The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-11
HObson Is Only One Willing
To Express Opinion Of
Governors Authority
HEFLIN GOES BACK
IN SPECIAL PARTY
Clayton Will Leave This Morning
Says 1t Is Now No Time to Ba-
gin Scramble for Senator
Johnston's Place

The three members of Congress who
have been mentioned in connection
with the senatorial vacancy caused by
the death of Senator Johnston were in
Birmingham yesterday. They were
Henry d. Clayton. ]. Thomas Heflin
and Richmond p Hobson
AS to whether or not Governor o'Neal
has the constitutional right to appoint
the successor of Senator Johnston, the
three disagreed Mr. Clayton is of the
opinion that the governor can make
an appointment. Mr.. Heflin is of the
opinion that he cannot. Mr. Hobson con-
tends that there should be a special
election for the naming of senator.
Mr.. Heflin returned to Washington
last night. Mr.. Hobson mounted the
train for the capital, but afterward
dismounted. He stated that after board
Ing the train he learned that he could
by leaving Birmingham this morning
reach Washington in time for the next
regular session of the House. Mr.. Clay
ton will also leave thfs morning.
Captain Hobson's Formal Card
Mr.. Hobson issued formal state
ment in regard to his views concern-
ing the senatorial succession in Ala
bama. Mr. Clayton did not. Neither did
Mr.. Heflin. The formal card of Mr.
Hobson follows:
You ask me my idea of the solu-
ton of the present situation. The OBJ
Ject of the amendment is to have the
people elect their own senator. There
fore it is clear that special election
Is necessary to carry out that object
The Attorney General of the United
States has informed the governor tina!
ne mas the authority to call such an
election. Since the>United States Senate
passes upon the qualifications of its
own members, the technical question
OF mere machinery for conducting the
election is of no material Importance
provided the election is honest and fair
Since the situation is urgent the quick.
est solution is for the governor to call a
special election for the earliest practica
date. notice. that some state that fol
legal choice the governor must ap
point, therefore my suggestion is for the
governor to- call a special election ano
announce that he will appoint the one
tnat Is CHOSEN. In this way the people
would elect their own senator as they
desire, and as the constitution intends
and those who argue about technical ma
chinery will be satisfied.
You asked me my purpose. Under the
proprieties of this sad occasion | am
making no announcement as to my own
intention, and | am only raising my voice
in the interest of the peoples rights
Clayton and Heflin Silent
When asked for a statement as to his
future plans, Mr. He1in said: ION ac-
count of the fact that Senator Johnston
has just been inferred, | do not consider
lit appropriate for me to discuss this mat
ter, or any other matter which would
seem to be In violation of proprieties. II
is pitiable that as soon as a statesman
dies there are many men who rush for
ward and prepare to engage in a scramble
for his empty shoes You will have to ex-
cuse me-
Mr.. Clayton was equally as modest. u
have nothing to say he replied to a ques.
ton. 1T is certainly no time in which to
play politics. If in the future / determine
to enter a race for the Senate / will make
an announcement to the democracy OF
Alabama. At the present time, however
l have nothing to say"