The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-30
Former Governor Appre- ciates Requests Re- ~ ceived Of Friends URGES ELECTION
 OF PROGRESSIVE AnnistOn Man Now Being Boosted For United
 States Senate RECENTLY RETURNS FROM WORLD TOUR Former Governor Declared We'll
 Fitted For Post At
 Washington
Admission Bureau.)

ANNISTON, Ala, Nov. 29.-1n a statement made public here Saturday, former Governor Thomas E. Kilby makes the positive announcement that he will not be a candidate for re-elec- tion to the office of chief executive of Alabama, although he declined to com init himself regarding his proposed race for the United States senate to succeed Senator Oscar W. Underwood.
 In formal statement, Governor Kill by said:
 'Now that the presidential election IS over and our people are once more glv- ing their thought and attention to state politics, I consider it timely and perti- nent that I should make known to my friends over the state the conclusion have reached regarding my proposed candidacy for the office of governor.
 "It would be an affectation to at- tempt to conceal the pleasure l have received from the many communications that have reached me from all parts of the state containing requests that l run for governor and rendering support in the event of my candidacy. The pleasure is enhanced by the frequent statements by my friends that their sug- gestions have grown out of their sat1s- faction with the manner in which con- ducted the affairs of the office before.
 Appreciates Support.
 ''Upon my retirement from the gov ernor's office I was given abundant reason to feel that the people of Ala bama generally were appreciative of my effort to serve them faithfully, however far that effort, although sincere and earnest, may have fallen short ot achievement. This evidence of their continued confidence touches me deeply and my appreciation of it cannot be measured in words. At the same time I am conscious that a very large part of the credit for what my friends ac- claim a successful administration is due to the cooperation of that body of men who composed the 1919 legislature. It was mainly through them that l was enabled to redeem the pledges set forth in my campaign platform and elabor- ated on in my first message to the leg islature.
 "Without their sympathy and aid I would have been unable to keep the faith. Those men saw the vision of Alabamas need and they never hesi- tated to go forward. Many of them have during recent months urged me to announce for another term. l have given the matter very serious considera- tion, seeking to know where my duty lies, with the result that l cannot see my way clear to again offer for the position. I do believe, however, that the progressive forces of the state frV A AlOnI ing, progressive citizen for governor and good goo, men in every county for the legis- lature, to the end that Alabama may take her rightful place among the best governed states of the union- The need is urgent, and if we are to get the right sort of men for governor and the right sort of men for the legislature the pro- gressive forces of the state should unite to checkmate the forces of reaction, who are never asleep and who are now, perhaps, making headway."
 Urged for Senate.
 While Governor Kilby would not commit himself with regard to the race for the United States senate, it is known that the importunities for him to enter that contest have been almost as many and as urgent as have the gu- bernatorial overtures and that he is giv- ing them serious consideration. An An niston business man who is close to the former governor stated Saturday that he believes Kilby will be in the race. And if he luns," he added, The will be elected; for in my travels over the state I have become convinced that his sue ceSsful administration as governor made him one of the most popular men Ala bama has ever known. His broad busi- ness experience, his wide travel and his close study of public affairs make him well equipped for service at Washing ton"
 Since his recent return from a world tour, Governor Kilby has given close attention to his business affairs here and in Birmingham, and he stated on public occasion here last summer when mentioned in connection with the race for the senate that to give up his home life again 'tcalls for sacrifice which nothing but a clear call of duty and an opportunity for real service to the state ,,l 4D ,ol-.