Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-11-21


one who thoroughly represents. them.
He has no claims upon any party man.
Contrast his course as party man and
his conduct during the last election with
that of the man he declares is his COM
petitor, Governor John Walter Smith,
and let every unprejudiced Democrat
decide which is most entitled to sup.
port.
John Walter Smith was active in par
ty affairs many years before he was ever
candidate upon the party ticket In
1889 he was a candidate for the State
Senate from Worcester county. He was
reelected to the Senate in 1898. He was
a candidate for the United States Senate
at the session of 1899, and although he
had a majority of the Eastern Shore
delegates favorable to him. and if the
field had been an open one he would
have undoubtedly won, he accepted his
defeat as all Democrats should, and was
as true and answering Democrat as
ever. His State Senatorial career was
without flaw. He was President Of
the Senate during the session of 1894.
He was nominated for Congress in 1898
and changed the Republican majority Of
the prior election in the same district Of
SIS to a Democratic majority of 925.
The Democratic State Convention, re-
cognizing his great popularity and his
exceptional record. unanimously nomi-
mated him for Governor in 1899.
In 1895 Lowndes carried the State by
1S, ,767.
In 1896 Mckinley carried it by ss.2S2.
In 1899 John Walter Smith carried it
for the Democrats by 1871
He has always and under all circum-
stances been an answering Democrat.
He found enough good men in the Demo-
cratic ranks to fill all the Office at his
disposal. He has made enemies, but it
has been done in the discharge of what
he considered was a party duty Ever
ready to act for the best interests of the
people, he never lost sight of the fact
that he was elected as Democrat and
that his was Democratic administra-
tion. When occasion required courage
and boldness, and when some of his
colleagues sat with sealed lips, not daring
to open them, he never hesitated, but
pursued the course he thought right aud
proper. He has been the target for the
cartoons and criticisms of the enemy.
No better illustration could be furnish
ed of an instance when Democrats
should love a man because of the
enemies he has made. They were made
in the interests of his party. His ad-
ministration of affairs made it possible
for the Democrats to secure a sweeping
victory. John Walter Smith is entitled
to more credit for the late victory than
all other influences combined.
His ambition has been the United
States Senate. When defeated in 1899 he
did not sit down and sulk, as some have
done, but worked and fought for his
party Just as hard as if success had
crowned his efforts. Party success has
always been first with him. In the late
campaign he studiously refrained from
asking pledges from anyone for fear it
might interfere to some extent with
their election. He has always been
satisfied to leave the decision to ma
jority of the Democratic members of the
Legislature.
The distinguishing characteristic of
his political career has been his faithful.
ness to his party, He led his party in
1898 to redeem Republican district; he
led it again in 1899 to reclaim the State
from Republican rule; his administra-
tion of affairs was of such character
as to make possible sweeping victory
this year, and I cannot believe that
Democrats. who have SO much cause to
recognize his great services, will refuse
to crafty his ambition in this instance.
Republicans may have reason to abuse
him, and our party enemies to criticise
him. but Democrats should be pleased
to serve him. When the claims Of these
two men for recognition at the handsek
the Democratic party are considered
there is no room for doubt as to which
one of them is entitled to our support.
The claims made by Mr.. Rayner's
campaign managers as to his chances of
election are simply ridiculous. They
are not borne out by the facts. There
is no doubt among Democrats who un-
derstand the situation that Governor
Smith will be elected.