The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-17

Montgomery, January 16-(Special.)- twill he aspire for United States senato- rial honors?" was the question uppermost in the minds of more than 10000 people who today witnessed the retirement of Braxton Bragg Conner as governor of Alabama. Hale and hearty despite his rhree-score and three years, the chief ex- ecutive today reared himself as an inl- pressive figure at the celebration which was given in honor of his successor, Gov. Emmet O'NeaI, and entered enthusiastic cally into the ceremonies of the day.
 In the parade-on the inaugural stand at the capitol, tho ex-governor bore him self like an unscathed oak despite the criticism which has been heaped upon him during the past four years as radical. In the speech which he made introducing his successor to the chief executiveship he addressed the vast multitude with his usual vigor and enthusiasm, at no time weakening nor showing any signs of a break" His criticism of some of the present conditions was delivered with his usual virulence his cheery expressions with regard to Alabama's future were as unstinted as ever. His laugh-one of his distinguished qualities-was as rounded as ever, and his resounding smack on the shoulder of a friend was just as indica- tive of good will as in his palmiest days.
 But at no time during the day did he give any inkling of his further political ambitions His views on such aspirations. at the present time. are sealed to the world.
 Errors of Judgment s Prior to his retirement as governor of the state, the outgoing executive was a few days ago asked for an expression as to his intentions in the future. He an swered that the future would take care of itself. Then, in order to disseminate any impression of rudeness, he added:
 T have refused to be drawn into poli- tics in the waning months of my adminis- tration. One should not guess in the fu- ture. It is out of place.
 You may say, however that during the past four years have at all times en- deavored to do my best-as God would have me do 1t. I have made mistakes All of us make them. can say honestly 
 the states rights and to advance 1t along every line"
 Uncertain Quantity
 From this it is at once seen that the ex-governor Is an uncertain quantity. but one to be reckoned with in the future. The prediction of many-of the' majority, in fact-is that he will attempt to "come back" And the prediction of a great many Is that he will succeed
 A canvass of the old officials of the cap itol, who today also retired from office, revealed the fact that in the opinion of the majority the ex-chief executive pos sesses qualities which the state requires of it's senator who goes to Washington. It is true that they might be prejudiced in his favor by reason of long association with him, but they have givenstheir opin- Jon unreservedly while induIging them selves in desire to see more service with the commonwealth.
 Retiring Officials
 In addition to Governor Conner. changes were today recorded in number of the departments, but to the clerks as we'll. Owing to uncertainty of appointment of a number of the clerks. detailed account of all the changes cannot be published at this time.
 Doubt is expressed as to whether or not John D.. McNell will be retained as the private secretary of Governor O'Neal, though in the opinion of many he will act in that capacity for several months at least-probably throughout the adminis- tration. Recording Secretary J. H. Nun nellee retires from his office. however, as does Miss Kate Collins. the governors stenographer.
 Department Heads
 Five of the officials who were elected to office four years ago retired today This number does not include the secre- tary of state, inasmuch as Cyrus B. Brown. who was to have taken office in that capacity along with the other off, cials whose term of office begins today, succeeded to the office last fall, upon the retirement of Frank N. Julian MT. Brown today. entered upon his four years term, however. along with the other de- pertinent chiefs.
 The officials who retired today are Gen. w. w. Brandon, as auditdF; Walter Y. Seed. as treasurer; Alex. M. Garber. as