The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-08-06
gcotl1 nd County's Grievance.

To the Editor: What shall Demo-
cratic minority do when an injustice has
been done it and the same is repeated
and there is no assurance that 1T Will
not be repeated indefinitely? We cannot
vote the Republican ticket, and to scratch
the Democratic ticket is going half way
towards Republicanism-so If we protest
through that means will it be SAID that
we are good Democrats? what snail
we do?
lie me explain: Nature placed line
between Richmond county and her daugh-
ter, Scotland, in the form of strip OF
sand barrens, which line has been recog-
nized in politics ever since this writer
can remember. Ten years ago it came
our time in the regular order rotation,
and we nominated the Hon. Peter McRae
for the State Senate, and he represented
us most faithfully and ably: Two years
ago it was our turn again, but as Rich
mond had lost her last nominee in the
fusion deluge, she claimed the right to
try it over and by a combination with
Montgomery and Arson, then in our dis
trict, she secured the nomination over
the protest of Scotland-who would not
attend the convention under such cir
cumstances After the nomination was
made, but before the election, those who
were foremost in securing the nomination
for Richmond, solemnly assured Scot
land, that, come what might, they would
use every honorable means to secure
the next nomination to Scotland, and
one supposed to be among the most in
terested, assured Scotland that he would
go alone to the convention and oppose
his own county, if necessary to fight for
the nomination for Scotland.
What is the history of the Hamlet con-
vention for the nomination of State Sem
ators? Scotland chose her candidate at
her county convention in May, and then
supposed that her ten years of party
devotion and no nomination for Senator,
would secure for him a unanimous en-
dorsement at the Senatorial convention,
but what do we hear? Rumors of Rich
mond's opposition; that she will herself
ask for the honor. What then? One of
Chatham's newspapers publishes the fact
that Moore and Chatham are the largest
counties and therefore, having the
strength to take them, are entitled to
both nominations. Little does it matter
that Moores aspirant promised Scotland s
candidate that Moore would support
Scotland. On the way to the convention
Chatham and Moore reach an under
standing that Chatham shall give Moore
her whole support in return for enough
C'thirty pieces" i. e., votes) to nominate
their candidate, no matter how Rich
mond and Scotland may vote. What
more? In Richmond's delegation, friends
nd nF 4l,OS, 1n4 nf fxrrn
years ago, working, voting and speaking
against Scotlands candidate!
What more? One of Richmonds dele
gates introduced a resolution that it be
the sense of this convention, though not
binding on any future convention, that
Richmond and Scotland be entitled to
the nominations two years hence. Scot
land moved to amend by adding-"and
within another twelve years thereafter
Scotland be again allowed the privilege
of naming a Senator motion was
made to table, which was lost. The
chairman did not understand the amend
ment to be offered seriously, so he put
the original motion Con the resolution),
and it was voted down!
Now, Mr.. Editor, what shall Scotland
do? Continue to elect both candidates
and never be allowed to name one of
them? Scotland must roll up her Demo-
cratic majority, and will do her very
level best; but how long can any people
bear such unjust treatment? How long
ought they to bear it? Chatham and
Moore claim a larger Democratic vote;
but we will have to go to their rescue
and turn their defeat into victory, judg-
ing by the last national election.
Taking the last Presidential vote, we
see that Chatham, Moore and Richmond
came to Scotland's borders defeated, and
it was Scotland that changed the tide!
We have cast approximately 5000
Democratic ballots for Senator since we
have been permitted to name-Chatham
has not cast one vote, and Moore has
cast less than 1000 for Senator since
they each named and elected their can
didate.
When will business men carry business
principles and ideas into politics?
j. T. McEACHIN.
1aurinburP NJ n Aup 1000