The San Francisco call., 1901-11-24
SENATOR SIMS
IS IGNORED
Democratic Tactics in
Chinese Exclusion
Convention.

There was no open attempt on the part
of Democratic politicians who were prom
lnent In the Chinese Exclusion Con-
Vention to outgeneral the Republicans. 1t
was observed at the outset that the Re-
publicanS were prepared to take care of
themselves. In the Democratic camp
there was active effort 10 send some of
the leaders to the front and keep others
in the rear. The programmes managed
early in the convention to sidetrack ]. c.
Sims. chairman of the Democratic State
Central Committee, and keep him on the
siding until near the hour of adjourn
ment. 1t is surmised that Senator Sims
has aspirations for Democratic leadership
| in 1902 and might easily win the nomina-
ton of his party for Governor Perhaps
Sims was turned down by the program
mers to give Geary boost, but what
ever the reason the slight did not escape
the notice Of Senator Sims personal and
political friends. They regret that graf
ification Of small anmosities and petty
prejudices were permitted to mar the con-
vention.
Samuel NJ. Shortridge was excluded
from prominence in the convention at the
suggestion of the yellow press This was
regrettable, for Mr.. Shortridge's record
as an advocate Of Chinese exclusion is
well established and his ability as an or
ator is widely recognized. The yellow
newspaper in San Francisco, which fur
nished some Of the Democratic hustlers
with programme, has a real or imag-
mary grievance against Shortridge.
Ex-Governor Budd Outplays Mayor
In the little finesse of skilled politicians
Ex-Governor Budd outplayed Mayor Phe-
Ian, although the latter had the advan
tage of position. The Republicans, who
were closely watching the play, noted
the skill of the Ex-Governor. Mayor Sny-
der of Los Angeles did not lose a trick.
There is no doubt that majority CT
citizens comprising the convention had
in view the extension Of the exclusion
act, but 1t is a well-known fact that 9TH
ers who sought special prominence haG
in mind political advantage.
The Republicans in the convention took
broad and patriotic view of the quee-
ton. They did not go in with knives
sharpened to do up ono another. but they
were wary of their political opponents and
have no cause to regret their vigilance.
It cannot be said that either party gained
special advantage in the council Of de-
liberation. 1t is a source of regret, how
ever, that an occasion of so much con-
Germ to California shoJ,d have been USED
by Democratic cliQues and factions to Sc
cretly crafty a spirit Of resentment. Az
ter all, the convention has not advanced
any aspirant's chances for gubernatoria,
or congressional honors, and if it has not
added much to the store of wisdom on
the main proposition to exclude the CHI
nese from competition with white labor
it has done no harm TO the cause. Of eX-
clusion.
The yellow press announcement that
Shortridge was given a back seat among
the silent because he has Chinese clients
is the most amusing statement of the
season, when it is considered that Geary,
the chairman of the convention, has had
more than his share of the business in
landing Chinese in California.
Their Chinese Landing Records.
The Mongolian business which Short
ridge holds or has ever held is a mere
trife compared with Geary's patronage ir.
the same line. If ali the Cinnamon
brought ashore by Geary were placed in
column and procession might extend from
the Federal courthouse to Sullivan's al
ley, in Chinatown.
Duncan E. McKinlay, who was an elo-
quent speaker IN the convention, has had
more Chinese clients than Shortridge
ever had. Geary, however, has had
the cream of the business. When the
State campaign gets fairly under waI
The Call will crafty the curious publ ;
by presenting Federal court statistics
showing the NUMBER or Cnlnese cases TO
the credit of every lawyer politician. The
number landed can then be compared
with the number they are likely to ex
clude. OF course. there is nothing po
litical in this comment. 1t happens that
the Republican lawyers are almost as en-
terprising as tteir Democratic brothers
at the bar in pursuit Of Chinese clients,
but the people may want to know If the
Republicans can produce a lawyer who
can match Geary in the special field of
landing Chinese under the color OF the
law. Perhaps dig politicians belonging to
the Democratic National Committee may
organize steamship lines and transfer
coolies from China to Mexico. so that the
Chinese may get to California through
the back door. but such admission wou,2
not be lawful.
BOLLERsvILLE. Ohio. Nov pa gang of
five robbers blew open the postofice safe here
last night and secured 5000 worth Of stamps and