The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-26
POLITICAL SMALL
TALK IS LACKING
MANY Think Conner Will Not
Quit Politics
A STORY ABOUT HOBsON

BY HERvEY w. LAIRD

Montgomery, June 25.-(Special. )-There
is dearth of what might be called poll
teal small talk about the capital these
days. In fact is SO absent as to create
suspicion that a great deal is being
thought of that is not being talked
about. Not even the approaching meet
ing of the state committee, set for July
6, has had the effect of stirring up any
special interest
What About Conner
Discussion Is running somewhat to the
dim and distant future and 1t lights in a
measure on Gov. B. B. Conner, soon to
retire, and his possible and probable fu-
that he will retire to private life for all
time without struggle, and many more
who are wondering If he does not intend
to have a stab at the United States SEN
atorship job of fomer Gov. Joseph F.
Johnston.
A New Hobson Story
An interesting story, told during the
campaign and at this time recalled, car
ries the suggestion that Hobson is to
make the race for the Senate against
Johnston, and with the air and sympathy
OF Senator John H. Bankhead, this, the
gossips having it, being the reason Hob
son came out for Bankhead In the pri-
1t is recalled that the naval hero was
much embarrassed by the course of Bank
head in Congress and later ran against
him, it makes the story look fishy.
There is an impression that o. w. I'm
derwood, the Ninth District congress
man, leader and man Of Importance In
national legislation, may get into the
fight against johnson, though it would
seem more likely to be worth belief If
It were for the successor to Bankhead.
There are many things that give Under
wood show, not the least of which Is
the idea that he Is not much of a low
Tariff man. Birmingham, being opposed
TO taking the duties off iron and coal,
has had much to do with making Under
wood, and he is in large measure an In
dustrial district man. 1t could give him
great boost If he should offer.
Chance for Mr.. Knox
There are no few who believe that John
b. Knox of Admission, who ran against
The rest of the field for the Senate, has in
view an appointment in case Of possible
vacancy OF course, 1t Is a long shot
BUT that is nothing unusual in Alabama
politics Knox put himself squarely on
he O'Neal band wagon at the first dash
out of the box, but was not able to make
it pay heavily. However, he has marked
utility and is in line, and will have a
line showing If vacancy should occur.
But Back to Conner
Governor Conner is watching every move
made in the United States Senate, espe-
cially in railroad legislation. and agree
With Senator LaFollette that the Taft
railroad bill comes about as near to TAX
ing everything from the people and giving
1t to the railroads as such thing Is pos
sble. The governor is not much of a Taft
man. He leans rather to Roosevelt, who,
ne thinks combines all the elements OF
the progressive and active and brave
statesman. Because Teddy likes to give
the under dog chance he likes him.
Brandon for Harmon
Gen. William w. Brandon, state audi
tor and one of the best known democrats
In the south, wants the democrats in 1912
to nominate Harmon of Ohio for Presl-
dent and Marshall of Indiana for vice
president. believing that with this ticket
it will be possible to take a kink in the
career Of the republican party that 1t will
not soon recover from. These two men,
able to carry their own states, are of
that sturdy old democratic stock, and that
wins battles. Under them there would
be absolute confidence and progressive
spirit on the part of the business inter-
ests.
Tammany Traitor
While he might think we'll of Judge
Gaynor of New York. and does General
Brandon is against his nomination. az am
many never plays fair" he said. land it
is no use to trust the democracy of New
York. it will trade off the national ticket
every time for the city and state. 1t
has been demonstrated In every campaign
that Tammany is for Tammany. tile rest
Of the country having no plea that will
hold them In line The failure of Judge
Parker to hold down his own people illus
trates this. We have chance to win
without New York If Indiana and Ohio
are solid"