The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-10-21
Simmons For Senator.

To the Editor:-While carefully noting
the articles which have appeared from
time to time in your valuable paper, adj
vocating the several candidates who seek
to succeed Hon. Marion Butler in the Uni
ted States Senate, / have been struck
with the supreme selfishness manifested
by many of the writer's. Each say, take
my man, he deserves this preferment as
a slight compensation for the service he
has rendered his party or perchance,
because he has contributed handsomely
to some charitable or religious enter
PRISE" Now l think majority at least
of the good people of North Carolina will
agree with me when / say that neither
party fealty or the possession of a good
heart, necessarily make a man a philoso-
pher or statesman; and so, in select
ing Senator l respectfully submit that it
is proper for us to choose the man who
can command the greatest resources
through which he may serve his con-
sttuency. Survey the field; which candi-
date has been more closely connected
y4jh the political life of North Carolina!
Which candidate by reason of his expe-
rience is best acquainted with the science
OF government? Which candidate is the
readiest and most logical debater, and
will be best equipped to defend the &C
tion of the people of North Carolina when
they are assailed by Republican politi-
clans for restricting negro suffrage!
North Carolina is just emerging from
political revolution; when we are assail-
ed, and assailed we will be, in the name
of a brave, generous and dutiful people
let us have Senator who will make no
apology for our action, but will demand
the respect due unto us.
I think, Mr.. Editor, that just at this
time we should send Hon. F. M. Simmons
to the Senate; in advocating his fitness 1
shall refrain. from speaking at length of
the service he has rendered his State, a
service which has not been surpassed by
the services of any other North Caro-
linian. A great and gracious people have
not forgotten so soon. Some of US at
least, know that when other good men
in this State through timidity or indif-
ference declined to serve the Democratic
party in the capacity of chairman, Mr..
Simmons modestly assumed the duties
of the position and by his tact and or
ganization the white men of this State
were enabled to win a victory which
means more to the welfare of this State
than any of us can conceive of. There
are some things in this life, Mr.. Editor,
which cannot be measured in money
Mr.. Simmons's services to his State has
been worth more than all the campaign
funds ever expended in North Carolina.
don't think the fellow Democrats OF
Mr.. Simmons every one of whom Senator
Butler charges with being particeps Grim
inis in the commission of high crimes
and misdemeanors, because forsooth
they thwarted his selfish efforts to con-
troll the politics of North Carolina, should
allow the organized efforts of his polit-
ical enemies to encompass his defeat
There is not Republican who wants to
see Simmons go to the Senate.
If Simmons is chosen Senator it must
be done through the efforts of his friends
and admirers he has no money to con-
duct a canvass, and he could not canvass
in his own behalf il he desired to do so,
because of the duties devolving upon him
as chairman of the Democratic party. At
this time he is like the faithful stew
ard. is about the business intrusted 70
him, and is canvassing the State in the
interest of our Congressional ticket and
Bryan and Stevenson.
What are the resources of Mr.. Sim
mons that peculiarly fit him for seat
in the Senate? First, he is thoroughly
acquainted with the polltlcal sentiments
of our people; no man since the days OF
Vance has had such an opportunity as
he has had to observe and learn the va
rious phases of our body polite. Second,
he served two years in Congress, and by
closely attending to his duties became
familiar with all the great national ques-
lions which have been under considera-
ton in this country for over quarter
of a century; this experience will add
much to his value as our representative.
Third, he is not only jealous and able
lawyer, but is also a logical, fluent speak
er, great statistician, possessing style
which will be exceedingly forcible in
Senatorial debate.
| have an abiding faith in the wisdom
of the people of North Carolina. If they
select Mr.. Simmons in my humble opln-
ion they will make no mistake.
JOHN H. KERR.
Warronfon O.