The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1899-07-07
EX-GOVERNOR WHITES
OPINION.

Elk Gov. William Pinkney Whytc, when
asked last week what interest he was TAX
ing in politics at this time said:
only that which every loyal citizen
owes to his State. have passed that
period of life when it is useful to become
embroiled in the internal contests arising
within the confines of party organizations.
In former days l was wont to get more
credit for molding sentiment in party
management than | was entitled to or de-
served, but have always watched with
interest what was going on in the ma
chinery of party movements. For many
years have done nothing whatever in
regard to primary elections or party NOM
nations, but have not been blind to the
trend of such matters"
'What is your opinion of the present
outlook Of politics in our State"
LAS to the Gubernatoral nomination,
which, by the way, seems to monopolize
public thought, of course Governor
Lowndes is the logical candidate of the
Republicans. He is decidedly the best
card they can play. His nomination will
evoke, if they are wise, the most serious
and earnest consideration of the Demo
Gratis in the selection of a candidate to
win against him. This State is, in my
opinion, soundly Democratic and, if the
same conservative judgment is exercised
by the Democratic State Convention as
was shown in this city in 1898 and in May
last, there is no doubt in my mind that
Maryland will resume its position as Il
Democratic State"
who is likely to be the Democratic
candidate for Governor?''
Now YOU ask me to guess. or, per-
chance, from the experience of the past,
to prophesy. Well, that is net pleasant.
Yet, from the names from time to time
talked of, it would be hard to say who
would not be strong candidate. Some
of the gentlemen, however-all of whom
are friends of mine and for whom enter
tain high respect-haye apparently drop
ped out and the scope is narrowed great
ly. 1t seems, speaking as of today, that
John Walter Smith will enter the conven-
ton with votes enough to nominate him
on the first ballot, and it may be that he
shall be the choice of the convention by
reclamation. The Eastern Shore is solid
for him, l believe, without the loss of
single county, and his splendid fight in
the Congressional district last year has
won for him strong support in the West
ern and Southern counties If l was
bettor, would take him as a winner
"Will you support him if he is the Dem
ocratic candidate ~
"Will l? Why not. am NATURAL born
Democrat, and the principles of that party
are as dear to me as when my father, in
old Jackson days, taught me what they
were. l have never raised hand against
it except when it got upon Il big drunk
and then L was only cruel to be kind |
think it is now as sober as Judge anG
it in its righteous ways. But, apart from
this, entertain for John Walter Smith,
personally, warm friendship, and be-
lieve the party and people can trust him
in any office to which they may elect him.
For 10 years in the State Senate, he has
done much to commend him and nothing
to bring upoH him condemnation. As
President of the Senate he was fair and
just to both sides, and his knowledge Of
State affairs will well fit him for the En-
ecutive office. He is cool, conservative
but hustling campaigner, and the Demo
cratic party needs that kind of service this
fall. Had lived in his district last wear,
| would have given him an earnest sup
port for his election, and see no reason
why any Democrat, though he may have
preferred another, should not rally to his
standard, if the Democratic Convention
puts him to thefront'