Evening star., 1934-06-10
ALABAMA CLOSES
BITTER CAMPAIGN
Former Gov. Graves and
Birmingham Lawyer
Fight for Post.
Nv the Associated Press,


BIRMINGHAM, Ala, June s.-s'
Alabama today saw one Of the most
turbulent Democratic gubernatorial
campaigns in its history draw to an
end with an attorney making his
first major political bid and former
Governor bucking a precedent Of 30
years as the principal actors.
The campaign between former Gov.
Bibb Graves of Montgomery, who oc-
cupied the executive chair from 1927
to 1881, and Maj. Frank M. Dixon
Of Birmingham, an attorney whose
entry into the run-oh in the May 1
primary was an upset" has been 30
bitter that interest is intense and .
vote Of 275,000 Tuesday has been
forecast. Democratic nomination u
regarded as equivalent to election.
KIan Issue Revived.
The Ku Klux Klan, almost for
gotten for four years, ratification Of
the child labor amendment, economy
and reorganization of State and
county government, homestead exemp-
ton, no increase in taxation. the
method Of dealing with prohibition
and support of public schools have
been dominant issues, but personalities
Of the candidates and their leaders
have not been slighted.
Graves, whose record was made the
issue by the incumbent Governor, 3.
M Miller, four years ago, has offered
for q second term on that record and
led the ticket in the first primary by
$4,000, but still was far short OF q
majority. The former Governor in
seeking second term defied q prece-
dent Of more than 80 years in which
no Governor has been able to win q
second term, and few have tried.
Dixon's principal platform planks
were reorganization of the State gov
eminent, adopting the short ballot"
with only the Governor, Lieutenant
governor. Public Service Commission
and judiciary to be elected by the peo-
pie. On prohibition he declared for
immediate legalization of light wines
and beer with hard liquors to be dis
pensed In sealed packages from State
stores in counties that vote them.
Record Of Progress Cited.
Graves pointed to his record as
Governor as one Of progress, during
which a minimum seven months
school term was established, bridges
and highways constructed and other
progressive steps taken.
On prohibition Graves has declared
flor a referendum Immediately after
the Legislature convenes in January,
1885, to settle the issue.
To Dixon's charge that the Ku Klux
Klan, whose support Graves was
reputed to have had in his successful
campaign in 1926. again was active
in his behalf, the former Governor re-
torted that it was an effort to stir up
racial and religious prejudice" He
also declared that during his term the
State statute making it q felony to
assault any one while wearing q mask
or disguise put an end to Klan fog
gings in Alabama.
Deny Monied Interests.
Each candidate has accused the
other Of being supported by the mon
led interests and neither would ad-
NIT the good wishes of this group.
In Tuesdays balloting. Representa-
tive Miles B. Allgood of Gadsden faced
Maj Joe Starnes Of Guntersville, in
the fifth district, and the veteran
George Huddleston, in the ninth dis
trict birmingham and Jefferson
County,. is opposed by Walter Brewer.
attorney. who has championed public
ownership of utilities.
A quiet campaign has been waged
in the eighth judicial district, with
the shadow Of the muchly publicized
"Scottsboro case" in the background.
Judge James E. Horton of Athens,
who set aside a death verdict imposed
on Haywood Patterson, one Of nine
colored defendants in the case, Is op-
posed for denomination by A. A. Grit
nth of Cullman.
The decision Of Judge Horton. how
ever. has not been an open issue, but
is in the background.