The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-04
OLIVER IN CHARGE OF THE POSTOFF|CE Gossip About Successor to
 Judge Montgomery NAMES SUGGESTED J. 0. Thompson, Pope M. Long, Sem ator Johnston and Congressman
 Underwood Will Probably
 All Be Consulted

George C. Oliver Is acting postmaster of Birmingham by virture of his being agent of the National Surety company. He assumed charge of the office yester- day morning immediately after he sign ed the oath of office before before Miss Emma Mahoney of the federal district court.
 No orders or changes have been exc cuted or made at the postoffice by the new official. Everything is running along smoothly and no interference has been noted in the governments machinery. MT. Oliver asked his company by tele- graph yesterday what method should be pursued in handling the postal affairs here and the company Is in communica- tion with the. postoffice officials in Washington. It is said the only point to be cleared up Is whether the govern ment desires the books to be audited to the end of Judge Montgomery's services or whether they shall be continued as if nothing had happened to change affairs.
 The statement was made yesterday by MT. Oliver that he would serve as post master until the government directed that some one else be placed in charge. He assumed office under section 246 of the postal laws which provides that In the death of a. postmaster the office shall be taken over by a. representative Of the sureties. AS the bond company Is the surety the assumption of control by MT. Oliver followed as a matter of course. In the near future 1t is expected that the
 n Thompson and other republican leaders to Washington and take up with them the ap- pointment of a successor to MT. Oliver. As stated yesterday MT. Oliver is in no wise an applicant for the position.
 MT. Thompson left yesterday morning for his brothers plantation in South Ala bama to attend the annual barbecue at that place yesterday. He did not make any statement while here relative to the successor to Judge Montgomery.
 Gossip About Successor
 The proposition of a successor to Judge Montgomery has not yet excited the local republicans to any great extent They are apparently awaiting some action from Washington. It Is taken, however, as foregone conclusion that powerful infiu- ence will be exerted to secure the appoint ment of a business man of Birmingham to so important federal position. It will be remembered that James Bowron, one Of the best known business men here, was promised the position of postmaster in Birmingham last year. The Thompson adherents state that his appointment was defeated by the Barker faction. MT. Rowron has not made any statement but it developed yesterday that plans are being formulated to allow President Taft to redeem his. promise to appoint MT. Bowron in view of the developments Tn local republican circles.
 In addition to MT. Bowron, Alex Birch. referee In bankruptcy; N. l.. Steele, as- sistant United States district attorney; Frank Lathrop and other we'll known citi- zens have been mentioned for the place
 The indications point to the selection of postmaster here being left largely in the hands of Joseph Thompson and Pope M. Long, the latter being counseled with by reason of the fact that he will be one of the referees after this month, succeed ing MT Thompson. MT. Thompson is to be asked about the appointment because he is now the referee and the agreement made in Washington was that until af- fairs had been definitely settled between the Barker faction and the friends of MT. Thompson patronage would be dispensed the same old way, namely, through MT. Thompson and MT. Barker
 Senator Joseph F. Johnston, who brought about the defeat of N. l.. Steele because the President failed to consult the senator from Alabama, will have a strong sayso in the naming of the post master for his home town. MT. Under wood will also likely be consulted.