The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-07-04
FRIENDS OF HODGES.
What is Said of the GubernatOriaI Nomination.
Interviews with Prominent business
Men OF Baltimore.
From the Baltimore Evening News.

strength of ex-Mayor Hodges among the business
classes as gubernatorial candidate of the Demo-
cratic party is engaged in procuring interviews with
business men and they will be published from time
to time The following expressions of opinions are
given to begin with;
Mr. Germon H. Hunt, president OF the Baltimore
Trust and Guarantee Company: II have known
Mr. Hodges for many years and consider him one
of our ablest and most valuable citizens; if he
should be selected as candidate for Governor, his
election would reflect the highest credit the State
and his administration would be thoroughly efficient
and honorable. I am heartily in favor of him for
the position believing, do that he is by far the
best man among these who have been mentioned
for the place."
John E. Hurst, of Hurst, Purnell & Co., wholesale
dry goods said in reply to the question what do you
think of Mr.. James Hodges as a candidate for Gov
ernor, subject to the decision of the Democratic
nominating convention: II think Mr.. Hodges
would make a most acceptable candidate and an
intelligent and capable Governor. His well known
ability as man, his experience in affairs of State
and his honorable career as one of our leading mer
chants all unite in advocacy of his fitness and his
strong claim on the Democracy of Maryland. l
would be pleased in thus seeing him honored by
the good people of the State. Put me down for Mr..
Hodges, and hope to see him the nominee of the
party"
Mr. Robert c. Hall, of Hall Bros K Co, coal ship
pers. SAYS: 81 am decidedly of opinion that Mr..
Hodges ought to be nominated for governor. Hehas
shown himselfa man of affairs in his private bust
ness and no less competent in public Office. Every
matter in which our people are interested is
familiar TO him. and his sound and well trained in
telect enables him to deal with State questions with
unfailing judgment 1 have known Mr.. Hodges
from the foundation of his fortunes and have seen
him demonstrate his ability to manage great things
| as well as small. think the State of Maryland
ought to be represented in the Governors chair by
| an educated man, man of ideas and a man of ex'
| perience 1t would save a good deal of trouble II
| choosing candidates for the governorship if thos
who aspred to that Office were to be required 10 80
through q civil service examination, say, such as
fourth class clerk has to stand down at Washington.
Everybody knows that the result would shorten The
list of gubernatorial candidates in Maryland jus at
present, but Mr.. Hodges's name would not be among
| those dropped"
| William T. Bieder OF Witt, Bieder x Co., Whole
sale dry goods upon being asked who his preference
| for Governor was, replied James Hodges be
| cause regard him as the best equipped persol, so
far named in nearly every particular for that ligh
| trust. lie is a selfmade man, successful business
man. an experienced man, having ably and nth
fully discharged the duties of the Mayoralty this
city; an intelligent and perfectly capable man who
| would make one of the best Governors Maryland
has ever had In addition to this he has rare >usi-
ness qualities, together with perfect knowledge of
the tariff laws and the needs and rights of agncul-
ture the two great local and national questionsnow
| aeitating the entire country. Besides this Mr..
Hodges is fine orator and has done his State several
services, Tor which l think its citizens should be
grateful
! Gen. John Gill, President Mercantile Trns and
| Deposit Company, of Baltimore, says:
Ishould be exceedingly gratifed to see Mr.. Ibdges
nominated for Governor. He is peculiarly fitted for
the position and at this particular juncture N the
affairs of the State, when there important con-
stitutional amendments and legislative enactnents
to be passed and approved by the people tits essen
tial to have man of ripe experience at the helm.
Without wishing 10 disparage the claims of others
Mr. Hodgess long and successful practical Business
career, his knowledge oflocal and national politics.
his great personal pride in his State and espec
ally the Eastern Shore. where he was born, would
make him, in my Judgment most suitable and
popular candidate.
| For a business man Mr.. Hodges has had rather
distinguished career; he has not simply delved in
his counting room to enrich himself; on the contra
ry as his riches increased he has been most liberal
/ Ill Us we'll
ed to the call of his fellow townsmen to fill places of
public trust when it was absolutely to the detrimen
| of his own interests.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with such men as
George William Brown s. Tackle Wallace and Geo.
NJ Gill in the great reform contest of 1859. He was
| warm and ardent supporter in the defense of
Southern rights during the civil war.
fine is honored by the nomination of the Demo-
cratic party, he will stand with many of us who
favor reform in the election and assessment laws;
more exemption and less oppression to- the agrcul-
tural interests in fact believe Mr.. Hodges would
| approve what strongly advocate myself-an effort
to discover new sources Of revenue, which will
render possible the exemption of landed property
| from State taxation.
There never was a time in the history of the State
when man of ability, experience and character
| was more needed to bring about thorough changes
necessary TO perpetuate the prosperity and growth
OF the State of Maryland, and believe Mr.. Hodges
| to be the man to comprehend the situation and to
| effect these reforms.
Mr. Frederick Hertel (of Tregallis, Hertel & Co.,
| whosesale dry goods: 81 am heart and soul for
Mr.. Hodges, my neighbor, over the way"
| Reporter: Have you objections TO stating cause
| of your choice?
Mr.. Hertel None whatever. am for Hodges
because of his preeminent fitness for the position
and because he will be credit to the State. In my
opinion he embodies the requisites of capacity,
conscience and integrity, He has the brains and
oratorical force necessary to make brilliant and
successful campaign this fall. 1 hope the conven-
| ton will see the wisdom of his nomination"
The following members of the same firm cordially
| Endorsed Mr.. Hertel's views, viz: John T. Wilbor
j. B. Parran, D. A. Moffett, W. E. Wilbor. In addi-
ton to these members of this firm there eleven
| employees for Hodges making sixteen instead Of
five, as reported in paper of this city heretofore
John C. c. Justs, Esq, of Justis & Armiger jewel
ers: have been Republican all my life, but Mr.
Hodges is the Democrat who if his party is SELL
| sible and patriotic enough to nominate him, will
get my vote for Governor of Maryland. shall vote
for him not as a Democrat, but a representative
business man of this city and State, who has made
his own career and has reflected the highest credi
by his life private and public, the State and OF
himself He is a son of Maryland of whom she may
well feel proud, and whom thought to delight Mary
landers of every school of political thought to honor
He has been in public Office before and has shown
his capacity to handle questions of State in the
most comprehensive and mastery manner. If the
Democrats are wise they will take this man, espe
cially in view of the coming Columbian Exposition
when this State ought to be represented by one wht
| shall be at least the peer of any other Governor
No Republican doubts that every business and inan
cial interest of the State will receive the best posi-
| BILE care and management under Hodges, and in m!
judgment he is the best man the Democrats eoulC
select with an eye to the floating or Independent
| vote.
Reporter; Il have called, Mr. witz to ask who
is your choice for Governor"
Mr.. Levi WITT (of Witt, Biedler & Coz wholesale
dry goods: 81 am not used to being interviewed
and generally have little to do with politics
contribute when called upon and to vote the Demo
cratic ticket at every election yet like most people
1 have preference to who should be chosen. aud
at this time unhestatngly say that would prefel
to see Mr. James Hodges selected as am confiden
he would make just such Governor as our State
needs at present and Is most likely TO need badly
| during the next four years"
Mr.. d. Meredith Reese, of the Baltimore bar says
l have known Mr.. Hodges from Know-nothing
| days. He has been most patriotic citizen as well
as most successful merchant. am in favor of him
| for Governor because he is man Of strong con
vicons to which he stands steadfastly faithful and
vigorous intellect which he exercises from taste