The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-30
Impression Grows That at
Least Two Will Drop
Out of Contest
APRIL | is LIKELY
DATE FOR PRIMARY
Interesting Gossip Regarding Races
for Other State Offices-Can-
didates for the Supreme
Bench
ny HUGH w. ROBERTS

W Ill the live BuDeTndlOrldi Cd.luludlts
remain In the race until the finish?
In view of the fact that the state demo-
cratic executive committee will be con-
vened in Montgomery December 10, and
that following that meeting, the campaign
will have entered upon it's final leg, in
terest in the five gentlemen who would
serve the state as governor, has been
revived.
1t has been generally believed in all
sections of the state, that at least two of
the candidates would drop out. B. B,
Conner will probably see the struggle to
the end. Charles Henderson will see
the finish Of the fight. Walter d. Seed
is so confident that he will be the winner
that it appears absurd to consider his
retirement. Captain Kolb processes to be
John II. Wallace admits that he is grow
ing stronger every day.
However, the indications are that by
January 1 there will be certain absen-
tees when the roll is called.
Specializing on Results
It is generally thought that the state
committee will name April l as the pri-
mary date. AS far as known, all of the
candidates will be satisfied with April l.
There are certain aspirants who would
end the struggle March l. There are
others who would continue tile fight un-
til July l. But as a compromise, it be-
gins to be evident that April l will be
the most satisfactory date.
Should the five gubernatorial candidates
remain in the field, it is thought prob
able that the committee will declare fol-
the majority plan. This would in al
probability, result in a second primary.
But should the field be confined to three
candidates-and there will not be fewer
than three-it is considered certain that
the plurality plan will prevail.
With five candidates in the field, 1t is
considered practically certain that Mr.
Conner would receive a plurality of the
votes. With three in the field, however,
it is believed that MIR. Henderson, under
the plurality plan, would win.
Mr.. Seed is the dark horse. He has
strength of his own, and he is cutting
into the prohibition vote in such fashion
that Mr.. Comers friends are becoming
apprehensive.
OtodSItCHIcnb oh 1DSucS
In the gubernatorial campaign, there il
no issue which each of the candidates
agrees is an issue.
The oonseryatiyes-and there are four ol
them-contend that as the rate question
has been settled in Alabama any further
efforts to antagonize the Louisville ano
Nashville railroad would be the result OF
personal animosity. Mr. Conner, however
contends that the Louisville and Nash
Vile railroad is the issue in Alabama.
Four of the candidates contend that
prohibition is an issue. Mr.. Conner, how
ever, contends that it is not an issue
The anti-saloon league evidently Is try
ing to prevent an issue based on prohibi-
ton. 1t has indorsed Mr.. Conner who
states that prohibition is not an issue
and who has written a letter to the editor
of the Mobile Register which satisfied
him in this regard, and Mr.. Seed who
is making the race on a statewide pro
hihition platform. Mr.. Henderson, Mr.
Wallace and Mr.. Kolb have declared fol
local option.
The record of the candidates may be
come the issue after ALL Mr. Conner
when governor, made record with which
the people who passed through that periot
are familiar. Mr.. Henderson as presiden
of the railroad commission made a rec
ord by regulating the railroads. MIR
claim on certain emoluments as a resul
of his retrement-at the request of pro
hibitionsts-in the interest of Colone
Mallory. Mr. Kolb has a long record il
Alabama politics. He was twice elected
governor, it is generally admitted, but wa:
seated In neither instance. Mr.. Wallace
as fish and game commissioner of Ala
bama, has shown creative and financia
ability
Allgood Visits jefferson
The candidates for minor offices arr
preparing to rush the campaign to
strenuous conclusion.
NJ. C. Allgood of Blount county, candi
/ date for auditor, was in Birmingham yes
terday. In the last campaign he made
brilliant struggle against Brooks Smith
He expressed himself yesterday as beins
confident that he would win this year
Judge w. f. Wilkinson, state examines
of public accounts, his opponent, is alst
confident.
Gardner Greene of Pell City is appar
emily Birmingham's choice for attorne!
general. Logan Martin, George Pegran
and d. II. Riddle are his opponents
| Charles II. Greer is proving to be th
dark horse in the race for secretary o
state, and those who believe that tn
/ struggle is between j. II. Nunnelee ans
Judge John Purifoy may be mistaken
The other candidate is W. p. Cobb.
| AT the present time Judge r. J.. Bradle,
| of Vernon seems to be leading in the rae
| for treasurer. His opponents are w. l.
/ Lancaster of Wetumpka and NJ. A. Ora
| ham of Autaugaville 1t is understood
| that Brooks Smith may become a candi
date for treasurer. If he does, he will
} considerably muddy the waters"
! l.. f. Greer, w. II. Seymour and A. a
Persons are mixing things up" in tn
| campaign for commissioner of agriculture
b. II. Cooper of jefferson. Frank N. Julian
and Leon McCord, incumbents are can
! didates for associate members of the rail
road commission, two of whom will b
| elected.
Two With "Cinches'
There are two candidates without oppo
| sition. Thomas e. Kilby of Admission i
| a candidate for lieutenant governor. W
| F. Feagin is a candidate for superintend
ent of education. 1t is the consensus o
/ opinion that neither will be opposed. am
that both. in event of opposition, woul
be overwhelmingly elected.
There is beginning to be more or less in
terest in the race for the two positions oi
J. Mayfield and Judge Ed deGraffenreid
incumbents are opposed by w II
| Thomas of Montgomery and r.. t. Simp
4 son of Florence. Judge deGraffenred wa
! in Birmingham last night. and Judg
Mayfield was a visitor THURSDAY and Fri
| day. Both appear to be confident TIL
| idea prevails in political circles. however
| that there will be one new justice.
| The meeting of the committee in Mont
gomery December 10 will draw together al
! the candidates and all the politicians o
the state 1t will be one of the interest
| ing conventions in the recent political his
! tory of the state Excitement is expect >,