The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-07
Asks to Be Excused From Giving Position Toward
 State Bond Issue
HIS ONE AMBITION IS TO BE GOVERNOR
Says, However, It Is Far Too Early Yet to Say Whether He Will Be Candidate Next
 2 Time

The real deficit of the treasury of the state of Alabama is $5,611,0 900.
 This is the statement of Walter D. Seed, defeated candidate for governor in the last state primary, former lieu tenant governor and four years treas urer of the state of Alabama, who was in Birmingham last night.
 MT. Seed did not make this announce ment with any view of showing that those who announced that the deficit was only $2,25O,OOO to $2,50O,OOO had misrepresented the true state of af- fairs, he said As a matter of fact he went so far as to say that the apparent deficit coincided with the figures which had been made public by cer tain state officials. But nevertheless, MT. Seed said the real deficit was more than $5,600,000. His statement was based upan information which he com piled in the office of the state auditor within the past few days
 MT. Seed asked to be excused from stating how he would vote on the pro- posed bond issue of $1,500,000. He said he had not told anyone and since he felt that each voter should decide this matter according to the dictates of his own judgment. he preferred not to eX- press his views. He did say, however. that he thought politics should not be allowed to influence any man in his vote this question.
 'This is not a matter of politics., said MT. Seed. "This is a question of business and finance and should be de- Cided upon it's merits without any re- gsrd to the past the future politics of the state. I most certainly will not l% .,,fI, hxv in n n e in my vote on this issue"
 NOT SURPRISED AT CONDITION
 MT. Seed stated that he was not at all surprised to learn that the state was in it's present financial condition. While do not want to be put in the attitude of saying I told you so I was in position IS state treasurer for four years to know the exact financial condition of the state. I saw what was coming and l gave Warn- ing to those officials whose duty it was to take steps either to remedy the matter or cease all expenditures which were not absolutely necessary.
 But that is all past now. The money has gone and the deficit exists. It is for the people of Alabama to decide what shall be done. I do not think it wise or useful to enter into any discussion as to where the blame for the present situation belongs. This is no time for post mor- tems."
 While MT. Seed intimated that he had determined upon his course in the com ing bond issue election, he made it plain that there were certain features con- nected with vote on either side of the question that caused him some concern. There was the fear that bond issue might encourage future legislatures to a like extravagance. On the other hand, the state of Alabama owed large sums of money to individuals and firms. These people had worked for the state or trans acted business with the state in good faith. They were entitled to their money. They had believed that Alabama was good for it's debts and would protect it's credit They were well within their rights when they entered into agreements with the duly authorized and duly constituted officers of the people, and they had a right to expect payment Friends of MT. Seed believe he will vote for the bond issue, despite the fact that he has not made known to anyone his intentions.