The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-13

is probable, unless one gives serious con-
sideration to those which have been and
will be artifcially manufactured.
The week was further characterized by
a continued apathy on the part of the
people. Up to the present time, they
have not been aroused.
Is Conner Strongest?
Nevertheless, there is quiet speculation
as to the probable developments, and
even in regard to the final outcome. There
seems to prevail an opinion that Conner
is the strongest individual candidate, al
though among his following there is sert-
Gus apprehension lest Seed should develop
sufficient strength TO bring about his
defeat-and thereby produce the nomina-
tion of one of the other candidates. There
is no question but that Comer's greatest
strength lies in the fact that he is gem
orally considered the strongest Many
men. for no special reason, are fond of
winning with the winner, and many other
men. with axes to grind, have a special
motive in voting for the man they think
will win
1T is decidedly matter of dispute, how
ever, as to whether OF not Conner is the
strongest candidate. He has not up to
the present time created the furor with
which he characterized his other cam
paigns. Ills railroad rate issue is seri-
ously crippled as a result of the decision
of the supreme court. He has not de-
clared unequivocally for prohibition. His
plea for another Legislature similar to
that over which he rode in 1907, has not
attracted enthusiastic applause from the
galleries.
Some Instances Cited
A visitor to Birmingham last week, a
Conner appointee, and Conner supporter,
declared that jury in one OF Jefferson's
neighboring counties was recently polled,
and that dozen straw ballots were cast
for Seed. He was very much surprised
and disappointed, and in telling the story,
explained that for obvious reasons, his
name should not be used.
Another instance which illustrates the
chaotic situation is furnished by Colbert
county. Sheffield will so for Hender-
son because during Henderson's incum-
bency as president of the railroad COM
mission Sheffield was given a depot over
the protest of Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia
will go for Conner because during Conner 5
incumbency as president of the railroad
commission. the effort to divide depots
failed. The country beats will go for
Kolb-and Kolb will carry the county.
Well posted residents furnish this fhfor-
nation.
John H. Wallace, Jr, will make an
aggressive and spectacular campaign,
and will, as he puts it. strip the masks
VI ilSpocIlSy from the races or those
who wear such masks" He is destined
to be factor in the campaign.
The Pugh Report
There is no question but that the
greatest interest was shown last week
| in regard to the race for second in
command" Watt T. Brown, who had re-
ceiyed mention as probable candidate,
| announced one morning the fact that
he would not run. The following
morning, the Montgomery correspon-
| dent of The Age-Hera1d nominated
John c. Pugh of Birmingham That
afternoon, Judge Pugh declared that he
had not authorized such an announce
ment. and that he would not be a can
didate.
The report from Montgomery
| caused general surprise, until the
statement of Judge Pugh, for 1t was
generally believed that he had commit
ted himself to Thomas E. Kilby, the
unopposed candidate. The impression
prevails that the reported candidacy
of Judge Pugh was due to the hope of
members of the present state admin
istration, with whom he is very pop
ular. that he enter the field.
The campaign for minor state offices
was not featured by any unusual de-
velopments or startling climaxes dur
ing the week. The candidates, how
ever, were out among the people, and
the majority of them, naturally enough
spent hours in Birmingham.