The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-06-28
Letter From Senator Jarvis.
WASHINGTON, June ., 1894
Hon. +. n. Simmons, Chairman Democrat

AAo". L IA. ctHsHtOHS, OHQTiidh AtHof1ufC
State Executive Committee,
Raleigh, n. C.
DEAR SIR Il see from the newspapers
that the State Executive Committee Of
the Democratic party is called to meet
in Raleigh on the 18th instant to put the
necessary machinery in motion for the
meeting of the State Convention, and
for the transaction of such other bust
ness as may properly come before it
As member of the Democratic party
and a candidate for it's hOnors | beg to
submit some suggestions for the consd-
Grafton of the Committee.
1t will be conceded, | suppose, that
there is much discomfort and dissatis-
faction among the great body of the
people OF North Carolina, and that the
Democratic voters share largely in this
dissatisfaction. Ii this be true then it is
OF the first Importance that our methods
OF party management should be such
that the voters whose votes we must
have If We succeed should have the fullest
opportunity to express their will as to
policy and candidates. Among other
important positions to be filled by the
results of the November election are those
of two United States Senators. The i'm
partance OF choosing two Democrats to
these positions can not be overestimated.
The loss Of them may change the whole
political complexion OF the Senate and
open the way to the ruinous financial
and tariff policies of the Republican
party. This question can not be kept
out of the approaching campaign even if
the candidates for the Senate and the
party managers should be united in their
efforts to do so. The people Will and,
in my opinion ought, to have something
to say about it. Ii this be true then it
is the part of wisdom to go direct to the
people with this question and let them
settle it. To this end l suggest that
when your Committee meets that it pro-
vide the machinery for holding a primary
election in such manner that the Demo-
cratic voters may determine for them
selves who shall be the Democratic candi-
dates for the United States Senate. This
election can be held at the time the Demo-
Gratis meet in their township or precinct
meetings to elect delegates to the County
Conventions in July or at such other
times asyOur Committee may select. The
returns can be made to the State Com
mittee and the result declared. | merely
suggest this time and method. Any
other which gives the Democratic voters
ample opportunity to express their pref
erences will be entirely satisfactory with
me. If the Committee shall say it has
not the authority, even with the request
OF the candidates, to take this action,
then beg to suggest that the Commit
tee prepare plan for such election and
submit it to the State Convention when
it meets.
am aware of the fact that there has
been a suggestion that such a course as
| propose will tend to disorganize the
party. l do not take any stock in that
objection. [ do not believe there is any
thing in it. 1t does not seem to me that
a party can be disorganized by letting
the voters themselves say who shall be
the candidates of the party. On the con-
trary, believe that such course on
our part will tend to unite the party and
restore confidence on the part of the
people in our methods and our efforts to
ascertain and execute their will There
is a feeling among the people Tin which
the election OF United States Senators is
too far removed from them. | would be
glad to see our State Convention insert
in it's platform a provision directing our
Senators and Representatives tosupport
an amendment to the Constitution of
the United States providing for the
election OF Senators by a direct vote of
the people. | believe that such a pro-
vision in our platform, coupled with the
primary election, showing our sincerity
in the matter, will give us as a party
great strength before the people, and
enable us to present a united, aggressive
front to the enemy.
For myself wish to be on record as
in favor OF taking the sense of the Demo-
cratic voters as to who shall be the can
didates of the party for the United States.
Ii the party managers agree with me, as
| hope they will, there can be no difficulty
in providing the machinery for this pur-
pose. That is an easy matter. This
office, as we'll as all others, belongs to
the people. We therefore can not make
a mistake in requiring the Democratic
voters to assemble at their respective
voting places and name the candidates
OF their party for this as we'll as other
Offices. 1t will be my pleasure to abide
and support the will of the voters thus
obtained no matter whether be chosen
or not, and no matter from what section
the chosen candidates may be selected;
and take it all Others are ready to do
the same. Very truly yours,
(SignedD THOs. J. JRRvIs.