The times., 1899-08-04

The Democratic State ticket nominated
at Baltimore on Wednesday was the chief
political topic discussed yesterday by
Maryland politicians in Washington. and
there was but one opinion expressed in
regard to the selections made by the
Democratic convention. 1t was unani-
mously admitted by members of both po-
litical parties that stronger nominations
than those of John Walter Smith, Isidor
Rayner, and Joshua W. Herring have not
been put in the field in Maryland during
the last thirty years. Democrats OF every
shade OF opinion declared that these can
didates represented in an eminent degree
the intelligence, integrity, and ability o.
the State irrespective of political afiilia-
ton and, indeed. there were not wanting
Republicans who candidly concurred in
that opinion.
The ticket will, it is thought. awaken
great enthusiasm and activity on account
of the character and achievements OF the
candidates. John Walter Smith is, by
those who know him well, thought to be
one of the abIest, most upright, and most
admirable men in Maryland public life
Mr. Smith has served the State botn in
business and a political capacity, and has,
it is said. demonstrated his usefulness IN
each vocation TO the thorough satisfaction
Of the people. He is by profession
banker. and has been for thirty years ac-
lively engaged in developing the resources
CT the State, especially OF the Eastern sec
1 ton, where he resides.
He has originated and operated success
| fully many large interests, and has been
known for years as one of the substantial,
| energetic captains OF industry in Maryland
| His success in public life is said to be
! largely due to the intimate knowledge Of
! the needs of the people which he has US
uaily brought to the. consideration of legis-
lative questions.
Mr. Smiths Candidacy.
Mr.. Smiths candidacy carries with it al
60 the prestige of real usefulness as a leg
islator. While member of the State Sem
ate his service. Though seldom ostentatious
Las been actual in a high degree, and has
been fit and appreciated, it is claimed, in
every section of the State. Though con-
! firmed and unyielding Democrat in poll
J tics, he has been inclined to view public
questions Of purely State interest with that
non -partisan spirit which seeks first the
welfare OF the people rather than of any
particular party. As a Democratic admir-
er expressed it yesterday: Mr.. Smith has
I been in politics fer more than a score
of years, but in all that time it may be
| said that he has never been what might
/ be called politician. He has been keen,
clean. clear-headed business man, actively
interested in all public questions"
1t is remarked also in many circles with
no little significance that Mr. Smith has
more than once felt it his duty to differ
the former gentleman has never once hest
tated to act Independently when his opin-
! ions were not shared in by Mr.. German.
| Mr.. Smith has. however, the tactful fac
I ulty of differing without clashing and for
that reason is recognized as one of the
most popular men in or out of the party.
It is said, therefore, that Mr.. Smith,
] though an ardent Democrat is in no sense
the nominee of any clique or combination
of skillful politicians. He is. it is claimed,
emphatically and eminently the sponta-
neously named leader of the Maryland De-
moeraey in the present campaign. He has
been chosen, it is said, only because OF his
! admittedly superior qualifications for the
Office.
Mr.. Smith is known in Maryland as the
popular author and advocate of the free
school book" law. 1t is claimed that his
championship of that measure will insure
! him the support of the plain people in
every county OF the State. 1t is pointed
out that this law is characteristic of the
Democratic nominee and that IT illustrates
| his wide sympathy with the actual needs
| of the people. His candidacy will also
| prove popular, it is claimed, because of his
| generous temper and the wise charities
which he has encouraged throughout the
| Eastern Shore, and which are none the less
appreciated because they happen never to
| have been advertised. In a word, Mr..
| Smith is, it is urged, regarded by every
| one, regardless of party. as an able, hon
| est, clean handed man, an effective cam
paign speaker, gentleman, and public
officer of satisfactorily proved experience.
On national questions Mr.. Smith is
known to be q sound money Democrat As
such, aItboigh he deplored the silver issue
| in 1886, he voted for the Democratic nom
inee for President. His candidacy will, 1t
is claimed, rally TO his support Democrats
of every shade of political opinion. He
will be supported. his friends say, by none
so arder1tly as by the independents who
recognize his ability and have confidence
in his character. 1t is thought that the ef-
fort now making TO represent him as a
straddler on the financial question will not
meet with success. 1t is claimed that Mr..
Smiths attitude in 1896 and in his canvass
OF 1885 when he was elected to Congress,
was thoroughly understood and was ad-
mired for its uniform consistency