The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-09-08

structures on the university campus the name of "Comer."
 Gunnels told the following story: "We were returning from Tuscaloosa where we had inspected the new build ing. Governor Conner remarked that it would be our duty to select name for the structure. He then asked us all how the name Conner would do. Very little was said, but, naturally enough, that which was said was fa- vorable Thereupon, he remarked The commission is present now. There is no need of postponing this matter. 1 move that the name Conner be given the building. All in favor of that name, say "aye!" The "ayes" have it, and the buildings name is "Comer"-and a pretty good name, too, as I take it.
 It is very probable that the story was told by Gunnels because of his in- ability to resist recounting a humor- ous tale even when in so doing it be- came necessary to add bit here, and embellish there bit.
 Conner has not taken a drink of li- quor since he made his first prohibi- ton speech. He made statement to that effect in Butler county last week.
 Lee Long, chairman of the state tax board, who heard, whistled long whistle.
 Governor" he asked, do you re- member that July day we spent to- gether at Butler Springs ?"
 Tho uoUnrpOr tvipd tn cbanna tho subject. But Long told the story:
 Ut was pretty hot, and campaign ing was an arduous job. So l put in my suit case two quarts of whisky. The governor took swallow occa- sionally, and after passing the first bottle around several times, it's con- tents became exhausted. After the speaking, Governor Conner asked con corning the second bottle.
 Why, governor I inquired, are you thirsty as soon as this?'
 "'Not at all, Long, he answered in his short, crisp style, but 1 am of the opinion that it should repose in my suit case and not in yours
 The governor smiled dryly as Long told the story.
 Just like the whisky fellows" he announced at it's conclusion. "They have deteriorated to such an extent that they can't even tell the truth"
 ''How about that tale they use to tell on you, governor,'' asked man who had heard the foregoing, that in which you were represented as hav- ing sold quantities of whisky in Bar bour county?"
 "The story is true enough" he re- piled. "That was long time ago, however, and in period when practi- cally all country merchants kept thel4 plantation negroes supplied"
 And the governor indicated that S~~ that offense, like Richard III for the murder of his nephews, he had re- pented in many salty tears"
 Following the defeat of the con- stitutional prohibition amendment in the fall of 1909, and the retirement of Governor Conner in January, 1911, everybody said Conner is 'dead.'"
 But today, following the renewal of the discussion in reference to rail- road rates, Conner Is the ''livest" man and the most potent man in politics in the state today.
 In some respects, he is as Bryan. especially in that there is general difference of opinion as to his motive.
 His adherents believe that he is as honest as the day is long, and that he is fighting for the people as against the ''nefarious instincts of the rail roads,"
 His enemies believe that he is selfish, conceited, ill-natured, vindic- tive and vituperatiye, and that his attacks against the railroads are in- spired by his desire for more money and for his own political advance ment.
 In other campaigns, the people have rebuked this interpretation of his enemies. It remains to be seen what action they will take in the fight which is about to be begun.