The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-08
Records of Candidates Are
 Well Known Though No Special Issue Has Arisen.
OLD ISSUE, HOWEVER, SURE TO BE SHOWN
 IN FINAL RESULT
Ryall or Lane Probably Will Be Called Upon to Make Second Race With Barber or BeddOw

Despite the fact that the political situation in Birmingham seems to be
 an exemplification of the adage that a
 campaign without recrimination is
 campaign without interest, there seems
 to be pretty general understanding that a run-off cannot be obviated. In best informed political circles it it is generally thought that the can didates who will participate in the run off will be either Judge Lane or Scud- der Ryall and either c. F. Beddow or Arlie Barber: for in spite of the fact that .liberality" and "puritanism' is apparently taboo, there seems to be no question but that the old issue is as- serting itself
 Each of the candidates speaks pub licly of his confidence, although neither in public has forecast a first fight vic tory for anyone Ostensibly each is struggling to secure place in the run
 off. The voters generally are thor
 oughly "at sea" as far as knowledge of the ultimate outcome is concerned, some contending that the race is be- | tween Ryall and Barber and others contending that the race is between Lane and Beddow. It is generally ad
 mitted. however. that the gains | achieved in recent days by MT. Ryall | have given him at least an equal
 showing with any other candidate, and some hold that they have guaranteed him a certain position as "run-off'
 candidate
 Four Candidates We'll Known The four candidates are well known. Judge Lane has been a resident of Birmingham for many years. He served ably on the bench of the circuit court and has, 1t is admitted, made a hard working, conscientious and painstaking city official. Years ago he was mayor
 of Birmingham. He is not puritan" in politics.
 MT Beddow eight years ago was a | candidate for the state senate and was beaten by Nathan l.. Miller. Last year l he took active interest in the Uni- | ted States Senatorial campaign and l vigorously espoused the cause of Capt. | R. P. Hobson.s He has established rep
 utation for being aggressive. and fear | less in public life
 MT. Barber has attracted attention l throughout several recent years by pro- ! testing against what he termed mis- management of municipal affairs. He
 has never asked for public office. but
 has taken an active part in prohibi- 1 tion campaigns. He was an ardent sup l ported of Capt. R. P. Hobson in his | senatorial struggle against Oscar w. l Underwood.
 MT. Ryall has never asked for pub | lie office. But he has served as sec | retary to several mayors and was city
 clerk until quite recently when he re- | signed to participate in the present | campaign It is admitted that in the conduct of municipal affairs hIs ex- 1 perience gives him an advantage over ! any other candidate save Judge Lane. l MT. Ryall is exceedingly popular and the young men of the greater city have | formed powerful and enthusiastic phalanx in his interest.
 1 No Special Issue Asserted
 1, In the campaign no special issue ad- mitted by the candidates to be an is- | sue has asserted itself. His opponents | contend that MT. Barber. who is run l ming on a platform declaring for cheap CT gas electricity and telephone rates, has by the legislature been euchred out | of a platform. MT. Barber, were he l elected and associated with two other l mmissioners entertaining identical | ideas regarding telephone, electricity l and gas rates could serve no purpose. | The state public utility commission, | as is known, having entire charge of | rates and charges of public utility cor porations, has deprived the commits
 sioners of that power formerly exer- | cised.
 Judge Lane is running on a platform | based on the notable achievements
 made by the present commission. MT Beddow declares for economy and rigid honesty in government
 | Mir Ryall is running on a platform | declaring for municipal ownership o1 public utilities. He is also protesting against the dark city and unprotected city created by the present commission CTS in an effort to retrench in matters of public expenditures.