The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-14
GOV. HOOPER HERE; SILENT ON POLITICS Tennessee Governor Says He
 Is Fond of Alabama TEXAS MAN IN CITY H. C. Kelly Tells of Hot Political Fight in Progress in Which
 Prohibition Is an
TEXAS MAN IN CITY

The politics of two other southern states was the topic of discussion in Bir- mingham yesterday This was due to the fact that among visitors to the city were Ben W. Hooper, governor of Tennessee, and II. C. Kelly, a prominent resident of Dallas.
 Governor Hooper. who frequently vis- it's Birmingham. where he has relatives and real estate properties. declined to enter the discussion. He intimated. how ever, his belief that he would be able to overcome the democrats in the fall election despite the probability that Will liam ]. Bryan will tour Tennessee in an effort to redeem the state. Governor Hoopers democratic opponent is Thomas c. Rye, a well known and popular ju- rist.
 T have remained ;n Nashville for the summer" said Governor Hooper, and am pretty tired. l hope, however, to get a chance to visit sthe mountains in the near future l frequently visit Bir- mingbam. I am fond of Birmingham and Alabama, and was full of regret that l NdS uDdplt lO dlttilu lllt ttHttiliidi tcit- bration July of the battle of Horse shoe Bend. l accepted the invitation of your governor to be present with my staff, but in the end was compelled to cancel the engagement.
 Politics in Tennessee is quiet. The entries are known. but the date of the election is far away-in November
 Strength Test August
 While Governor Hooper did not say so. it is considered true that activity on the part of gubernatorial candidates Is delayed pending the election August of a justice of the supreme court. In this election, the Hooper or anti-demooratic strength will be tested When Judge John K. Shields was appointed to the Senate of the United States, Governor Hooper named Samuel c. Williams, an irdependent in politics, temporarily to fill the vacancy. In a recent convention, democrats nominated Colonel Robert Bur rows. These candidates are active at the present time The outcome is awaited with a great deal of interest because 1t is considered probable that if Williams Is beaten, Hooper will be beaten.
 of these phases of the situation. He did not comment on the report that In the event of his reelection, he would begin grooming himself for race for the Senate against Luke Lea, who some years ago was elected by fusion legislature by the aid of Hooper. Since that time, the governor and the senator have di1- fered sharply in regar dto politics. and 1t is reported in Tennessee that the former will be candidate against the latter If he Is successful in defeating his. present opponent, Colonel Rye.
 Governor Hooper returned to Nashville last night.
 Hot Fight in Texas
 Out in Texas. according to MT. Kelly who also fl fiequently visits Birming ham, the political pot is boiling over. The is- sue is one of prohibition. The prohibi- The arti-prohbitionists are supporting The antipi ohibitonists are supporting James Ferguson of Temple
 "The situation Is unique" said Mir. Kelly. because Colonel Ball. in simply declaring that the saloons have no btsi- in politics and should be driven his opponent an opportunity to charge that he Is wet prohibtionist.
 eThe indications are that Ball will be elected. Many men who do not believe in the efficacy of prohibition. but who do hold that the liqnor question is not question by means of which to decide a race for governor. are supporting him. Two of the strongest anti-prohibiton pa- pers of Texas, the Houston Post and Fort Worth Record, are aiding him.
 "But Ferguson has strength of his own and his friends appear to be confident The campaign Is red-hot, and many busi- Eess men will rejoice when 1t Is con- cluded The race has still several weeks in which to run