The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-31
CITY COMMITTEE IS FACING FIGHT FOR FUTURE EXISTENCE Will Probably Meet Soon to Call Primary for Some
 Date in April
TEST WILL COME ON
 EXUM'S SUCCESSOR
Many Do Not See How Democrats Can Hold Primary and Conform With Provisions of the
 Commission Law

One of the most interesting political situations in course of development IS that in which the city democratic eXecu- tive committee Is destined to figure. The committee is confronted with the neces- sity of fighting for it's very existence, and for the preservation of the identity of the democratic party in municipal af- fairs. As to which of the eontending forces will prove the more powerful Is mooted question at the present moment.
 There is no doubt but that the members of the city committee favor a primary for the nomination of democrat to serve the city as Q member of the commission. The bill which created the commission form of government in Birmingham pro- vices that the successor of an incumbent Is to be elected without the formality of a prlmary-that any man can run for a seat on the commission who can present petition signed by 800 qualified voters. The bill. 1t is plain, sought to eliminate ward politics in Birmingham. The mem bers of the committee. however, realize that if ward politics is eliminated they themselves will be eliminated at the same time and that the democratic party in municipal affairs will go headlong down the same route.
 There will be meeting of the city com mftee curly in the new year. IL is very probable that the committee will call a primary for April. The election will then be held in the fall As to whether or not those gentlemen who are now men toned as probable candidates to suc- coed Culpepper Exum will honor the pro- visions of the committee is unknown. They may enter the primary, il is stated, and they may make the race after having obtained the signatures of 500 voters on their petitions.
 What the Leaders Think
 At the present time. there is much confidential discussion of this situation which is fast approaching a head. although very little is said for publication. o. s. Finch, chairman of the city democratic committee, is known to be in favor of preserving the identity of the party. He will be. in all probability. in favor of the primary. Robert N. Bell, chairman of the county committees has expressed him self on the subject. He has considered the probability of q republican, behind the solid strength of that party. winning the fight over half dozen democrats who will have succeeded in dividing the strength of their party. He is in favor Of no scheme which will give Q republi- can, a progressive" socialist, or an anarchist chance to attain a position of authority in the city of Birmingham.
 James Weatherly of the city commis- sion does not declare himself against ths
 
 cannot understand how a primary can be held in accordance with the provisions of the bill which created the commission. It is understood that an identical view is held by other members of the com mission, and by several of those who are reputed to be candidates for the seat now held by Commissioner Exum. Race to Be Interesting
 The race for Exums seat will be one of great interest. according to present in dcations. It Is not known whether Mir. Exum will endeavor to secure another term. although 1t is generally believed that on account of his health, he will re- | tire at the conclusion of his present term There are several who would be glad to become his successor. It is gen orally understood that former Mayor Geo. B. Ward will be a candidate. John R. Hornady will probably run, M. IT, Me Dowell of Ensley may become the candi- date with a platform providing for suburb representation. Captain Tom Me | Donald is mentioned. James B. Drake. 1 the labor leader, is said to be grooming | himself.
 In case a primary is held 1t now seems probable that the voters will be given an opportunity to express themselves concerning commission form of govern ment. A question, Are you in favor of commission form of government for Bir- mingham?" will in all probability be sub