Evening star., 1900-09-28
AGAINST BOSSISM
Deliverance of Anti-Norris Wing Of
District Democracy.
ADDRESS TO MEMBERS OF THE PARTY
Suggestion Of Mr. Jesse B. Wilson
as National Committeeman.
REVIEW OF THE TROUBLE

REVIEW OF THE TROUBLE
The democratic central committee dn-
structedp of the District OF Columbia has
issued a statement addressed to members
% its party here. relative to the local dis
agreements which have been the subject of
controversy recently. The address is as
follows:
There has been much said. both through
TIE pres; and the street, in regard to
the disagreement between the democrats OF
the District. These statements and decla-
rations are all merely the opinions and as
esrtions of individuals, none of them have
come from any official source. and all are
prejudiced and misleading.
This irresponsible talk has done much
toward increasing the bitterness and fur
ther complicating the situation, so that a
general misunderstanding has resulted, and
the possibility of securing harmony made
unne sessdrily difficult. In consequence of
this fact il is considered advisable by this
committee that an official statement should
be given 10 the public in order that all dem
ocrats may clearly understand the position
of this committee and that it may not be
miSrepresented by irresponsible individuals
This contest was not entered into for
the purpose of advancing the interests or
aspirations of any individual. indeed. in the
incipiency of the contest. the members ol
the executive committee. who directed he
campaign were pledged not to ask any
Office seek any emolument: they We're
es en- barred from the privilege of becom-
ing candidates as delegates 10 the conYen-
ton. The fight was made against corrupt
methods. bessism and injustice. 1t was
made for the purpose Of purifying politics
and establishing in the District of Columbia
decent fair and just methods at the pfi-
maries: 10 secure to every citizen equal ana
lust reatment at the polls. and establish
in the party management here methods ana
systems that would be an honor 10 the
democracy of the District. and for fair
ness. justice and conscientious regard Tor
the dignity of citizenship would be an eX-
ample to all parties throughout the IA
ton. 1t was 4 fight against corruption,
usurpa tion and arrogant assumption OF au-
thority. 1t was a fight to seize from the
hands OF a corrupt and usurping clique the
assumed powers which they arroga Ted 10
themselves and return them to the people
where they belong.
Principal Object.
Zone of the principal objects held in view
by this committee is the securing from
Congress the enactment of proper election
laws for this District and proper registra-
ton. which will make repetition OF the
disgraceful methods. common here at the
possible for self-respecting citizens to take
part in such proceedings. Throughout this
entire contest this committee has con-
Stantly kept this object in view. Never at
any time has it lent itself to support the
personal ambitions Of any man for any po-
sition. Our delegates at Kansas City pre-
sented candidate for the vacancy on the
national committee This committee,
was its duty supported that candidate up
to the time when personal interest threat
i,,-a arfa -, ,ipa1, ,ln li,tS-
ment of party differences. then this candi
date withdrew in the interest of harmony
and his act was approved by this committee.
This action in itself is evidence of the
good intentions on the part of this commit
tee. and removed one Of the obstacles in
the way of reorganization. The Norris
party, on the other hand. represents only
Mr.. Norris and his ambitions. There is
nothing for which they seem to stand ex-
cept the forcing of Mr.. Norris upon the ma
tional committee and the democrats OF this
District. The appointment of Mr.. Norris is
their creed and ultimatum. Take away
Norris and there is nothing left Now this
committee looks upon Mr.. Norris as the en-
bodiment of the corrupt system and meth
DDS of the past, and would regard his ap-
pointment as a recognition and re-establish-
ment of those methods and conditions; con-
sequentiy, so long as Mr.. Norris is a fac
tor in the proposition there can be no possi-
Die agreement We have made the only
step toward cOnciiation and harmony They
stand for just what they did in the begin
nlng-James l.. Norris and his personal am
bitions. Let the other side go as far as we
nave and the fight will soon end. Let Mr.
Norris sink his personal ambitions and har-
mony will quickly return. We have proved
that We are not supporting the personal as
plratiOns of any man: let them do as much
Let them prove their fealty to the marty
and Withdraw their candidate as we have
done, then We will be on common ground
Has Recome Offensive.
ms Wransle has become offensive to
many good and honorable men. The ner
sonal ambitions OF no man can command
the interest and support of men Of charac-
ter when justice and principle are involved
Why should Mr.. Norris insist on forcing his
personality. his individual aspirations upon
the people of this District? There are many
good men and true in this community VINO
would dignity the position and relieve the
tension We are willing to prove our no.
sitlon and desire for harmony There IA
now movement on foot backed by neu-
1iai men or character and standing in the
community. for circulating a petition ask
ing the appointment on the national com
mittee of Mr.. Jesse B. Wilson whose
s,anulhg and character no man will ques-
ton. man who took no part In this local
contest and who would represent all mar
ties with credit: who is identified CLOSELY
with the financial and business interests of
the District Being president of the Lin
coin National Bank. he is a man who com
mands the respect and confidence OF the
business community while his business in
terests would insure a conscientious and
conservative course.
Now this committee Is willing to ioin in
THIS neutral movement and indorse Mr.
Wilson. Let Mr.. Norris and his following
do as much. Let Mr.. Norris withdraw
and join in the support of this man who
can command support from all factions and
harmony will soon be restored. The matter
of consolidating the committees will be
mere affair of detail and harmony will be
secured with an assurance OF securing the
reforms which good citizen will OBJ
iect to.
Ihe matter rests entirely with Mr. Nor
ris III his personal ambitions are to he
superior to party welfare and just and fair
methods, he alone must bear the burden of
blame. This committee insists on nothing
unfair or arbitrary and has already gone
half way in the move for harmony; but of
one thing there must be no doubt we will
have no more of Mr. Norris or his meth
DDS If this contest Is to continue it must
be charged to Mr. Norris personal ambi-
tions. not to any unreasonable demands
from US
The address is signed by ]. A. Collins,
chairman.
ReInIum's kinr Nav Ah1Icota