The Washington times., 1902-09-13
REPUBLICANS HOPE
FOR SUCCESS IN SOUTH
Blackburn Fighting to Re-
tain Seat in Congress.
President Roosevelt's- Visit to North
Carolina Believed to Have Helped
Representatives. Chances.

The near approach of the fall Con-
gressional elections is attracting the
close attention of politicians, and the
chances of the leading parties in the
several States are being closely can
vassed. The great interest shown
throughout the South in the recent trip
of President Roosevelt has led the Re-
publicans in close districts there to
gather hope that they may be able to
pull their candidates through to sue
cess.
North Carolina is one. of the States
closely drawn. That States has at pres
ent two Republican Representatives,
Messrs. Blackburn and Moody. Both
these gentlemen have the warm coop
Grafton and support of Senator Pritch-
ard in their fights. Those in a position
to know also declare that President
Roosevelt feels the greatest interest in
these contests and that hesis thor
oughly hopeful that they will both be
returned to their seats in the House.
Moody's Friends Claim Victory.
Mr.. Moody's friends declare that his
reelection is assured. and will not ad-
NIT the least possibility of doubt that
their predictions will not be found full
,filled when election day has passed. The
Democrats are almost willing to con-
cede the success of the genial, big Con-
gresham from the Ninth district and
are therefore turning their best efforts
TO localities where they believe there
exists better chance for success.
One of the backgrounds selected for
stiff contest is the Eighth district,
now represented by Mr.. Blackburn.
Here the Democrats profess complete
confidence in insuring his defeat be-
cause of certain locaf- conditions.
In the redistricting of the State, Rep
resentative Kluttz of the Seventh was
thrown into Mr.. Blackburn's district
As he is one of the old warhorses of
that section. his strength is admitted
by both sides. The Republicans feel.
however, that Notwithstanding the odds
against them, they will be able to land
MIR. Blackburn again.
Sources of Strength.
In addition to MIR. Blackburn's per-
sonal popularity. his supporters are
claiming additional strength from two
sources-first the tour of President
Roosevelt through the State, with the
warm approval accorded his utterances,
and, secondly, the enthusiasm which
will be aroused assuredly for the party
through the joint debotes between Sem
ator Pritchard and Judge Lock Craig.
The Senator is going to stand as the
defender of State industries against
free raw material and tariff reform gem
orally and Will carry these views from
one end of the State to the other de
viii picture Mr.. Blackburn as the spe-
cial protector of local interests and
will undoubtedly win votes.
The local acceptability of such argu-
ments is not unappreciated by the Dem
ocrats. They count on Representative
kluttz to prove too strong personally,
however, 10 be seriously affected by
figures and are confidently
counting on success. The present status
OF the contest is very uncertain. and
The assertiye claims so confidently made
by 10th sides are regarded as sub
ject to considerable revision before
he final announcement of the results.