Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1899-05-25
ICoMMUvIcATgD.

80
EDIToRs or THE BEACON ;-The dem
ocratic party, of the State of Maryland,
encouraged and flushed with the splen-
did victory gained by our brethen of
Baltimore city in the recent Mayoralty
contest, will soon be marshalling its
forces for the gubernatoriai campaign
Let ps hope that in selecting a c&ndi-
date to head the State ticket, one viii
be found whose very name win be a
guarantee to the people throughout the
State, that the democratic party means
to provide an administration for them of
the very highest order. Indeed, as a
condition precedent to success, the action
of the p.rty's next STATE convention
must unequivocally bear out this assur-
ance.
While all signs at present point TO
democratic success next fall, still every
precaution must be taken against any
possible blunder that might turn q
reasonably assured victory into disas-
trous defeat.
Let as profit by the lesson OF the re-
cent past, and steer clear of the
rocks and stones that wrecked the good
old democratic ship four years ago.
May wise counsel and leadership pre-
vail and harmonious action mark party
proceedings. III the plain people are
suffered to be heard in the management
of party affairs and they have a voice
in selecting their standard bearer, all
will be well.
But let no coterie of gentlemen, how
ever respectful and prominent, play the
role of self constituted leaders and AFRO
gate to themselves the peculiar Office, as
in times gone by, of debating nomina-
tions regardless and in defiance of the
wishes of the frank and file," and Elk
ing things" to suit their own sweet will,
for surely in this day of independent
thought as well as of Independent action,
such proceedings will not be tolerated
under any guise.
The structure of bossism has become
rotten, and he who attempts to sustain
its crumbling pillars will surely be en-
quilted in the ruins.
Let the example recently set us by the
democracy of Baltimore city be followed
in the State at large and there will be
no question as to the result. There the
will of the people as expressed in fair
primaries prevailed, and gentlemen were
selected to represent their party with a
view to their fitness for the offices they
will be required to fill.
Among the distinguished names thus
far mentioned in connection with the
nomination for Governor by the DEM
ocratic convention, there is one who
seems to me would be an ideal candi-
date, and especially so to the democrats
of Southern Maryland.
Himself Southern Maryland gentle
man by birth and association, keenly
alive to her welfare, largely identified
with her material progress, and fully
sympathizing with her needs, surely
there is no man ia the State whom South
ern Maryland democrats would rather
support for this exalted Office, than Mr..
Henry Williams.
As one of the committee of seven who
directed the late campaign for the DEM
ocratic party in Baltimore city with such
signal success, the party throughout the
State owes him much, for that victoty
paves the way for still greater one next
fall, which means everything to the
people of Maryland.
There can be no question but that Mr..
Williams would poll as large, If not the
largest vote, of any gentleman, so far
named for the Governorship. And why
not? A disciple of pure democracy, a
gentleman of the most unbending integ-
rity and true type of our best citizen
ship. do not know that Mr.. Williams
has ever expressed himself as being a
candidate, but if the democrats of Mary
land, would in their wisdom select him
as their standard bearer, believe he
would willingly accept the honor, and
enjoying, as he certainly does, the re-
spect and. confidence of all classes of
people, he would lead the party to tri-
umphant victory, and his only ambition
would be to give the people a wise,
painstaking and able administration.
Let Southern Maryland speak as unit
this time for Henry Williams, a man ITO
the manner born" and no fear but that
our sister counties of the State, and Bal
timore city too, will respond to our
choice. DEMOCRAT.