The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-04
DECLARES FOR JELKS
CAPT. T. D. SANFORD ENDORSES
 THE GOVERNOR.
Believes That the Democrats of Ala bama are in Favor of Primary and Their Desire Should
 Be Granted.

Opelika, July 3.-(Special. )-Today Cap tain T. D. Sanford. one of the most prominent young attorneys in East Ala bama, chairman of the Lee County Democratic Executive Committee. and son of Alabama's beloved Governor, Will liam J. Sanford. gave your correspondent an interview relating to the administra- ton of Governor Jelks
 Captain Sanford was the law partner and private secretary of his father and during the critical illness of the latter contributed largely to the brilliant sue cess of his administration. Captain Sanford gives Governor Jelks strong and emphatic endorsement. Governor Jelks has shown Governor Samford's s friends the greatest courtesy and con- sideration. It was the object of Gov ernor Sanford to elevate political and in this respect Governor Jelks has followed in his footsteps. and his admin istration has been an endorsement of Governor Samford's position.
 Captain Sanford said:
 T do not know whether there will be opposition to Governor Jelks or not hope there will be none. I do not think there ought to be, and I see no good reason for it. His Democracy cannot be questioned and he has always fought the battles of the party. He has ad- ministered the affairs of the executive office with care and economy. and with conservatism and ability. So far as can learn, he has done nothing as Gov oF n warrant n fight beine made against him by the mem- bers of his own party. and he has done many things to endear himself to them. and has earned the customary endorse ment.
 .'The State has never been in better fix in any one of it's various departments, and, in my judgment. there never was time in the life of the Democratic party of Alabama when the situation required united effort and harmony more than at the present. The constitution having already been adopted. those who opposed can hope to accomplish nothing by antag- onizing Governor Jeiks. except to satisfy some personal grievance. or to obtain per sonal preferment-and Governor Jeiks is certainly the natural and logical candi- date of those who favored the adoption of the constitution. He is in favor of pure elections, and has spoken out candidly and boldly in favor of a primary cleo tion; manifesting his willingness to abide the will of the Democrats of the State. A fight against him at this time. unless the issue is made a purely personal one, would seem to be nothing more nor less than an assault on the Democratic party in this State, which is represented by the Democratic administration of which Governor Jelks is the head.
 50 far as l am personally concerned, Governor Jelks has providentially become a part and parcel of an administration which I am bound by every considera- ton to uphold, in my humble way, with whatever ability and influence l may have-certainly so long as it continues to merit the approval of the good people Of the State.
 There are other good reasons, in my judgment, why Governor Jelks should be nominated. and why there should Tot be any political wrangle this year. But am out of politics, myself; have already said more than I expected to say, and A detailed discussion of the political situa- tion would be of little value in :his con- nection.
 q believe the Democrats of the State desire a State primary this fall, and if they wish 1t. think they ought to have it. That is all 1 care to say about that !"