The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-08
CHANGE OF RULE LOOMS AS ISSUE IN COMING RACE Aldermanic Agitation Brings Campaign To
 Forefront S5 ASPIRANTS MAY
 RUN FOR 3 POSTS Lines Being Drawn For
 One Of Warmest f Races Yet

Birmiushan's future form of govern ment will be the dominant issue in next years battle for the city com mission. At least three of the incum- bents will seek reelection. Three or four prominent women will offer on platforms advocating a return to the mayor-aldermanic system.
 These were leading developments in . week of intensive activity by the group of citizens behind the city.wfde movement to end commission rule.
 While the so-called reform" leaders intend to push their fight, 1t is doubt ful if a change could be made before the election next year. Many hold the view that action by the state iegisla. ture would fittt be necessary--and the legislature will not hold another regu- lar session until 1927. Therefore, the anti-commission government forces will try to elect q commission pledged to junk the existing system and substitute the aldermanic plan.
 The voters, of course, must pass on the proposed new governmental struc- ture, and reform" leaders will bend their efforts to sweep into office a commission that would submit the question to referendum in sym pathetic spirit and then work for the proposed change. This, they believe, would mean an overwhelming victory.
 Commission Reduced
 Only three commissioners are to be elected next year. The last legislature reduced the size of the commission from five to. three members. The posts now held by D. D. McLendon and W. L.. Harrison are to be consolidated, and also the posts held by W. B. Cloe and Mrs. Mary Echols.
 McLendon, Harrison and Cloe are certain to run for reelection, and they will not be long about putting their chnpAign under way. Mrs. Echols and ". B. Dickson have not aflnoulacAd their plans.
 l.. K. Bowen, county registrar and q member of the legislature, is looked On as an almost certain candidate. He has long been a power in county p0lis tics and now is actively aiding the forces seeking restoration of alder. manic government. Bowen lives at Owenton, near Birminsham-Southern college, and he says the voters of the suburbs are practically solid for q change in the present systenS
 Thomas D. Huey, ". B. Copeland and D. c. Ball, members of the board of revenue that goes out of office in December, are being Sro0med by their friends As candidates for the next com mission. Huey and Copeland were de- fAated for reelection and Bah lost in his race for county treasurer.
 Other Names Mentioned
 Jerry Gwinn, board of revenue mem ber. who did not seek reelection, ia likely entrant, According to many of his friends. So is John Taylor, d former commissioner. So ts Ham Hawkins, a popular political figure for many years. Many others are being mentioned, and it looks now Aa if thAre'Il be almost as many candidates aB there would be wards--if the new governmental plan were adopted.
 Names of a number of "lafne ducks" .--defeated candidates in the recent county election, also are being widely mentioned. that the women of the city will take | hand in the campaign and that at least three or four well.known women are intending to run. Names are being withheld for the present.
 As matters stand now, the city's form of government will be practically the only issue in the eampaign. Veteran observers cannot figure how any other issue can arise to sub merge it.
 Of the present commissioners, the majority are strong for retaining the present system. However, predictions are being made freely around city hall that one or two will p%ing over to the opposition before the year Is over.
 Despite the fact that the election is months off, the aldArnanic government afitatien has made it one of the out etandink subjects of speculation and possio At city hall and all other places S,hksA thS yAoiifiRtanh eatAAf --