The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-10
MISSISSIPPI IN
 THROES OF WARM
 POLITICAL FIGHT Henry-Bilbo Encounter Is Looked Upon as Per-
 sOnal Affair | VARDAMAN-PERCY
 CONTROVERSY HOT Former Governor Charged With Re- sponsibility for Stabbing of Deputy Comes Back at
 the Senator

Jackson, Miss, July s.-Much interest is being shown in the senatorial con test between Ex-Governor Vardaman, C. H. Alexander and Senator Leroy Percy. Conservative members of all factions concede that the Bilbo-Henry affair was purely a personal matter. MT. Henry has issued a statement setting forth his req sons for attacking Senator Bilbo and cit lag denunciatory language alleged to have been used by the latter. On the other hand, Bilbo's friends assert that he had ample provocation in assailng Henry. They point to a circular letter alleged to have been distributed by Henry, at tacking Bilbos character. With the ex- ception of a statement by Senator Percy in which he referred to the incident as a purely personal matter, the candidates for United States senator have refrained from expressing opinions.
 During the week the three candidates have been constantly In the field. Ex- Governor Vardaman missed one engage ment because of a throat affection.
 At C. H. Alexander's campaign head quarters tonight the prediction is made that he will poll 45.0O0 votes in the pri- mary on August l. with a strong prob ability that he will gain enough strength  him a plurality.
 The three candidates have announced their appointments for next week. Dur ing the week Senator Percy has publicly charged ex-Governor Vardaman with moral responsibility for tae stabbing Of Deputy Sheriff Foster Rounds at the Rose Hill Percy meeting two weeks ago. This near-tragedy was enacted while the dep- uty was trying to suppress disturb ance In the current number of his per sonal organ, 'The Issue" MT. Varda- man bitterly resents this charge and says that the trouble was caused by Senator Percy's own "vile and slanderous speech"
 Mir vardaman also assails Governor Noel because the latter has taken the stump against him, and he refers to Noers addresses as a cheap grade of slimy falsehoods' .
 Probe Vardaman Accounts
 The most interesting development ex- pected during the week Is the probing of Governor Vardaman's accounts by Ac- icountant C ]. Moore who has issued snhpoeaos lo sec.ife f1 ei. ts.s several banking institutions in which oe- posits of trust funds handled by Narda- man were alleged to have been misused, misapplied, or misappropriated, and, act ing under instructions, Accountant Moore is endeaNOrlHB 10 prepare iCppti SitVN- ing how these funds were handled. Two of the local banks have declined to give him access to their books without Var daman's permission, and letters have been addressed to the latter, asking If he has any objection In the event Of hnal re- fusal. Accountant Moore will apply to the court for assistance.
 Committee Meets Soon
 The democratic state executive commit- tee will meet here on July IS to make final arrangements for the primary. All state candidates who have no opposi- ton. including Earle Brewer. the candi- date for governor will be declared the party nominees.
 During the week the state board of election commissioners filled all existing vacancies in the county boards. These bodies, in many counties, will begin purg- ing the poll books within a few days. The elirnina ton of names, however, can not be made until after July IS.