The Washington times., 1902-07-25
HOT CAMPAIGN IN
NORTH CAROLINA
Election of a Federal Sem
ator the Stake.
THE NEGRO DISFRANCHISED
Democrats Again Hold Upper Hand
Six Candidates in Field to Succeed
Senator Pritchard-Additional Con-
gresham for Tar Heel State.

The coming campaign in North Caro-
lima promises to be one of much inter-
est and considerable excitement. The
election of United States Senator is
at stake. Senator Pritchard is a candi-
Gate to succeed himself, and SO far as
the Republicans are concerned he will
have no opposition.
He came to the Senate in the days of
Popuiism In the Tar Heel State, when
the Pops" united with the Republicans
and overthrew the Democrats. He was
first elected to fill the unexpired tern
of Senator Vance, the Pops" having the
whip hand, took the long term when
the Legislature met to elect two United
States Senators, and sent Senator
Marion Butler to the Senate.
When Senator Pritchards short term
expired, the Pops and Republicans
elected for full term.
DISTINGUISHES Negroes.
Since that time, however. the Demo-
Gratis have regained power after several
hard fought campaigns, in which white
supremacy was The principal issue. They
have succeeded in having adopted an
amendment to the State constitution
that Will disfranchise probably 100000 o.
the 10000 negro votes Of the State
because of illiteracy.
This amendment goes into effect at
Ibe coming fai, election. 1t contains
what is known as the grandfather"
,.la xthto oh apablaG n ciTiza0
whether or not he is able to read and
write, to vote, provided he is a descen-
dant in the direct line OF man who
was a voter prior to 1867.
This will enfranchise a considerable
number of illiTerate whites and few
negroes whose fathers or grandfathers
were freemen at that time. The Re-
rublicans have had great deal TO say
about the grandfather" clause, but in
reality, II IS said that the leaders among
the white Republicans OF the State are
secretly rejoicing over the amendment,
as they are weary OF their compact
with the negroes.
The disfranchising amendment means
that some day there will he a respect
able white mans Republican party in
the State, as the nucleus for 1t is al
ready there, and now that they are cut
loose from their colored brethren, they
will have better standing and more hope
for the future.
Six in the Field.
So far as the Senatorship is concerned
there is said TO be but little doubt that
the Democrats will carry the Legisla
ture by large majority and elect a
successor to Senator Pritchard.
There are six candidates already In
the field, Locke Craig, Lee S. Overman,
whose father-in-law, Judge Merrimon
preceded Senator Vance in the Senate:
Hon. Cyrus b, Watson, who was the
Democratic candidate for governor six
years ago. when the Republicans ana
Pops" elected Governor Russell; Capt
s. B. Alexander a member of the State
Legislature: R b. Glenn, who was dis
trict attorney under the Cleveland ad-
ministrations. and Judge W. A. Hoke, a
member of the superior court bench.
Senator Prltchard has recognized Mr.
Craig as the leading candidate against
him and has challenged him to a series
of joint debates. which challenge Mr.
Craig has accepted. This has somewhat
incensed the friends of the other can
didates, who declare that Mr.. Craig does
not stand a chance Of election. and that
Senator Pritchard has only issued the
challenge in order that he may get
audiences among the Democrats, which
he could get in no other way, except by
joint debate.
The Democrats held their State con-
veution about two weeks ago and after
a bitter fight the Kansas City platform
was indorsed. One OF the most impor-
tant actions OF the convention was its
expression of disapproval of the prim-
ary election system. A resolution of in
dorsement was rejected by a vote of
something like 800 to 200. The North
Carolinans have watched the operation
OF the primary law Of their sister State,
South Carolina, and declare that they
will have none OF Il in theirs.
North CaroliLa will elect ten Repre-
sentatiyes this fall. having gained one
member of Congress under the new ap-
portionment. At present the delegation
stands seven Democrats and two Re
publicans. The Democrats Will make an
effort to send a solid delegation, but
will have difficult task to do SO.
In redistricting the State several
Democratic counties have been thrown
into Representative Blackburn's dis
trict. and he win have as a candidate
against him Representative KluttZ, who
Is very popular. and il is said that al
tubuSH lue contest VIII De close, the
chances are in favor OF Kluttz. The Dem
ocrats are by 10 means confident of de-
feating Representative Moody, whose
district is in the mountain section. In
several counties there are practically
no negroes. His chances OF being re-
turned are said to be good.
Robert n. Page has been nominated in
the new Seventh district, which is
strongly Democratic. The only member
of the present delegation having a fight
for denomination is Representative Bel
lamy, of the Wilmington district. but
be confidently hopes TO win out, and II
ne does he is certain to be elected
The Republicans will hold their State
convention on July 2S, and after that
ting the contest Will begin in earnest