The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-13
Bodeker's Friends Say He
May Run For Commission
er Against Weatherly
WHITE SUGGESTS
RECALLING WARD
Excitement Intense at City Hall Last
Night Following Sensational
Close of the Police
Investigation

If sentiment abroad last night is orys-
tallized, George BodeSer will be a candi-
date for city commissioner 10 succeed
James Weatherly
The friends Of Mr.. Bodeker last night
were emphatic in their statements that
Mr.. Bodel1er would enter the race. Chief
Bodeker himself declined to discuss tho
question.
1t is generally understood Commissioner
Weatherly will be a candidate To succeed
himself. Bodeker partisans base their
statements on the alleged unfairness of
the police probe which has just been con-
ciuded and as result of which Chief
Bodeker this afternoon is expected to be
asked for his resignation.
Although neither Bodeller nor his friends
will make any definite statement. it is gen
orally reported that large mass meeting
will be held within the next few days
1t is also expected that Mr.. BodelSer oil
his friends will issue formal statement
about tomorrow morning.
Mr.. Bodeker, as is known, has peer
contemplating entering the race for sher-
iff, but since the police probe develop
ments there is little doubt but what this
course has been abandoned and that he
will run for commissioner.
Talk of Recalling Ward
Among Bodeker's friends last night
there was much talk of starting a move
ment to recall President George Ward
After the dramatic close of the police
probe by Capt. Frank White in his de
day afternoon, Captain White pushed his
way through the crowd and as lie entered
the corridor Of the city hall. he shouted
loudly: Boys, well recall him." and
the crowd, which was composed largely
of BodeSer partisans, voiced its approval.
Captain White pushed his way on
through the crowd which had fled into
the corridor blocking the passage way
and entered Chief Bodeker's office. A
moment later Chief Bodeker came in.
Bodeker took Captain Whites hand.
Captain White" he said, "it5s over and
want to thank you for the fight you
have put up. I'll pay you as soon As l
get some money. l expect I've lost the
job but I'll pay you Just as soon as |
can get It."
Will Help Him Fight
y on IL not pay me cent, declared
Captain White shaking the chiefs hand.
Il would rather ask my mother for money
to help you fight those fellows than take
a penny from you. They have tried to
prosecute you unfairly and unjustly. But
as my neighbor my fellow citizen, my
friend and as an honest man and an able
and efficient officer l want to say that
you don't owe me a cent and I'll help
you fight for your name and your charac-
ter and your rights as long as ! am able
to do So
Tears came into Chief BodelSers eyes.
He murmured his thanks for Captain
Whites words and turned his face from
the half dozen men In the office.
Excitement about the city hall kept up
for almost an hour after the session of
the investigation had adjourned. The
crowds hung about in the corridors, which
finally were cleared by several police
men.
Members of the commission declined to
make any public statement about events
incidental to the final session OF the
rfobe. When asked for statement Com
missioner Weatherly said:
Il have nothing to explain; nothing to
deny, and nothing to regret. That's all"