The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-08
Eetters to the Gdftor
The Next State Campaign.
Guntersvllle, Ala., December 5. lO0


 Editor Montgomery Advertisers;
 observe Tn the public prints. repeated reference to the anticipated action of the Democratic Executive Committee with reference to-the primary election, and I wish to submit for your consideration few suggestions with reference to the primary elections and the qualification Of
 In the first place, believe that tho in- terest of the party demands that primary elections should be held for the nomina- ton of the County. Circuit, District and tions should be held throughout the State at the same time. That there should be absolute uniformity in the manner Of con- ducting these elections and absolute unI- formity throughout the State as to quail tfcation of hte voters.
 In the second place, 1t would not be wise to lay down too strict rule for qualification for participation in the pri- maries. The rule should not be made so broad as to open the door to those who recognize no party loyalty and are un- mindful of any party obligations. Bat extend an invitation to those who have, only in part, broken off their party ale glance. to return to the ranks of the Dem- ocratie party, and to make them feel that they are welcome. and will be treated hereafter as Democrats. If su-h rule as to qualification Is adopted, In my judg- ment, the organized opposition to the Democratic party in the State of Ala bama, will be so insignificant that 1t can hardly be called an organized opposition.
 l suggest that a rule of qualification be adopted allowing all who believe in Dem- port the nominees of the party, who at the last general election voted the State ticket, or any part thereof, or who voted or for Democratic candidate for State Senator, or a Democratic candidate for Representative In the Alabama Legisla- ture, or who voted the Democratic ticket kasaRs. party primary. In this way we win en- courage those who have manifested haltIng disposition to take their stand firmly with the Democratic party.
 and urge, that the primary election should be held at 8 time when 1t will be convenient for the masses of the people tTnty may % Dc siven @ to tSoae seeking opp1n- nom- nation, to discuss the issues involved be- fore the people with the least inconven- fence to the public, and under such cir cumstances as that the attendance of the greatest number can be secured. Make 1t convenient for the candidates to reach the people. Make 1t equally convenient for the people to Rcquaint themselves with the merits and demerits of the can didatee.
 k The holding of a primary election in the winter or spring months will not be satis- It will not tend to harmonize the voters. It will not create that hearty participa- tion in the selection of candidates which should be the desire of every man who earnestly wishes the success of the Dem- ocratic party The fixing of the time for holding primary elections in the winter or spring months will be taken in many sec tions as an indication that the rural vot- CT Is not desired. Public gatherings can not well be had in the winter. People will not attend. They cannot. In the early spring months people are engaged in work. The time should be fixed in the early part of September or the middle of August.
 Anything like snap judgment proceed nss wil create dissatisfaction and breed discord. Ample time for discussion of the
 merits and demerits of the several candi- dates will give satisfaction. The primary election should be held under such rules and regulations as will secure absolute fairness to every candidate and voter who participates, or as nearly so as possible
 aldl ion to this, the regulations lould pc such that bear upon the.r face the im- prlnt or fairness and impa- uality.
 Much of the strife and bitterness of the past ten years. the disintegFation and dl- vision of the party grew out of the wide spread belief throughout the State that many of the rules and regulations of inc party were made and adopted for the furtherance of the interests. of special candidates. or combinations, or the defeat or those who aref outside of certain com binations. It is not to the interest of the party that it's primary elections or con yentions, or regulations of any character. Dy thNoe " AuIlhSf Nne interests or those who are supposed to be on the inside. or that the people should believe this to he the case. It Is to be hoped that the Exec utiye Committee will adopt such rules and regulations, and prescribe such times for holding primary elections as will se- cure Iairness. impartiality and give .tis- | faction to the masses of the peop e. If { this Is done, the Democratic party in Ala pama will remain united will grow as the | days go by, and be as 1t ought to be- the only controlling political influence in Ala bama.
 Yours truly,