Southern Mercury. (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 24, No. 39, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 29, 1904 Page: 3 of 8
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THE SOUTHERN MERCUNY.
iJ
L(
OLD POLITICIAN and Toung
Reformer are kept busy these
days of startling political ru-
mors, Democratic banquets and th *
mutterings of hostility between the Siik
Stockings and the Cotton Sooks. The
two cronies had their usual weekly
matinee yesterday and discussed "men
and measures." as the editorial heavy-
weights are fond of writing it down.
Dallas was dull, politically speaking,
until it was announced that Hon.
Frank Andrews had called a meeting
of the clans and a "Legislative Da>"
blowout was suggested. When Demo-
crats have no formidable enen.y to
light they scrap among themselves. A
(Democrat is a born scrapper. Mostly
during off years. When it comrs to a
national campaign 'tis dilterent.
Toung Reformer wore a melanchoiy
look when he materialised yesterday.
He had Just been notified that he would
not be expected to serve as King of
the Kallphs and it nettled him. Three
©r four Joy-makers dispelled his gloom
and restoied his spirits.
As to Politics.
"A fellow told me yesterday that he
t;elieved you were a black Republican—
no. a while Republican," grinned Young
Reformer.
"Well, young man, when you throw
e brickbat into a crowd the fellow who
comes in contact with the brickb.it
usually rubs the sore place, and then
snarls I enter a plea of not guilty to
the charge, although if the spirit moved
me I wouldn't hesitate to vote for a
decent Republican and I have met a
Rood many decent Republicans In mv
time, although in my earlier years T
will admit that Republicans were not
popular In my neighborhood. To be
honest with you, I never scratched a
Democrat in my life but once. You
will admit I have many sins to my
credit. A man who will vote for a
yellow dog just because he Is a labelled
Democrat has to hold his nose often-
times on election day. and I've held
my nose at times when the ticket
dhould been scratched. You are Just
starting out, and take my advice. Never
vote for a yellow dog. It is neither a
tribute to your brain, your patriotism
nor a high sense of duty. It is too late
for me to switch. My memories, my
passions and my prejudices are too
strong. However. I am not an office-
seeker, never held one, never expect
to hold an office, and it Just suits my
matured temperament to figure as a
free lance, a gadfly if you will. It is a
real pleasure to tell the truth and to
expose political shams and showy
mountebanks. God Almighty did not
create man and endow him with a
brain merely to go through life as the
serf of a political boss and a speaking
trumpet for selfish cliques or clans. Al-
though a Democrat, I do not care to
be classed as a 'dam-phool Democrat.'
No party ringmaster shall crack his
whip over my head or put words in my
mouth for me to utter—not If I know
myself. And. young man, take the
same path and adopt the same tactics.
Men will respect you then, even though
they may feel inclined at times to
'cuss' you—at a safe distance. A cit-
izen of the world cannot be a parti-
san without an overwhelming desire
to kick himself at times. It will do
for a shriveled localism, a mere bab-
bler narrow between the eyes and
whose 'brain pan is mouldy. As for
me, I expect to vote for Alton B. Par-
ker, but I do not take any stock In
the rot that President Roosevelt is
planning for a dictatorship, or that
be is lacking in patriotism. He smash-
ed the coal barons, he gave the country
the Panama canal, he believes in civil
and religious liberty, and he was never
known to place the dollar above the
man. His alleged negro policy I do
not care to discuss. The negco is In
the ditch and I draw the line on throw-
ing rocks at a man in the ditch. If
the teachings of Christianity are cor-
rect, then the negro has a soul. If he
hasn't a soul that Christianity is a
fake. The white man will continue to
control the South, and I am not losing
Bleep over the negro question. I have
met good' negroes and many scrubby
white men—and never a negro hunting
ground for social equality. The negro
Is quick-witted. He knows his man.
I believe the voters of this country
Should stand for correct principles of
government and honest men, support
the weak at all times against the pow-
erful, and let Old Masso do the
rest. If this doesn't suit the critics
they have my permission to go hence—
to the infernal regions. Just as long
as you escape being called a fool or
ft flunky, young man, you have no kick
coming. One of the leading men of
£>allas, a noted lawyer, and the son of
a Confederate soldier, said to me re-
cently: 'Our brutal majority has been
the curse of Texas. Under Its sway In-
competency thrives, imbecility sits en-
throned and Impudence laughs at in-
telligence.* Nepotism, the church in
politics, deficits, extravagance, rotten
land laws, and gross favoritism are
Its fruits. And yet, the infamies of
the administration of carpet-baggers
and renegades fairly stink in the nos-
trils of the country people to this
day. They cannot get from Davis and
his reconstruction predecessors, and
rank and Ignorant demagogues play
upon their prejudices. Independent po-
litical thought has never taken root
outside of the cities, and as a result
we have to endure all the evilB which
I have enumerated. It would be a
God's blessing for the state if the Dem-
ocratic majority was less than 20,000.'
And the man who uttered these words
supported James S. Hogg for govern-
er first and last. Just whisper his
words to your friend who called me a
•black Republican' with the compli-
ments of yours truly."
♦ ♦ ♦
The Democratic Banquet.
"How Is the banquet coming on?"
queried Young Reformer.
"It should be a success, although the
Cotton Bocks do not appear to fancy
banquets, and are gVowllng. Mr. E. G.
Benter, chairman of the committee on
speakers, is confident that It will be a
big event, and Senter has been fight-
ing for 'the dear people' all his life.
He is a fair compromise between a
perfumed Silk Stocking and a lean and
hungry Cotton Sock, who has a pen-
chant for bathing in the river in the
summer. It is all one with me. I am
at home at a Cotton Sock barbecue
or a Siik Stocking banquet, and I'm
going to put up $2.50 for the banquet.
1 would not give thirty cents for a
man who cannot make himself at home
In a palace or cabin. Always be a
Roman. Three hundred tickets will be
sold to local Democrats, and the young
men in charge of the affair are hus-
tlers. Five hundred Democrats will
attend the banquet, and it should be
ft 'good fellows' affair. Hon. Thomas
B. Love and his colleagues are deter-
mined to make it so. Then If the Cot-
ton Bocks are dead crasy for a barbe-
cue, why let them hold one. All the
gang will go. The Cabell barbecue
was the best function of the" Kind
•ver MM In Dallas ta my time, and
was productive of good fellowship.
'Me' and Colonel Louis Hlavloi k drank
spring water from the same canteen
and Dick Winfrey and Epps Knight
made speeches from the same plutfoim.
Really, it was pioductive of good re-
sults. The tip has been given that
Thomas M. Campbell. Charles K. Bell.
In 1896 to carry the election. The
name of Martin W. Littleton was pro-
posed as a candidate for lieutenant-
governor at Saratoga this week. Hon.
Patsy McCarren, boss of Brooklyn
said he did rot need Littleton in lite
business and the nomination went ti.
Francis Burton Hirrison. anothei
young southerner now a citizen of New
York. With Murphy, his enemy li
New York and McCarren arrayed
against him in Brooklyn, the forme.
Texan will be left busy holding his
own in a political sense. However, lie
has the backing of Sheehan and S'.iec
han is close to Parker. Senator Culber
son is in New York, ready to enter tin
James B. Wells. Oscar B. Colquitt and
M. M. Crane have been invited to the ,
banquet and say their little pieces. ' campaign, as a spell-binder and earl:
.Tames Stephen Hogg, who Is not a can- 1" N'°\T,ml,er Senator Bailey will so t.
didate for governor, has accepted nil ! ,e"1, \lr*ln'" and whoop up the .aus.
invitation, and will not devote all his i of, Uncle Henry.' By the way. do no'
o dress reform. Senator m,?f. B-l"e.v s speech at the city hall
allotted time to dress reform. Senator
McKamy, Edward Gray and W.
W. Nelms should be able to
induce this array of talent to
let off a few extra skyrockets.
Ross Scott promises to have the city
hospital ambulance at the door. Two
hundred out-of-town Democrats will
visit Dillas on Legislative Day, and
there is no reason why the lo-
cal Democrats should not make
it lively for their visitors. Dal-
las has a reputation for hospitality
and why should It he shattered? Cot-
ton Socks like Judge E. B. Perkins, Fire
Commissioner Cockrell and other noted
Cotton Socks are associated with
Messrs. Love and Senter and this will
make a harmonious blending of fac-
tions and Murrel Buckner and George
Armistead will see to it that the over-
worked and sad-faced toilers are rep-
resented. Buy a ticket, young man.
We'll 'do' the function together, drink
to the health of Thomas Jefferson an I
Andrew Jackson, crack a few stories
or bottles and then meet here and dis-
cuss under-the-surface happenings
over our tea cups. Save your cotton
hose for the barbecue and wear your
silk ones to the banquet. You'll hear
something. Good speakers will be
cocked and primed and unless all signs
fail, it will be a lively event. My friend
Senter is confident that the big fellows
who have designs on Sam Lanham's
place will come and orate. There ar>i
foxy chaps in the bunch and this will
be a good time for the re-
liable firm of Old Politician
and Young Reformer, unlimited,
to smoke 'em out. They tell me that
prior engagements will prevent J. C.
McNealus from attending. I do not be-
lieve it. Mac is a Cotton Sock merely
to keep off suspicion. MacNall of
Munster was an old Irish king. Then
how would it be possible for one of his
descendants to degenerate into a Cot-
ton Sock unless he had some sinister
design upon those who .boycott silk.
No, Mack will be there. It is under-
stood that the Ninth ward social cos
.. __ _.l
auditorium on the night of the 27th
You may not admire his policies bui
my word for it he is one of America'*
masterful orators and It is a treat to
hear him when he's at his best. Should
Alton B. Parker win this light there is
no telling just what will happen fou
years later—Bailey is close to Parker
and the Sage of Ksopus is very fond of
this brilliant thong at times er-
ratic Texah. Bailey has declared for
the blanket primary, one of the Times-
Herald's pet fads, an.I he doesn't hesi-
tate to speak out. He will he invited
to come to Dallas on 'Legislative Day.'
but will be in the mountains of West
Virginia on that day tolling the miners
why they should vote for a man who
began life as a laborer, amassed a great
fortune, and is a candidate to-day for
the suffrages of the people for the
second highest office within their gift.''
that he had investigated the qualifica-
tions and status of the electors: that
they should be elected, and that after
election they could hand their resigna-
tions to the governor.
Chairman Andrews stated that In
the Terrell election or primary laws
there was not provision for the nomi-
nation of electors and for that reason
ti'e executive committee should be in
i position to rectify the omission.
he got together at some little fishing
pier, and adopted a resolution to semi
a certain gentleman to the senate, dig-
nifying the action by calling him th-
Democratic nominee. In the first place
we hold that Mr. Masterson is not the
chairman of the Seventeenth senatorial
district. We further hold that even if
he is the chairman of the Seventeenth
all things. .He stated that so far as
his county Is concerned every Dem-
ocrat voter can be relied upon to do
his full share In supporting the can-
didacy of Mr. Holland.
Judge Munson of Hrazorin county
stated thiit he had made his an-
nouncement as a candidate from Bra-
zoria. from the Seventeenth senatorial
It was than suggested that the com- i select a nominee, which action usurps
mitteo slinnld first determine who wer? i the suffrage of the voters of the dis-
disqualified. | trlct. I hold that Mr. Masterson Is to
senatorial district he has no right to i district, immediately after the meeting
appoint members of his committee and j held at' Palacios, He stated that he
hud bei n striving ever since to get the
question definitely settled so as to
From Saturday's Times Herald.
Long before 10 o'clock, the hour set
for convening the state Democratic
executive comittee this morning, the
lobby of the Oriental hotel was crowd-
ed with politicians from all over the
state.
The first hours were spent In getting
acquainted, for the new committee of-
fers strange faces to all of its mem-
bers. and most of those present to-
day are new blood In the big machine
of the party in Texas.
Governor S. W. T Lanham was sur-
toms will be observed and Gill well! rounded by a. coterie of friends and
water will be the stuff used to drench ' when the committee was called to or-
One member stated that the district
elector of Paris was a notary public
old a committee of five was appointed
to look Into the qualification. The fot-
•owing constitute! the committee: Q.
T. Voreland, li. R. ("arswell, J. F.
Wolters, R. R. Greer ami .1. W. Fitxger-
ild. and a recess of one hour was takeji
until the committee should be ready
to report.
Judge diner, of the Twenty-fifth
district, moved that a committee if
five lie apnointed to Investigate meth-
ods whereby ties could be properly
placed on the ticket.
On a second call of the roll of elec-
tors federal officeholders were specified.
T. F. Mangum. of McKiimey, forthwith
tendered his resignation as notary
public to Gov. Lanham, who said:
"Forward it to Austin and 1 will ac-
cept It."
The only proxy presented to the
rommittee was that of G. H. Goodson
of the Twenty-sixth district by Car-
Un George. He stated that It was not
a good idea to establish a precedent of
recognizing proxies and did not insist
upon voting.
The second committee, appointed to
prepare a report on the status of the
state committee to decide what dispo-
sition could be made lu cases where
there was a deadlork iu the naming of
candidates, was composed of John >"!.
Griner, of Val Verde county: J. L. Sto-
rey, Caldwell county; R. R Hlalock,
Harrison county: George H. Boynton,
Hamilton county, and Charles Schrei-
ner, Kerr county.
Both committees retired to different
rooms In the hotel and got down to
work. Within a few minutes It began
to look as though neither committea
would be ready with the report at tht
end of the recess. Committeemen be-
gan to apiH?ar at the door from time ti>
time in graduated conditions of un-
dress until they were absolutely coat-
less. hatless and minus collars and
cuffs. Bell boys with divers and
tempting drinks begnn to wend their
way towards the two rooms, and so
J the time passed until 12 o'clock. At
that hour Secretary Hobby cnlled th<?
committee to order and announced that
the committees would not he ready un-
til 2 o'clock and suggested that the
main body adjourn until that hour.
A motion was made to this effect which
carried.
the cobwebs In the throats of the ora-
tors. Right here I am a Cotton Sock.
The sparkling spring water which Ben
Cabell had served from kegs is more
Invigorating than Gill well water,
which Is said to be tinctured with alco-
hol. Representative Seaberry is down
for a speech. He la slated for speaker,
is a Jovial fellow with sleepy eyes nnd
a nimble tongue and is very fond of
Tom Love. Colonel Bowser, who is
authority on Democratic banquets, is
giving the boys advice and Curtis Han-
cock will see to It that his brother
members do not lose any money on
selling platers."
Frank Andrews' Committee.
"We are to have the state committee
here, too?" purred Young Reformer.
"Yes, but on the 27th. There prom-
ises to be a fair attendance of out-of-
town Democrats on that day. A mem-
ber of the committee has publicly an-
nounced that Chairman Andrews has
nothing 'agin' the blackland counties,
and it will not be necessary to wear
your gun. Chairman Andrews Is a clever
chap, although some of the boys are
hammering him good and hard. His
election was a great mistake, for obvi-
ous reasons, but personally he Isn't
dangerous and Is well-liked by the
boys. The fact that he is the attorney
of the Southern Pacific railroad pre-
cipitated the row in Texas politics,
which threatens to rattle the dry bones
of Texas politicians and. has caused
certain leaders to do some lively side-
stepping. At this meeting a plan of
campaign will be mapped out and the
gentlemen who are drawing fat salaries
at Austin will be told to go out and
defend their official acts. Senator Cul-
berson has advised this and the senator
always keeps his ear close to the
ground. These custodians of the Dem-
ocratic faith should explain the rotten
land laws and other 'suspects' on the
statute books and also explain why
It Is necessary for nepotism to flourish
and a wanton waste of the people's
money permitted. The land laws cost
the tax payers, or rather the school
children of Texas $ 12,000,000 in less
time than it takes to tell the story, ac-
cording to the reports of a former land
commissioner. The Republican party
was held together for pie-purposes for
twenty-five years and It Is Just a lit-
tle better now. Republicans can nol
bring about reforms in Texan and so It
in up to independent Democrats to
prosecute the work. Publicity will
finally arouse the people and then a
day of reckoning will come. Chairman
Andrews should send the Democratic
pie-eaters out on the stump to face the
charges made against the Democratic
administration by Ex-Governor Hogg
and other life long Democrats. As he is
said to be just 'horsing' for reform the
very energetic chairman will not per-
mit this opportunity to slip by. Dallas
Democrats should get acquainted with
Chairman Andrews and his committee-
men. It Is always a good plan to be on
speaking terms with the machine."
National Politics.
"It looks good for the Democrats In
New York," chirped Young Reformer.
"Yes. It looks a cinch for Parker.
The Democrats are together and plain
Republicans are sore. The New York
Sun bolted the State ticket and all the
German-American and Italian-Amer-
ican newspapers are supporting the
Democratic state ticket. The Demo-
crats are making their flght In the
doubtful states for the National ticket.
There is no question about it. They
have the money and the organization
this year, and the money will be placed
where It will do the most good. Colonel
J. M. Guffey, of Pennsylvania and Tex-
as sent in his contribution to the Dem-
ocratic campaign fund last week. How
much; 150,000. City Comptroller John
B. Lark in of Pittsburg, the right-hand
man of Colonel Guffey, let the cat out
of the bag. Rich Democrats, who were
either hostile or lukewarm to Bryan,
are coughing up this year. In the state
of Indiana both sides are well supplied
with funds and whatever pursuits and
theorists may say to the contrary. In-
diana is bought outright and the high-
est bidder will take the prize. A gen-
tleman high in the councils of his par-
ty, told me not long ago that 60,000
voters of Indiana were not averse to
exchanging votes for money on elec-
tion day. And these human swine
control the' destinies of * great Repub-
lic, Indiana Is not alone. Votes-sell-
ers are numerous to all the doubtful
•ad millions of dollars were used
der the governor was invited to a seat
at the right hand of the chairman
Jeff McLemore. secretary of the old
committee, was also present. He
spent the morning going quietly about
among the warriors, and qow and then
he would lead one to a secluded seat,
where a low-toned conversation would
continue for fifteen mintes or so.
J. W. Robbins. the state treasurer,
was al.«o among those who "Just hap-
pened in." He stated that his pres-
ence in the city at the same time with
the committee gathering grew simply
out of liis fatherly interest in the man-
ner In which that body conducted it-
self.
Promptly at 1 o'clock Chairman
Frank Andrews drew his watch from
his pocket and announced that the
committee get down to business, where-
upon all retired to the ladies' ordinary,
which had been arranged for the ac-
commodation of thecommittee.
The question before the convention
that was considered of greatest Im-
portance was the one affecting the
qualifications of the electors. Owing
to the silence of the Terrell election
law on the subject and the absence of
precedents to guide them, the commit-
teemen felt that they should exercise
great caution in reaching a decision.
Most of the electors who held state offi-
cers signified a willingness to resign
them, a readiness to qualify not so
noticeable on the part of those con-
nected with national banks.
One point to be decided In connec-
tion with the disqualification is re-
garding the time of acceptance of res-
ignations and the power of the com-
mittee to appoint to vacancies.
Attorney General Bel) In a communi-
cation to Chairman Andrews, gave It
as his opinion that the power resided
In the state executive committee be-
cause the Terrell election laws were
silent, while Mr. Andrews said that for
the same reason he feared the commit-
tee did not have the authority to pass
upon disqualifications, to accept resig-
nations or make appointments.
Morning Session.
The state executive committee of the
Democratic party met in the lady's or-
dinary of the Oriental hotel. Eighteen
names answered to roll call when
Chairman Frank Andrews of Houston
called the meeting to order. As sixteen
are sufficient to constitute a quorum,
the committee proceeded to business.
Governor Lanham was present and
(From Sunday's Times Herald.)
Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session was called to
order at 2:20 o'clock by Chairman
Frank Andrews, who announced that
the two sub-committees were ready t >
submit their reports. The first report
was adopted unanimously, without dis-
cussion, and read as follows:
We, your sub-committee, beg leave
to report: Whereas, the committor;
lias been Informed that the several
Democratic nominees for presidenti'il
and vice presidential electors, who are
officeholders, have resigned, or Indi-
cated their wllllngnpsp to resign their
respective office al^the request of the
state Democratic executive committee.
Therefore be It resolved, That all of
these nominees for Democratic presi-
dential electors who hold office of any
kind be, and they are hereby requested
to tender their respective resignations
of any office tliey may hold, and to re-
sign any official position held with any
national bank, and your committee
therefore finds It unnecessary to report
on the question of disqualifications.
(Signed) Q. T. Moreland. R. A. Greer
J. F. Wolters, J \V Fitzgerald, H. E.
Carswell.
The second committee reported that
it had no written report to make, Inas-
much as many of the points at issue
were of a sensitive nature, and re-
quested that the chair appoint a com-
mittee of three from the locality affect-
ed by the double candidates with full
power to act and endeavor to reconcile,
and adjust all differences so as to In-
sure the election of a Democrat In such
be charged with absolute ignorance ar
an offense in pursuing the course that
he did."
The speaker based his authority on
rule fifteen of the executive commit-
tee's code. He stated that there had
been no vacancy In the senate from the
Seventeenth district, that the oilice of
Mr. Davidson was a state office and
that If he resigned It would be neces-
snr«- for the governor to call an elec-
tion for the purpose of selecting his
successor, lie stated that under th
Terrell election law all nominations
made by a party should appear on the
official ballot iu the usual way. He
then read the published opinion of
Chairman Andrews In Which he stated
that the committee of Judge Master-
son was apparently Illegal, and he also
cited the opinion of Attorney General
Hell in the matter which wns practi-
cally the same as that of Chairman
Andrews. It was plain to him that Mr.
Masterson and his committee had
over-ridden the rulings of the attorney
general, the chairman of the Demo-
cratic state executive committee and
the rights of the people.
Several committeemen challenged
Mr. Wood In his remarks, all of whom
he answered In Hue with the contents
of tlie Galveston petition.
Mr. Perry, of Brazoria county, was
next given the floor. lie stated that
while he did not come as n representa-
tive, he believed that lie was fully con-
versant with the sentiment of the peo-
ple of his county, and that they were
in his opinion bitterly opposed to the
procedure, and precedent that has been
established. He considered that the
matter was one which should be left to
the people i , decide. He stated thnt
the action of Mr. Masterson's commit-
tee whs not legal, and according to
Democratic custom and common
usage. The voters of Brazoria county,
he stated, were horrified when they
learned that Mr. Masterson's commit-
tee Intended to hold a meeting for the
purpose of making the nomination In
question, after the opinion rendered
by the attorney general and the state
chairman. He stated that the Demo-
crats of his countv were loyal to the
core when nominations were In accord-
ance with Democratic principles, lie
asserted that as sure as the sun rises
tlint If the question nt Issue was not
disposed of as It should be that the
Republicans would send a man from
their district fo the senate. He stated
that he was a candidate for no office,
but was working for the best Interests
of the party. He sold In part: flf i
nominee Is nominated lu the usual way,
I assure you he will be elected, but un-
less the matter of nomination Is entire-
ly satisfactory, and the people have the
right to express themselves through a
primary and convention we are going
to have trouble, nnd I believe that a
Republican will be nominated and
elected from the Seventeenth senatorial
district. We have not had n Republi-
can representative from the district
for a long time, and I believe that 't
Is the desire of the committeemen to
agree upon one man, nnd elect him in
the ununl way."
Judge A. S. Masterson of Brazoria
county next followed with quite a
lengthy and animated address. He
stated that he was truly sorry that Mr.
Periy was taking Kie matter so hard,
and was making such a fight before j
the committee, lie did no: agree with I
Mr. Perry in the statement that the '
people of Brazoria were opposed to j
the action of his committe,'. As conn- j
ty Judge of Brazoria county he thought I
he ivn i lu position lo know their sent!- J
ment full well, and that lie felt confi-
dent the people of that section were
satisfied with the nomination of lion.
W. M. Holland. He had no fear that
the district would go Republican, even
know who the nominee should be. lie
stated that the meeting of Mr. Mas-
terson's rommittee was" held during
the absence of the state chairman, and
that lie had had no manner of ascer-
taining the result of its action. He
stated that he believed he was in
touch with the sentiment of his peo-
ple. and that fully ninety per cent of
lie voters were opposed to the action
men. 1 want to say that J
prised that part of Gal
should crawfish out of an
made with those country
When the couldn't get the
1896 and 1898 they turned ill'
the stuffing out of us.' Now
come to us and want to
agreement they have made wii
country counties. I am for
out and voting to make them
it. I speak not In anger, but In
and for the infornutaoB of
possibly do not understand the
sitio.i. There are some good
crats down there. Miles Crowley, Dav-
idson and others who can always be-re-
lled upon, but there are a whole
of others that can't unless it is
the interest of Galveston alone.
don't want Mr. Holland or any other
gentleman from outside of Gal-
veston because he won't con*
of the committee. The matter, he ; fine his entire efforts to Galveston
thought, should be settled by the ex- | county. As I understand it
ecutlve committee and that harmony i they look to us as a board of equalisers
should prexall for (he hevt Interests ! and we should do justice to all. The
of the party. Said he: "1 have heard mere fact that the attorney general's
not one word challenging the facts views are offered should not make hie
set forth In the petition .and have opinion any better than that of any
heard no argument showing that' these other good lawyer."
facts are not good' Because these men I Phil C. Travis of Dallas then offered
are Democrats is it right that they j as a substitute a resolution provid-
should pursue methods countiury to j Ing that the protest of the Galveston
dwelt at length upon the illegality of 1 Democrats be sustained, and that
general usage." The speaker then Chairman Masterson be instructed to
concluded his remarks by asserting call his committee together and order
thnt the action of Masterson's commit- a regular primary In the Sevententh
tee In appointing Mr. Holland was not | senatorial district for the nomination
In accordance with the law. of a Democratic candidate for state
J. F. Wolters of Fayette county ! senator to fill the unexpired term of
Hon. R. V. Davidson.
then secured the floor, and offered the
following resolution:
Whereas, the Democratic executive
committee of the Seventeenth senator-
ial district, acting under rule 15 of the
rules adopted by the Democratic state
executive committee, nominated Hon.
W. M. Holland of Matngoido coun-
ty for senator to till the vacancy
caused by the resignation of Hon. R.
V. Davidson; anil
Whereas, the validity of the said
Democrats of said district" to the state
nomination hns been referred by
committee now In senslon; therefore
be It
Resolved by the state Democrntlc
executive committee:
First. That Hon. A. S. Masterson
Is a member of the state Democratic
executive comlmttee. and bv virtue
thereof Is chairman of the Seventeen-
teenth senatorial district.
Second. That the Hon. A. S. Mas-
terson had the power and authority
to appoint a cominit'teeman from each
county In snld district, nnd thus cre-
nte an executive committee for said
district.
We recognize the Hon. W. M. Hol-
land the regular nominee of the Dem-
ocratic part of the Seventeenth Sen-
atorial district of Texas. But we de-
sire to be distinctly understood that
this action shall not be regarded as
a precedent binding upon the com-
mittee, or uny succeeding committee
and we direct that rule 15 shall here-
after be strictly construed to the enl
that committees of districts or coun-
ties shall only fill vacancies when
there is not sufficient time to hold prl-
mnry conventions or elections. (Sign-
ed) J. F. WoKers. L. D. Qulnn, R. A.
Greer. 10. B. Bluylock, R A. St. John,
J. E. Griner."
Nearly every commltteman In the
house then gave his views and Ideas
on the question nt Issue and the reso-
lution submitted. Chairman An-
drews stated that before the matter
proceeded further that he wished to
explain his opinion previously ren-
dered on the action of Mr. Masterson's
committee In nominating Mr. Hol-
land. lie said:
"The matter was considered by me
and on the 12th day of August, before
this action was taken on the 15th. I
wrote an opinion addressed to Mr.
Kluhhs, chairman of the Galveston ex-
| ecutlve committee. In which I dls-
! cussed the matter at considerable
I length, the conclusion of which was
I couched In this language: 'I conclude,
! therefore, that under the committee
j rules, most liberally construed, a noni-
I Inallou by a committee would not be
I justified, except In case of extreme
i emergency. Under the facts stated
I no such emergency exists. Section
r.. . .. ,. 15 of the committee's rules does not
Mr' r, "'y ","1 '"<1 "« | apply to this case.' The reason II did
| not apply was because I believed sec-
lenil their efforts to prevent It. lie
slated that so long as (ialveslon coun-
ty could control, it was all light with
the clique that has predominated so
long, but that when the outside coun-
a motion, and prevailed.
Chalrmnn Andrews then stated that
the next matter to be disposed of was
the petition from Galveston county In
reference to the nomination, and or-
ganization In the Seventeenth senato-
rial district. The petition was read,
and the representatives of both fac-
tions assured the ehnlr that they would
cheerfully abide by the arflon of the
executive committee In disposing of the
question at Issue. It was decided that
each side should be given forty minutes
In which to present Its argument, those
opposing the action of Judge A. S.
Masterson In appointing the commit-
tee which had named Hon. W. M. Hol-
land as the nominee for senator from
the Seventeenth senntorlal district to
have the opening and closing remarks.
Prior to the entering upon of the ar-
Joined the group when they had their 1 guments the chair Inquired of Hon. W.
pictures taken. | M. Holland If he had any remarks to
W. P. Hobby, of Houston, and j make regarding his nomination. Mr.
Murrell L. Buckner of Dallas acted as Holland replied In a brief address 'n
districts. The report was submitted is, h(llu, |n ,he
Hon 15 covered only that Class of cas
es where the vacancy on the ticket
was caused l>y resignation or death
of a person nominated lo that office,
that II had no application at all to
making nomination of candidates for
a special election; that sections 76 and
84 of the Terrell election law are con-
trolling. These sections you, gontle-
. | men, will remember, provide that In
ed, according lo newspaper reports, , rllHO nf special election to fill a vac-
represented but twenty people, owing i ,u„.y |n ,tlly office a candidate may be
Hon they set up a howl, and threaten
ii Republican victory and Democratic
defeat. lie staled thai he would like
fo fee the credentials of the parties
from Galveston county, whom he stat-
Q. T. Moreland of Fort Worth, then ■
urged the Galveston members to give
in to the "little fellows," assuring them
that they would win out "next time."
He stated that It was his understand-
ing that the meeting was a regular
love feast, and that everybody should
come together and arrive at a satis-
factory decision.
A motion was then made that the
substitute offered by Mr. Travis be ta-
bled. The chair stated the motion and
requested that as the roll was called
that all opposed to the substitute vote
nye and those in favor of Its adoption ■
should vote "no." The final vote stood
17 to 9 against the substitute. The
resolution was then adopted by ac-
clamation by a large mnjorlty vote.
Hon. J. W. Blake was given the floor
prior to adjournment and requested
that the committee lend Its best ef-
forts in the securing of an amendment
to the constitution permitting the or-
ganization of state banks. A motion
prevailed providing that the chair
should consider the matter and advise
all chairmen If the proposition could
be shown on the ballot In the affirma-
tive.
The committee then went Into exec-
utive session for quite a while, for
the purpose, it is understood, of dis-
cussing campaign plans.
E. B. Blaylock of Harrison county
offered the following, which was
adopted.
Resolved, that the Democratic state
executive committee extend t/> Dallas
and her citizens our sincere thanks for
many courtesies nnd the royal manner
in which we have been entertained.
A resolution was also adopted
thanking Phil C. Travis for what he
did toward entertslning his fellow
committeemen.
At the close of the executive ses-
sion the members of the committee
were led to fhe Commerce street en-
hance of the Oriental, where about a
dozen automobiles were lined up at
the curb. Col. Frank Holland, Sec-
retary John G. Hunter and others act-
ed as the automobile reception com-
mittee and saw that the visitors wer*
nil provided wltih seats In the cars.
After having their pictures taken they
were hurried away to the home of
Col. S. K. Moss In Oak Lawn. Here
they were met by Col. Mos« and A.
B. Kin lie ry who extended them a wel-
come to Col. Moss' spacious home.
Refreshments were served In a very
Informal way and Col. John O. Hunt-
er presided nt the punch bowl. After
spending a short time the visitors de-
parted but not before they all thank-
ed lheir host for his generous hospi-
tality. Assistant Secretary J. S.
Wylle of the Dallas Commercial
club led the automobile procession,
both going and returning.
Nearly all of the executive commit-
teemen left on night trains for their
homes. Oovprnnr T^anham went to
We/itherford yesterday evening, where
he will remnln until Monday. Lieuten-
ant Governor Neal departed for Nava-
sofa anil Land Comlmsnloner Terrell,
Slate Treasurer Robbins and Comp-
troller Stephens left for Austin last
night.
Beaumont, Tex., Sept. 24.—Judge
Watts this afternoon overruled the
to«he lac, that they were unable to j -fy'' — ' ^ ^ tile Tar£/with murder"' £d ^nt^
U into V*mass meetimr nt w'hl,/"ih.Te nominated In any manner that the him to fifteen vears In the penlten-
it into ,i mnHH riKPtmK. nt whl< h thrift county all fict on thi* Hiinii* dny, ami tiirv
were twenty people present. He ask- Hcction 76 provided that any person j
ed that the opposition from other | ,IO( nominated In accordance with the —— ■ ~
secretaries.
Chairman Andrews stated that It
had been the custom not to recognize
proxies but that decision lay with the
committee. It was moved and second-
ed that proxies be not allowed.
The chairman stated that in his ex-
perience proxies were not allowed and
the motion was unanimously adopted.
The chairman announced that he
would recognize any Democrat present
who had any suggestion to make for
the good of the party.
The names of electors were then
read. They are as follows:
Electors at large: J. F. Wolters,
Fayette county: L. A. Clark. Hunt
county. District electors: Frederic
Dudley, Paris; Geo. B. Terrell. Chero-
kee county: Ras Young. Longvlew; T.
F. Mangmm. Collin county: T. I?. Rld-
gell, Rockwall county; C. S. Bradley.
Groesbeck: J. C. Feagin. Livingston,
Polk county: J. G. Ashford, Walker
county: W. L. Adklns, Colorado coun-
ty; A. B. Storey. Caldwell, county; \.
R. Eldson. Hamilton county; John J.
Miner, Hood county; A. C. Owsley,
Denton county; J. H. Stanley, Burnet
county; Robert J. Kleberg. Nueces
county; Albert Sevenson, Palo Pinto
county.
The committee wan then asked to
note carefully If the list was correct.
Several Inltlaln and addresnen were
found to be Incorrect, but the list above
shows the proper changes.
Chairman Andrews stated that he
had written to all electors regarding
qualification and that the incidental
question arose whether the committee
had the power to accept resignations
of electors connected with banks. The
attorney general was expected to be
present to render his opinion, but he
failed to appear and discussion then
followed as to what the committee
should do in the premises.
Q. T. MoreUnd, of Fort Worth, Mated
which he stated thnt he had accepted i
the nomination, believing at the time, i
and still believing, thnt the committe'
counties show proper credentials. He
claimed that they had no credentials
and had not been sent by any com-
mittee. He then toui tied upon ills ac-
tion In appointing his committee, and
stued that Mr. Italy of Galveston pai-
tlclpatcd In Die business transacted
at the meeting af Palacios at which
Hon. W. M. Holland had been nomi-
nated. He assured the committee that
the people were satisfied, and that
lihere was no danger of a Republican
victory.
Mr. Gaines of Mntagordn, the next
speaker, stated thai he had been with
, , , , . . Mr. Masterson and uas a party to
was pursuing a egal course and bad , h agreement made «t
full power to act. He stated that In 1
.. . , - , I Houston with reference to the course
the event Judge Masterson Wan not pilrHUW„ ,n w.„.,.lllir „ MUr,.es.
.he legal ehalrmnri of the Seventeenth Hor to s„„n,„,r nnv,d„o„. and that each
district his actions were of course void, 0lintv WIIK fu„ reprrH<,flted, illld that
and he had no authority to appoint . ; of fhp ri„,n
committee, and that such committee's] tl,.H „f ,h„ opposition were on hand to
action In nominating him would be. (|pny (h<. f.„., ,f „ r|m<. waB
Illegal, and that ns a good Democrat h l 0lr,milted h said It wns largely due
would not expert th* Democrncy of |fl r< pre*pntntlvew from finlvtHtan
that district to adhere to the nomlna-| ,.olinty, nnd they should
tlon.
Argument by both sides then fol-
lowed, and continued until after 5 p. m.
Mr. Wood of Galveston, who optioned
the action of the committee of Judge
Manternon In nominating Hon. W. M
they nhould not, he
thought, be fiermltted to turn state's
evidence lu any nuch a manner.
(Laughter.) He said: "Taking It on
myself as a representative of Muta-
gordo county, and as the spokesman of
other counties, I went t«o Mr. Manter-
Hollnnd, opened the argument. He; Hnl, liril] hifn to call the meeting at
nald In part: "Mr. Chairman nnd Gen-
tlemen of the Committee—An a repre-
sentative of norne of the votern of Gal-
veston county, nnd of the Seventeenth
senatorial district. I appenr befoie you
In behalf of a question which we of
Galveston consider one of grave Im-
Houston. There was no secret about
the matter. It was known to all and
up to the very time of the conven-
tion trhete wan not s protest made.
When we cnlled the meeting nt Pa-
lacios every committeeman knew that
It was for the purpose of electing a
portnnce, and one which we believe the successor to Davidson. Personal no-
commlttee should take cognizance of. tlce was sent to every committeeman
We wish to make It particularly plain „f the meeting, and a notice was pub-
that our action In the matter Is Instl- i ||shed in the press of the Seventeenth
gated through no personal animosity district There weie more than sev-
towardn the beneficiary of the action of | enty five of the Democ racy of the dln-
the committee of Judge Masterson, or trlct present at the meeting."
as to the locality of bin residence. Ij |lp ,, hlicli tribute lo Mr. Hol-
am not here In behalf of any candidate land, and ncored the Galventonlann
of nny locality, but nlmply to get at ] whom he stated would not support' a
the factn of the question, and have th* man unless from their own county
matter settled In a Just matter. We and who would devote his entire ef-
are here to complain of a crlm that! forts towards their own Improvement,
has been committed: one which w«« i He as uired the committer that with
consider an outrage and disastrous <n ; Mr. Holland as the nominee a Demo-
lerms of that, act shall not have his
name placed on (he official ballot.
These two sections, to my inliul. are
controlling In the matter I considered
at that time.
"After that opinion had been given
and published lu Hie papers the action
was taken which has been recited her"
today, and with which I have no fa-
miliarity excepting in a general way
Hnd what haH been said here this eve-
ning. On my return home after a
short absence I found a number of let-
ters making Inquiry of me and asking
rulings on various proposition grow-
ing out of this action, und to do some-
thing iu the matter. I declined to
do anything for the reason that I had
already given out what I thought was
the law In the case, and had no
doubt all parties com erned were cog-
nizant of It. I undertook then as far
as I could to harmonize these differ-
ences, especially In Galveston county
1 went to the extent of asking men
thnt I knew were good and Influential
Democrats, to come up and confer
with me and had numerous telephone
calls, lu one of these conversations
with a gentleman (find, If I mn to quote
him I might as well mention his name
as being Mr. Pahst), he nald that so
far as Mr. Holland was concerned he
had no objection to him. and that he
did not think most of the people of
Galveston bad any objection to him;
that he thought In a general way he
would be a satisfactory candidate. I
then suggested that If they believed
PURE LEAF TOBACCO.
For sale to brother populists at 910
per 100 lbs. Patronize one who has
spent lots of dollars fighting for the
holy populist cause. Address
W. L. Parks, Adams Tenn.
Rural Route No. 1.
CHICKENS AND PIG8. '
I have the best strain of Game
Chickens on the earth, and a few
thoroughbred Poland China Pigt
which I am offering at a bargain.
Write for particulars. STUMP
ASHBY, Smlthfleld, Texas.
■ <m
i
Its effect. The crime Is this: A mem-
ber of the state executive committe-
assuming by virtue of his office of
chairman of a senatorial executive
committee han rone to work and se-
lected ft committee of bis own, which
cratlc victory was certain.
Mr. Brown of Whar.ton county next
spoke In behalf of the nomination of
Mr. Holland. He stated that he de-
sired to see the matter amicably ad-
justed, that he was for harmony above
G. W. Brooks, Jr.
Fins Carriage Repairing,
Painting and Trimming,
" " Tires.
Phone 869, Cor. H. A T. C. Hy.
Dallas, Texas.
RoriWatiinff V,,RKD' "smpie *RBB Or
that fhey ought to get together -d | P^^^fiSlu^ar-iiri^
P hh a reMolution lo that efiert. In- :
stead of doing that they passed the I
resolution which I have read lo you. j ENTERPRISE TREES
1 have no purpose, except to be Are t|le best. Tin y are grown right
We have all the Commercial Varte-
lies. Head us a list, of what you wish
to plant. Our prices will please yon.
Free Catalogue.
ENTERPRISE NURSERIES,
Tyler, Texas
sure that a Democrat represents thai
district. I have been the partisan of
no man. The gentlemen who have
been suggested as proper candidates
are all my personal and political
friends, but I wrote what I believed
to be the law, and i still believe thai
before the committee votes on It 11
Is my duty to myself and to this com-
mittee to say to you what I have suid
in conection with the way in which
these matters have arisen und In
which I have handled them."
Mr. Wolters next took the floor and
said in part: "The committe has no
Jurlsditclon in the case In the way
of a settlement, except to arbitrate the
differences between these two
DOING ta
t&tlon.
mo,:;,
BACH ADDITIONAL KOI
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Park, Milton. Southern Mercury. (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 24, No. 39, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 29, 1904, newspaper, September 29, 1904; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth186067/m1/3/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 2, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .