The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-03-23
INTERVIEW WITH CHAIRMAN
SIMMONS


Complying with the request recently
made by the editor of this paper for a
statement concerning the subjects likely
to be considered by the executive commit
tee at its meeting in this city on the
25th, and the reasons for calling the COM
mittee at this early day, as well as his
views in regard to the prospects of the
party in the State and nation, Senator
Simmons has favored us with the follow
ing statement:
at is believed that a long canvass
this year will not be necessary nor de-
srable. Probably the canvass can be
made during the months of September
and October, with a little irregular
speaking during August. But, on ac-
count of the fact that the franchise
amendment goes into effect this year,
and there will have to be an entire new
registration under the amendment, it
will be necessary for the committee to
begin work some little while before the
regular canvass opens. Besides, if it
shall be decided to hold a Senatorial
primary, that would make it necessary
to have little longer canvass than 9TH
erwise would be required. On account of
these things, it will probably be thought
wise to call the convention a little bit
earlier this year than would be neces-
sary under different circumstances.
The reason for calling the commit
tee together as early as the 25th of
March arises from three causes:
COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION.
First: The fact that on account of
the readiustment of the Congressional,
Judicial and Senatorial Districts, the
party organization in these several dis
tricts has been thoroughly disorganized.
in some districts there is no chairman of
the committee at all and in others there
are two Chairmen, and as the districts
generally embrace new territory, there
is frequently no one authorized to con-
vene the committee. or, in case of two
chairmen in the district, there are two
persons of equal authority. 1t is neces-
sary, therefore, for the committee to
formulate some general plan of organiza-
ton to meet these complications.
HOW TO SELECT SENATOR PRITCH-
ARDS SUCCESSOR.
Secondly: 1t is deemed highly i'm
portant that there should be some con-
sultation with reference to the method
of selecting the candidate for Senator
for the Western district, in view OF, the
fact that there are many advocates of
the plan of nomination by the State Con-
vention. OF course. the committee wifi
not attempt to pass upon any particular
plan. but if it develops, when the COM
hot &c Iar4c
timent in favor of this method, it is
thought it would be proper for the COM
mttee to suggest that in view of this
sentiment. delegates to the convention
should be selected with reference to the
possibility of the convention making the
nominate to the endtthat when the con-
vention meets, it may nominate, if it
sees fit. without taking anybody by sur
prise. AS the suggestion of the conven-
ton method would necessarily create
agitation, l think it ought not to be
suggested by the committee unless when
the committee assemble, it shall be
found that there is decided preference
for this method. Personally. | want it
distinctly understood that shall not at
tempt to influence action in favor of any
method The suggestion that has been
made in some papers that the organiza-
tioE wished, in some way or other, to in
fiuence or control the nomination for
Senator is without foundation and is
an injustice to the committee.
THE PAYMENT OF POLL-TAX.
me other subject suggested to
me an early meeting of the committee
is that of the payment of poll tax. I'm
der the amendment, it is well known that
one who does not pay his poll tax by
the hrst of May cannot vote in Novem-
Der My information is that our OPP
ponents are very active in securing the
payment OIL poll tax by their prospective
voters, and that in some sections Demo-
Gratis are failing to exercise due dill
Sence and activity in this behalf. | do
not know exactly what the committee
can do to stimulate the payment of these
taxes. but it is hoped that some general
plan may be developed that will lead to