The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-09
BY HUGH ". ROBERTS


 Governor-elect Emmet o'Neal reached Montgomery tonight and immediately went into conference with those who stand and have stood close to, the in- coming executive.
 While the conference was behind closed doors and while no statement of what occurred was given out, it is learned that discussion was had con corning the controversy as to whether or not the caucus of democrats for the purpose of nominating presiding off cers should be held tomorrow night as originally planned. or whether it should be postponed, until after the organiza- tion of the legislature.
 Parties urging the appointment Of applications for positions interviewed the governor-elect too, and it is said that serious discussion concerned the new convict board. Jim Oakley of Bibt in the field for the chief position on tilat board sis in. the 'eity.
 Colonel ONeal has stated, however. that he will not announce his appoint ments until after his inauguration. It Is known, nevertheless, that John D. McNeal, secretary to Governor Conner, will be retained as secretary to the new governor for a short period at least. 1t is understood, too, that Lee Cowart will also serve as private secretary, though 1t is intimated that later he " Il be transferred to the immigration department as its chief agent.
 Fight for speakership
 The situation as concerns the fight For the speakership of the house has lost none of its animation. Tonight a committee of those who will support J. Lee Long issued the following state tnent:
 We have canvassed the field tn or pughly, gone over the list of pledges and considered the doubtful column, and as result we announce that there Is no doubt of the election of MT. Long He will probably be nominated on the First ba,aot."
 Judge Almon, In an interview today, stated without hesitation that he felt certain of his success. T have pledges from a majority of the members of the new legislature. the greater part of which are in black and white. I can hot consider the possibility of my de- feat"
 While neither of the candidates has an- nounced the exact number of those who have pledged their support to them, it is understood that the Long camp claims 54 votes and the Aimon 52
 Views of the Leaders
 From unofficial discussion in the hotel lobbies today, 1t seems that the votes of the Dallas county delegation will go to MT. Long in case Alex D. Pitts retires from the field after the first or second ballots. Each of the leading candidates, pertain of his personal following is in the field for the votes of MT. Pitts and nr. Parks when those gentlemen are no longer in the race. The outcome of the bout will depend, it is thought, on the direction the votes of these gentlemen lake. In general discussion Mir. Long continues to be the favorite, although the strength of Judge Almon is given due con There occurred tonight a caucus of the friends of Judge Alnon at which was Walker Percy, one of Jefferson's repre- Bentatives. After the caucus those who participated announced themselves as sat- sGed with the outlook.
 4 Six members of the Jefferson delega- lion will vote for Mir Long Two mem II pers of the Jefferson delegation are yet 10 arrive-Mr. Motion and MT. Bernard. since Friday afternoon Mcdonald, Judge, Ind Eastis have been on the scene. This I morning ONeill came, and tonight MT. Percy. MT. Motion and MT. Bernard are expected tomorrow in time for the caucus | In case 1t Is determined to hold the eau gus. -. Birmingham People Arrive The train tonight brought large nun Der of Birmingham people to the city. Among the number were w. H. Manly and Chappell Corey, these gentlemen soming in the interest of the new bank | ng bill. 1t is thought. too, that they will make some preliminary arrangements \ Tor the Bankers association which con- .N venes here January 19.
 M Jesse StallinEs arrived. as he states, to \ look over the field. He declares that he \ kill take no part in the fight for the \ spcakership, in spite of the fact that he and Mir. Long were SO intimate in the campaigns against constitutional prohbi- ] 4 lion and In the interest of Colonel O'Neal. I$ It is said that MT. Longs part in the M race for chairman of the state democratic E executive committee in which Tyler Good
 win defeated MT. 6tallings Is the cause of \ Nr, Stallings lack of action in the chair
 hanship campaign. However, this reason
 was not given by Mr. Stallings when
 questioned concerning his apparent lack If interest. ts
 Morrow's Campaign
 M John Tiilman, the nestor of tho Bir- z*ningham bar, arrived to aid in shaping
 hut the campaign of MT. Morrow for the kSrcsidency of the senate. Lieutenant Gov
 rnor Grayl Is also doing splendid service
 br Jefferson's senator. and Wiley Tuns-
 m has enlisted as one of that candi-
 Ate's chief neptenants.