The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-10
O'NEAL' SSTATEMENT
STARTS THE FIGHT
How Gubernatorial Campaign
Looks At This Time
COMMITTEE MEETS JAN. "a
Begins to Look as Though Entries
VIII Be Closed With o'Neal.
WeakIey, Mallory and Seed
as Contestants.
COMMITTEE MEETS JAN. "a
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.

Seed and H. s. D. Mallory had already
plunged. state politics is swinging along
at a merry clip.
1t begins to appear, too. that there
might not be another candidate Those
who have expressed a keen desire to
vote for Senator Moody of Tuscaloosa
have about made up their minds that he
is determined to abide by his published
abnegation Of the honor that was thrust
in his direction. Sydney J. Bowie 1t is
now practically certain, will not be per-
suaded to dabble again in politics, and
Governor Jelks will not run, it Is GER
tain, unless there comes a call for him
from every corner of the state-a call
practically unanimous. Charles Hender-
son, president of the railroad commits
sion, is still mentioned. but it begins to
appear that he, too, will resist the ap-
peals OF his warm and numerous friends.
So, according to the present indications,
1t will be O'Neal against the whole field.
o'Neal Strong Candidate.
Colonel O'Neals formal announce
ment was published yesterday In The
litical gossip throughout the state. AS
was anticipated, ON the subject which
will doubtless prove the issue in the en-
suing campaign. he was most conserva-
tive. He stands, In reference to prohibit
ton, on the platform written by the con-
ference at Montgomery, which formulated
the fight against the proposed amend
ment to the constitution.
AS is known, ONeal started the fight
against the amendment, and in spite of
the fact that the only members of the
legislature who originally responded to
his call were Lee Long of the lower and
Perry Thomas of the upper houses, he
launched the campaign. There is no doubt,
in the opinion of astute politicians, I'M
less some other candidate from the same
ranks enters and divides the strength, he
will receive the vast majority of the
votes which inflicted a most humiiatihg
defeat on the brow of the Inflated amend
ment. This fact tends to Indicate that
Colonel O'Neal will be the next gov
ernor of Alabama.
Weakley Remains Firm.
The early impre ssion that Judge Sam.
uel d. Weahley would retire from the
race with the crushing of the proposed
amendment, is now Abandoned and poll
ticians agree, with peculiar unanimity
that he will stand by his guns even to
the last ditch.
In case he does, 'the-never-say-die"
amendists. with their characteristic con-
sistency. will stand with him ever to
the last ditch.
In addition, Governor Conner will cast
around his shoulders the shawl of admin
istration approval, and thus equipped, po-
litical sages agree that he will receive a
large number of votes.
1t has been rumored that strong pres
sure has been brought to bear. the pur
pose of which has his retirement from
the field. But, the rumor continues,
the friends Of Judge WealSley have shown
keen resentment against such a move
ment, contending that inasmuch as Judge
Weakley bore the brunt of the most ter
rife commandment ever recorded in the
political history of Alabama, it is he who
deserves the honors which, in the future,
may be apportioned So it is practically
certain that Judge Weakley will not be
forced to leave the field.
MaIlory's Strong Claims.
In the meantime, Colonel Mallory is
hustiing for his share of the amendment
vote. Colonel Mallory, as is known.
rived on the scene like modern Butcher
and saved the amendment as an issue,
when that proposition looked doomed in
the senate.
IF O'Neal deserves credit for the de-
feat of the amendment" the friends of
the statesman of Dallas aver Colonel
Mallory deserves the honor of making
that issue possible
What effect. finally, will have the candi-
dacy of Walter Dudley Seed? If O'Neal
will receive few of the votes which were
cast for the amendment, Mr.. Seed will
receive few of those which were cast
against it.
But Mr.. Seed will receive many votes
considerable number more than the
average political student anticipates. He
has been running for office for several
years, and has shaken the hands of tens
of thousands. He was very able in de-
tense of the proposed amendment, and
there is no doubt but that he will in the
immediate future disclaim all interest in
or responsibility for the Conner admins
tration.
Governor Conner" Mr. Seed some
weeks ago was heard to say, lis running
Weakley. Why shouldn't l tell what 1
know to be true?"
Where Strength Is.
Colonel Mallory will divide the vote of
the amenders, and will, in addition, re-
ceive the support of many of the rail-
roads and corporations.
Judge Weakley will receive the major
ity of the consistent amenders and will
pace along under the approving smile
of the administration
Treasurer Seed will divide the vote of
the amenders. and will have strong fol-
lowing. too, composed of those whom his
personality has enthralled.
No aid from the above sources will be
rendered Colonel Emmett ONeal But the
chances are that ne will get the votes
of those who defeated the amendment.
and those who are earnest in their desire
for a change-a real change--in the ad-
ninistration Of the government of this
state
And the fight is well on the way. des-
tined to get warmer and warmer as the
days lengthen.