The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-11
FINLEY AND PARTY VISIT TUSCALOOSA
Much Significance Attached
 to Visit of Officials
INSPECT THE DISTRICT
Understood Object of Trip to Secure Entrance Into Heart of Town for Freight Business of South
 ern, A. G. s. and NJ. & O.

Tuscaloosa, October 10.-(Specia1 )-l President Finley of the Southern rail- way with a party of high officials Of the Southern. the Mobile and Ohio and the Alabama Great Southern spent yes terday in Tuscaloosa. The party was carried over the interests at Holt and shown the Raul Lumber company and spent the greater part of the day in- specting Tuscaloosa and the surround ing country.
 It Is understood that the object of the visit is to secure an entrance into the heart of the city for the freight bus iness at least of these roads, Other rumors were afioat that the Alabama Great Southern was here for the pur- pose of getting an option on the Bir- mingham and Gulf. That the party was accompanied by Robert Jemison of Birmingham and shown some cour- tcsies by A. NJ. McGehee of this city caused a number of reports to be spread to the effect that the Tuscaloosa Light and Ice company were negotiat- ing with Morris Brothers, through their representative c. l. Brown, who was also in Tuscaloosa with the of ficials.
 While nothing definite was arranged the visit of these men at this time was very significant and 1t Is believed that the purpose Is to make some rad ical changes in the Alabama Great Southern and the Mobile and Ohio at this point. With President Finley in his private car were the following gentlemen: I. Sevier general agent of the Southern: A. B. Andrews, vice president of the Southern at Raleigh; J w Evans. superintendent of the Alabama Great Southern; Robert Jem- ison. a member of the directors of the Alabama Great Southern, and John Raul of Birmingham. In the private car of R. V. Taylor, vice president of the Mobile and Ohio, were b. c. Randell, general superintendent of the Mobile and Ohio; c. A. Pigford, super intendent, and B. A. Wood. chief en- gineer of the Mobile and Ohio. Wad- dell Katohings, president of the Cen tral Foundry company, met the party at Holt and extended courtesies as did MT Raul at the Raul Lumber com pany. The party was accompanied on their tour of inspection by A. M. Me- Gehee of this city and c. l. Brown of Birmingham.
 Fair in Full Swing
 The West Alabama fair is on In all it's glory and the records were broken yesterday when the attendance was the largest ever witnessed in this sec tion. Interest seems universal and ev- cry department Is filled with dis play well worth inspecting. The farm products are especially good and the exhibit of live stock Is one of the largest ever shown at the fair. The poultry department the merchants booths and the womans department are all coming in for their share or praise. The midway Is a source of de- light to young and old.
 The work of the cavalry in a sham bat tie proved the hit of the afternoon. Exciting horse races with some excel lent motorcycle races were noticeable fea- lures of yesterday. The big day of the week will be Friday. when all the school children in the district will be given holiday in order to take in the fair.
 J. D. Thomas Dead
 The news of the death of John Dagg Thomas, which occurred at his home In Greensboro, was received by relatives here last night. MT. Thomas was reared in this county, and was one of its best known and most highly respected citizens. He Is survived by two sisters, Mrs Georgia Wheeler and Miss Henrietta Thomas of this city. and two daughters residing in Greensboro.
 Harris Files Contest
 Norfeet Harris filed yesterday a con- test of the election of c. W. Weather ford as city commissioner. The com plaint alleges the casting of illegal votes in the election of some weeks ago at which time MT. Weatherford won by a majority of three. The contest will be settled at the next session of circuit court, which convenes the middle of No vember.