The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-10
so,rx ouxsrroNs AxswERED.

! The Advertisers advocacy of Demo cratic primary. It keps on hunting for some sort of . "niwger in the wood pile. ! Here are its latest imaginaticns, outlined by questions: .... l Was the thought that 1t was such 8 good thing brought about by another | thought that 1t would be easier, perhaps to secure success through primary re- turning boards than through the old time channels for its men and measures? Ii 1t advocating the surrender of the power of the blsckbelt counties in party mat ters from patriotic motives? Is it not a fact that it is making this fight solely and alone for the purpose of getting pos session of the party machinery in crder to- control the delegation to the next national convention in the interest of its own faction? And lastly, win it support Joe Johnston for Governor If he is nomi- mated by the Democratic Party by which, ever plan Is adopted?
 We will answer these questions catego. rically.
 No. The Advertiser was not prompted by the thought that it would be easier to secure the triumph of 'its men and measures" through a Democratic prima. ry than through a convention. That idea never entered our consideration. And now that the question Is brought up. ws doubt whether there would be any diff. ference in results through either method. The Advertiser has always looked at men and measures from the standpoint of the Party's general welfare. It is thoroughly convinced that the majority of Demo. crats are going to favor the right men and the right measures in the future. and that the majority will be as sure to make itself felt one way as another.
 Yes, The Advertiser is advocating the surrender of the extra power of the Black Belt under the old system simply and purely from patriotic motives. Why should this paper be willing to see Mont- gomery County cut down in relative power, if 1t did not believe it was the best in the long run for the whole Party in the State? Why should it be willing to see the neighboring Black Belt coun- ties, where 1t has the most circulation and influence. make this sacrifice, 1T 1t did not believe it a patriotic duty? To ask such questions is to answer them.
 No, The Advertiser had not dreamed of the motive suggested by its suspicious contemporary. We have never thought of national politics in this connection. And now that it is suggested by The Times, we can't for the life of us see that Democratic primary could help to the control of the next national delegation or of Party machinery in the interest of any past or future faction. A Demo- cratic primary will increase the power of Democrats in the white counties, and 1t has been generally understood that the silver clements stronghold was among that class of Democrats. So if that Is what is worrying The Times, let 1t rest easier.
 Yes, The Advertiser will support Joe Johnston or any other man who is nomi- mated by the regularly organized Demo- cratic Party of this State. We took the dose in 1896, and we survived. Why shouldn't we do it again, if it Is forced on us? The Advertiser has always stood by the State organization, and it cannot now anticipate any conditions that would change its record in that respect. How eyer, we don't expect to have to take the dose a second time. The Democrats of Alabama have had enough of Johnston. They found him out during his Govern orship. and they have since turned him
  stitutional Convention question, on his for the Senatorehip and on the adoption of the Constitution.
 So much for the questions. We hope these answers are explicit enough. Never theless we take the opportunity to say some few things more.
 The Advertiser is perfectly sincere and disinterested in its attitude in this matter It is not studying the interest of any sec tion, of any faction, of any policy. of any persons. 1t is looking solely to the per manent welfare of the Democratic Party in the whole State. 1t believes that the Party must make itself for the future as attractive. as solid. as possible with the
  day is going to come. If not this year, in the early future, when the white people will divide. The Democ- racy should not permit white men to leave it because they believe themselves to be treated unfairly. That is the most dangerous situation the Party has to face today.
 Sooner or later The Advertiser believes that the Black Belt will have to sur render its balance of power. Ii it does not consent to this voluntarily, 1t will be forced to do it in some political cata- clysm that will come, nobody knows how or when. The Black Belt Democrats have been the bone and sinew of the Party. They have repeatedly saved the Party and the State. We believe that if they could realize the dangers ahead, they would make any sacrifice to strengthen the Party and to ensure its harmony. it's domination of the State. Now. we be- leve is the time to look the future soberly in the face, and to make the sac- rifice voluntarily. Selfishness now may prove short-sightedness and lead to blum ders that can't be readily undone.
 Finally, The Advertiser believes that the surest way to keep Johnston down, | to prevent his getting into Party leader