The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-07-13
Next to GubernatOriaI Race
This Creates Most
Interest
THOS. KILBY HAS NO
OPPOSITION so FAR
Political Gossip in Official Circles
Recently Centers Largely Around
Prospective Candidates for
Some Lesser State Offices
BY L. S. BETTY

BY L. s. BETTY
Montgomery, July 12.-(SpeciaL)-
Political gossip in official circles DUR
| ing the past few weeks has centered
largely around prospective candidates
for some of the lesser state offices. Not
that there has not been a large degree
of interest manifested in the various
annoupcements for governor. or that
officials have not kept in close touch
with every movement of candidates for
that office, but as strange as 1t may
seem-this office and that of secre-
tary of state are the only ones which
have thus far to furnish as many as
two opposing candidates, and capitol at
taches are wondering how long this
state of affairs win continue.
Altogether, there have probably been
as many as so or 60 prominent men in
Alabama suggested as possible candi-
number of announced candidates does
not exceed so. Six of these aspirants
for political favor are candidates for
the office of governor, and the re-
naming IL candidates, who have an
nounced, will run for some of the other
state offices. For three state offices
there have been no announcements yet
there has been no limit to the prospec-
tive candidates for these offices have
been suggested.
Candidates in No Great Hurry
The attitude of those who have been
suggested for some of the minor state Of
fices, as we'll as of those who will GER
tainly run, is that they have ample time
in which to make their announcement
Many of them deplore the fact that an
early campaign is being forced upon the
PEOPLE, maintaining that the state is not
yet prepared for an active political fight
and that, moreover, few candidates are
financially able to endure the burden of
long and tedious campaign
Hence, they wish to put off the evil
day as long as possible. with a view not
only to obviate the necessity of long
campaign and to save themselves un-
necessary expense, but, at the same time
to ascertain what the other fellow pro-
poses to do.
Waiting on the other fellow has prob
| ably caused many of the prospective can
| didates to refrain from making any posi-
| tive announcement. Every candidate
| likes to- see the colors of his opponent
before launching himself into the fight,
and there is little doubt that there Is a
score or more of announcements, declara-
| tions. or pronunciamentos ready to be
| cast broadside throughout the state just
| as soon as some one else has shown his
hand.
Who the Candidates Are
Thus far there has been only one posi-
tive announcement for lieutenant COVER
nor. Thomas e. Kilby of Admission de-
clared for this office several weeks ago
and he has already begun an active cam
paign in the advancement of his interests
The withdrawal of State Senator Watt e.
Brown of Ragland from the list of pros
pective candidates for this office caused
decided rise in Mr.. Kilby's stock, with
the result that the Annistonian is already
predicted an easy winner. Whether or
not anyone else will announce for lieu
tenant governor is not known, though
there is a decided impression in Official
circles that Mr.. Kilby may be the only
candidate for the second highest office
in the state.
Gardner Green of st. Clair county is the
only candidate who has announced for at
torney general, though William l.. Mar
tin of Montgomery, assistant attorney
Martin said several weeks ago that he
had the question of his candidacy under
serious consideration, and intimated that
there was a strong probability that he
would run for the office.
Only one candidate has thus far an
nounced for state auditor. This is Judge
w. f. Wilkinson of Autauga county, as
sistant examiner of public accounts.
Judge Wilkinson announced his candi-
dacy months ago, and he declares that
he considers his prospects for winning
the race excellent no matter who may
oppose him. A prospective candidate for
state auditor is M. C. Allgood of Blount
county.
Speculation Over Treasurer
There has been considerable speculation
in official circles as to who will be the
candidates for the office of state treas
lrer. Three men have been prominently
mentioned for this office--W. l.. Lanca s.
ter, an Elmore county banker; Judge r.
l.. Bradley of Lamar county, and NAL
come Graham of Autauga county. Thus
far no one has announced for this Of
fee. though rumor declares that all three
of those above mentioned will enter the
race.
There has been but one positive an
nouncement for commissioner of agricul-
ture and industries, though no less than
dozen men have at various times been
mentioned for this office. In capitol cir
ces it is believed that L. H. Greer as
sociate convict inspector. will enter the
race, but Mr.. Greer has not yet indi-
Gated his intentions in the matter The
announced candidate for this office is Dr.
A. A. Persons of Bessemer, and the be-
lief is current that he will make a strong
race for the office.
While he has not yet announced his
candidacy, William F. Feagin, chief
clerk in the department of education.
will be a candidate for the head of
that office. No one doubts that Mr..
Feagin Will run for superintendent of
education and. moreover, there is no
one connected with the capitol who be-
lieves that Mr.. Feagin will not get the
office.
Associate Railroad Commissioners
Frank n Julian will be candidate
to succeed himself as associate men,
Der of the railroad commission and
Leon McCord also Will most likely
stand for reelection. No one has vet
been mentioned as an opposing candi-
date to either Mr.. Julian or Mr.. Nc
Cord.
The associate justice of the supreme
court whose term will expire in January,
1915, are Judge James j. Mayfield and
Judge Edward de Graffenried Both of
these Justices will be candidates TO succeed
themselves on the supreme court bench,
and ii is DrOha ble that both x,.iII to ~