The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-01-19
ALABAMA PLUM"
 HUNTERS MAY GET
 UNEXPECTED JOLT
State Republican 0rganiza- tion's Reported Favorite for Pie Might Be In Wrong.
 Weren't Harding Men
By HUGH W. ROBERTS Washington Bureau The Ass- -Heraid
 500 Davidson BuiIdtns

Washington, January 1S,-tSpeciaL) While it is reported here that lead ing republicans of Alabama have 6uals to be beneficiaries of the plum tree" which will be shaken shortly after March 4, it is understood that the aforesaid leaders are considerably cm- barrassed. For none of them sup ported President-elect Harding prior to the ballot on which he was nom mated And even on that ballot the vote Of the delegation was not solid. The leaders, in other words, were slow to observe the trend of the tide.
 Should MT. Harding incline his heart to that Alabamian who actually rem dered him service rather than to those who strenuously tried by every possi- ble means to encompass his defeat in the convention he would perforce give first consideration<t J. B. Atkinson of Clanton.
 AFTER THE PLUMS
 MT. Atkinson voted for Harding on the first ballot the other votes having been cast for those who then appeared more certain of victory General Wood, Governor Lowden and Senator Johnson. Mir. Atkinson did not re 01dln StcaQ1dSt to ms IrSt lOVe, now
 ever, for after several ballots he was found mingling with the stronger fac tions. It is possible, however, that he will be able to vindicate himself on the plea that he was overpersuaded by the leaders" which plea, incidentally would further embarrass the leaders.
 MT. Harding has let it be understood that he wanted to name the best re- publicans to office rather than those considered by leaders worthy of of flee. He will listen to referees, of course, because he is a party man, and | a party man who believes in machine operations. Yet he is hopeful that he will not be forced to name unworthy appointees or honor men simply be- cause they have heretofore shared the fat spells of political office and in so doing acquired a considerable hold on | the affection" of the republicans, as well az an unsuitable appetite for the aforesaid spells.
 Nevertheless it is reasonable to sup ] pose that in the end the men chosen ] by the republican referees in Alabama will be commissioned. Pope M. Long ! of Jasper. as chairman of the repuo- l lican executive committee in Alabama. and o, D. Street of Guntersville. as d member of the ational committee, will naturally be the power behind the throne, unless MT. Harding should happen to remember that neither of these gentlemen thought that ha should be nominated in Chicago over either General Wood or Senator John son. If Harding should remember, the slate" might be fractured in several | important parts.
 ATKINSON'S ADVANTAGE
 It IS reported in Washington that | both MT. Long and Mr Street will ask for office; that Mir. Long would be United States marshal. a very neat job. and MT. Street district attorney, a position which is regarded as one of considerable desira bility. As indicative or the home" strength of these gen. tlemen, no rumor disturbs as to any opposition on the part of other Ala oama republicans to the outstanding master minds. For the office of in- ternal revenue collector, however the applicants. or tentative applicants are as numerous as the sands of the ebb- ing sea Among these are mentioned col. T. H. Aldrich. known to fame and song and story; Will E. Ford, who is cfoken to the harness of federal Of rec; H. Gordon Ashley. who has pre- vlously basked under the smile of ad mini strative favor; Sim T. Wright. who snows the sweetness of the federal plum; Henry Irwin, former assistant postmaster at Montgomery; Fontaine Lnttle, who chants the praise of Muscle Shoals through various newspapers and N A. Freeman.
 For the marshalship of the middle oistrict W. B. Cox is said to be the stronger candidate, although Maj. Dal- las Smith. who served his countrv i,, time or war, and General Wood in time of peace, is preparing according to ra- foft, to contest with all the yisor of ms manhood. Mir Atkinson. the only Ala apama delegate who had the fore- sight 10 consider Harding in the light or a winner. and the only one in th, oesinnins who regarded Harding as preferable to the various others who wanted to save their country is said to be slated for the attorneyship of the middle district.
 THE "DRY" SLATE
 For the southern district. no slat. exists as far as can be learned. If .s saio that the republicans. when in power regard the southern section of the state as the exclusive territory of Mai. p. D. barker. the elderly politician of Mobile It IS whispered that he would be willing 'SY accept the position of collector of inc port If he does not take the job, him. self. he will award it to the man of h;s choice. it is generally admitted.
 To enforce prohibition in Alabama. the republicans are considering two men. it IS said The one is Judge A. P. Long, snore or Shelby county, who recently made brilliant race against Represen- tative Fred I. Blackmon a democrat and Charles Kennamer. whose lance ia bright as result of sensational tiltinr in the Seventh district Of course, should the republicans in Congress award Mr. kennamer seat in the, House, for which ne nas filed contest. the race for the task Of making prohibition effective in Alabama would be opened to Longshore.