The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-02
CANDIDATES LINING UP FOR THE BATTLE
Are Saying Little But Plan-
 ming Great Deal
SECRETARY OF STATE
This Office Will Probably Have More Candidates Than any other. Gossip About Next Railroad
 Commission
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS


 Montgomery, September 1.-(Special.) ) While the "big guns have been waging a more or less open and vigorous cam paign for the fiat jobs," those patrl- otic citizens who desire to serve the state in less spectacular roles have been saying very little-but planning a great deal.
 And at the present time there Is at least one candidate, and in several in- fees which the people will fill in the next state election.
 The present indications are that there will be more applicants for the office of secretary of state than for any other of the ripe public plums J. H. Nunnelly. at present in the office of Governor O'Neal, formerly a well known for certainty. He has tentatively announced, and has received assur- ances of support from many quarters. But he will not have an open field by any means. Judge John Purifoy, at present treasurer of the state, Is said to be grooming himself for this race, and should he enter he may prove formidable. Harry R. Shorter, who lives in Birmingham, but votes in Eu- faula, will be candidate. He served in the office of secretary of state some years ago as a result of an ap- pointment by his kinsman, Governor Jelks. Hervey W. Laird, deputy insur- ance commissioner, Is thinking of run ming for secretary of state. W. P Cobb of Tuskegee is another who has made a tentative announcement for the po- sition.
 Three Live Races
 There promises to be a lively scram- ble for the office of auditor. Will R. Lloyd, chief clerk of the state tax com mission, will be a candidate. He Is ex- ceptionally popular throughout the state, and his chances of winning are said to be unusually good. He will be opposed, 1t is probable. by W. F. Wilk- inson of Prattville, and M. c. Allgood of Chapultepec.
 Three probable candidates for attor- ney general are Fred Wall of Athens, the youngest mayor of the state; w.
 
 torney general, and D. H. Riddle of Tal- ladega, who was a candidate In the last campaign against the incumbent, Rob ert C. Brickell
 Hector D. Lane, the right hand man of Reuben F. Kolb. commissioner of agriculture, seems to be the most prob able successor of his chief MT. Lane Is of Courtland, and a member of the legislature from Lawrence county. He E.-tz .-4.. go down the line" for him. His oppo- mour of Montgomery who, under Gov ernor Conner, was cotton statistician.
 For Railroad Commission
 Frank N. Julian and Leon McCord will make efforts to gain other terms as associate railroad commissioners John S. Drago, former sheriff of Mobile county, Is said to be an aspirant for one of those positions. and rumor in Mont gomery is to the effect that w. D, Nesbitt, one of the rate experts of tho state will endeavor to serve again on the railroad board There will be de- cided interest in this fight in view of the fact that 1t appears to be probable that railroad rate regulation will be the issue in the ensuing gubernatorial campaign.
 Brooks Smith, present auditor, will be a candidate for treasurer. No one. up to the present time, has been men toned as a candidate to oppose him. w. r. Feagin of Gadsden will try for the position of superintendent of educa- ton. He is without opposition today, and as he has had long experience ln the department. 1t is probable that the people will promote him as a com pliment for faithful service In minor capacities.