The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-03
NEWS OF CENTRAL CITY
DALLAS DEMOCRATS FAVOR A
 STATE PRIMARY.
Although It Means the Loss of Poli- tical Power, . Majority is Against the Calling of
 Convention.
Advertiser Bureau.

Advertiser Bureau,
 Selma. July ?.
 Dallas County. always storm center of politics for Alabama. is now discussing whether the Democratic Executive Con- mittee will call a primary or a conven- ton. When the question of as peimary election was first agitated the DSmoc- racy of Selma was almost a unit.for a convention. while the Democratic voters in the country precincts were about equally divided between the convention and primary plans. Many have always been in favor of a convention, because primary would weaken the influence of Dallas and the black belt in the control of affairs of State. But there is no dis guising the fact that the primary plan has gained strength from the very mo- ment that it's agitation was commenced. The Democrats of Dallas, as a whole, have accepted the new Constitution. both in letter and spirit. Less than fifty ne- groes. out of Dallas County's 11.o00. have been registered, and that of itself ought to convince the people of Alabama that this section no longer intends to try to dominate State politics through its horde of black voters.
 There are many who contend that popu- lation is the proper basis on which to place representation in the State Conven- ton. but the advocates of a primary, who are honest in their convictions, claim that this would be giving the me- groes of the black belt representation in the conventions of the party, and that negro, although he cannot vote under the new Constitution, would be counted as white man, in a convention, if one is held, and that the negro of the black belt would be yielding as much influence as ever in the councils of the party, while
 not allowed the privilege of going to the
 polls and casting his vote in the general
 election. There is a large and growing sentiment here that a white mans vote In the black belt should not count for any more than a white mans vote in Jackson or Cherokee. We have adopted the new Constitution and eliminated the negro, and it is argued that henceforth all white men of the Democratic faith should be equal.
 This primary sentiment Is a direct out growth of the elimination of the negro as a political factor in Alabama and the strong bold, fearless stand taken by The Advertiser in favor of a primary has done a great deal toward creating the growing sentiment against convention and for a primary in this section. For the last few days there has pre- vailed a feeling here that the State Dem- ocratic Executive Committee will ignore the overwhelming sentiment in the State | for a primary and call a convention. Ad- vocates of the convention system, while l leaning to that plan of selecting the State officials, feel that if the wish of the people, the Democratic people, for a pri- mary, Is ignored. that the fight will be All lA.axr nVad ha rao rtx thus split beyond the hope of reuniting it.
 The Advertiser correspondent Is can- did to admit that he is surprised at the primary sentiment that has been devel- | oped right in Dallas, the Gibraltar Of | Democracy of Alabama. Until he went out to investigate he was of the opinion | that at least two-thirds of the Demo- l crats of Dallas were for convention. He now believes that If the question of
 a convention or no convention was sue- mitted to a primary of the white Demo- cratic voters of Dallas the primary plan
 would win by a two-thirds majority. The Democrats are tired of the negro being a factor in politics. They are now rid of him in State and County politics and are perfectly willing to surrender the power that he has heretofore given to | them in favor of honest, straight prinna- | ries.
 There is also growing sentiment that inc Executive Committee should make no mistake on this matter The opinion | is freely expressed on the streets that while the Democracy of Dallas, always obedient to the powers that be. would | submit gracefully, even cheerfully, to whatever plan might be adopted. feel | ing is prevalent that if the voice of the people is ignored and convention call ed only a small fraction of the Demo- cratic voters of the State will take part | in the election of delegates to conven- tion. and the bolt or independent ticket nut out will stand fine chance or W1h- ming at the regular election In November. Whether these fears, held by Democrats here will amount to anything. your cor respondent Is unable to say. But there IS
 A feeling among thinking Democrats that n grave crisis eonfronts the Democracy of Alabama and a great deal depends on the action of the Committee July IO as to whether these fears will be realized. rbe Democracy of Dallas wants peace. It is tired of turmoil and excitement. A
 ma ior,tv wants the will of the white De- mocracv of Alabama carried out, even though we get hurt. This is patriotism of the very highest order-a patriotism tbat stands in and says: Do right, 1t matters not what the cost. The eyes or au arc now turned on the Meeting of the Committee and all will breathe easier IT, after the meeting is over' IL carrles uul what seems to be the overwhelnllns "lsh
 of the people for a primary elcc'ioh io' all State officers.