places of business to at
tend the services. More than 100000 of
them will be on hand. The size of the
crowd will be a surprise to many.
Usual Betting Lacking
The last day of the political suspense
developed little of interest. The usual
oil
not materialize. 1t is a fact that ten
times more money was wagered on the
result of the Jefferson county election,
than has been placed on this primary in
the whole state.
There is great interest in the result of
the fight for the legislature. The use of
a slate was something unique in the
ccunty's history. and many are eager to
find how it works. Some declare that
the whole ticket will be elected while
others believe that Walker Percy will
break in for one of the positions.
One printing office worked all day yes
terday turning out guide tickets" with
candidates for all the offices marked, TO
be used at the polls today The names
marked are Mallory, Seed, Brown, Wiki
irson, Bulger, Lusk, Price, Dowdell, An
derson, Evans. Grove, Sumter Lea, and
Frank 8. White.
The Mallory headquarters denied any
knowledge of the guide and 1t was
impossible to find out just who was re-
sponsible.
All continue optimistic. Especially is
this true in the race for United States
Senator. Emmett Collins, campaign man.
ager for Frank s. White. stated las,
night, II am delighted with the reports
from all over the state. and with the
fine majority which Jefferson will roll
,,p. Captain White will be the next SEN
ator we wish to thank his many friends
for their loyal support"
Exum Says Bankhead
Culpepper Exum, chairman of the
Ranlxhead campaign committee of JEFF.
ferson county said last night: II feel
confident that this county will give Sen
ator Bankhead a majority of 1000 to 1906
Our campaign committee is glad to say
that the senator's campaign has beer
cor ducted on very high plane. Influ-
ertial citizens will be- at the polls In
sufficient numbers to look after Senator
Bankhead's interests. We want to keeI
Elm In the Senate where he is and we
are determined to spare no honorable
means to help him carry the state
Policeman Commits Suicide
Chicago, May Francis e. Heavy, I
central station policeman. while patrol
ing his beat this afternoon suddenly
drew his revolver, flourished the weapon