The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-27

there's nothing to it," he said. L nave
no aspirations of that kind" He was on
his way to Tallassee with his family In
his automobile, and paused few min
utes at the capitol where he chatted with
Governor Henderson.
Although the race for governor and
other state offices is two years in the
future, considerable gossip is floating
about with respect to the possibilities OF
candidates. In some quarters it is re
garded that William d. Jelks, former
governor, may again seek that office
carrying the local option banner. Forney
Johnston of Birmingham also is being
picked by many as the leader of local OPP
tionists and despite Mr. Johnston's asser-
ton that he will not enter the race, an
impression still remains that he may
change his mind
Lieutenant-Governor Thomas E. Kilby
of Admission, prohibitionist, Is said to
be running already for the office of
governor while Archie Carmichael of
Tuscumba, who entertains similar views
with respect to the liquor question, is
likewise mentioned a formidable asp
rant for gubernatorial honors.
Charles S. Mcdowell, a Eufaula prod
uct and one of the best known lawyers
of the state, is a probability as can
didate for chief executive. He is an
ardent local optionist. Secretary of State
John Purifoy is claimed by many OBJ
servant persons to be grooming himself
for the gubernatorial race, but Judge
Purifoy, when asked if he would be
candidate, said that it is entirely too
early in the game for him to draw any
conclusion. The race, he declared, is too
far in the distant future.
Among other forceful figures suggested
as gubernatorial timber is Judge w. w.
Brandon of Tuscaloosa, former state au-
ditor and adjutant general AS yet he
remained mute on the question. 1t is
also presumed that John II. Wallace,
Jr., state game and fish commissioner,
who was candidate for governor two
years ago, again will offer for the office.
Others mentioned are: e. d. Smith of
Birmingham, national democratic COM
mitteeman from Alabama and Jesse f.
Stallings of Birmingham
Judge N. D. benson of Opelika, former
associate justice of the supreme court,
is being mentioned as a probable candi-
date for governor. He is prohibition
list.
The campaigns for governor and other
state offices are expected to open up
early next year. Owing to the fact that
the primaries will not take place until
1918, most of the prospective candidates
are reluctant in making any statements,
preferring not to undergo such extremely
lengthy campaigns if they should deter
mine to enter the political arena.
The only avowed candidate for any state
office, up to this time, is M E. Morris
of Jefferson county, who filed state.
ment with the secretary of state Novem-
Der II, last, declaring his intention tt
run for state auditor. None other has
been mentioned in connection with this
office, but the friends of John H. Chap
man, warrant clerk in the auditors Of
flee, are rather confident that he will be
a candidate.
For secretary Of state it appears now
that the field is between Capt L. S. Betty
and w. P. Fonville, with likelihood thai
Cyrus B. Brown and Commissioner oil
Agriculture j. A. Wade may get in the
race. Both Captain Betty and Mr.. Fon-
vile have indicated strongly that they
will make the race. Captain Betty Is 9
widely known newspaper correspondent
and was recently commissioned as an
army captain in the recruiting service
Mr.. Fonville served several years in the
office of the secretary of state and is
now state fire marshal.
George w. Ellis, chief clerk of the state
treasurer it has been indicated, will Of
fer for state treasurer. He has not COM
mitted himself but says that he Is being
urged to run. 1t is also quite safe that
Probate Judge r. L. Bradley of Lamar
county again will seek the office of treas
urer. 1t appears that State Auditor M
c. Allgood will be candidate either for
treasurer or commissioner of agriculture.
Commissioner of Agriculture J. A. Wade