The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-12-26
The Suns Monotonous Questions.

For some days the Baltimore Sun has been
asking whom certain Democratic counties
wanted for Senator Then it would name the
members elect to the General Assembly, Civ
ing their postoffice addresses. Then it would
add-"These gentlemen must respect the
wishes of the Democrats of the county named;
otherwise the voters of the county will have no
occasion to repose confidence in them at future
elections
1t was Carroll's turn with the Sun last Sat
urday. The usual formula was used. Whom
the sturdy Democrats and conservative bust
ness men of Carroll want is Governor Smith.
There are some persons in Carroll, mostly in
Westminster, who, having been captivated by
Mr.. Rayner's eloquence, prefer Mr.. Rayner,
but if vote were taken upon the two gentle
men Mr.. Ravner would be beaten out of sight
in Carroll. If vote were taken upon choice
of Senator in Baltimore City, he would not be
in the running with the Governor. The East
ern Shore would be practically unanimous for
the Governor, and it is doubtful whether Mr..
Rayner could carry single county in the
State. Mr.. Rayner, we take it is an able lawyer,
but there are some in Baltimore who outclass
him. Take away from him his fervor and elo
ouence. his sarcasm and invective and he could
not be distinguished from his fellows.
William Jennings Bryan is a more eloquent
man than Mr.. Rayner. No man in the United
States, except Hon. James G. Blaine, ever
drew such big crowds to hear him, but the
business interest and conservative voters would
not support him, although they went to his
meetings and applauded his elOquence.
Senator German is not an eloquent speaker
by any means, yet he was the leader when
Senators Daniels, of Virginia, and Voorhees,,
of Indiana. two of the most brilliant orators
of the United States, were in the Senate. On
the Republican side Senator Aldrich, of Rhode
Island, was leader when the brilliant lngals,
of Kansas, and other good orators were in the
Senate. Oratory does not count in the Sen
ate, except with the visitors in the galleries
Gov. Smith has developed into fairly good
speaker, and in our judgment, would make a
better Senator than Mr.. Rayner. and we be-
Heve large majority of the Democrats of
The Suns course was one of strict neutral
ity during the campaign. If its interest in
Mr.. Rayner is sincere it would have supported
The Democratic legislative nominees. 1t did
nothing for him before the election. Its course
now, in endeavoring to influence Democrats
to support Mr.. Rayner. who did not let any
body know where he stood until three weeks
before the election, is simply offensive. 1t
NAV think it is doing Herculean work for Mr..
Rayner, but it is weakening him because of
its neutrality when it could have been of SER
vice to the partv Thousands of Democrats
are disguised with its course, in its reports OF
meetings in Mr. Rayner's interest and print
ing the names of persons present. endeav-
oring to create the impression that they are
Mr. Rayners supporters, when it is probable
that many of them are simply spectators.
Mr.. Rayner, at the Suns suggestion, per-
haps. has sent out petitions favoring his cleo
ton to the Senate, but the day of regard for
petitions has long passed. People generally
sign petitions rather than lose time discussing
the matters with those carrying them around to
be signed They count for nothing and they
mean nothing.
Count Democratic sentiment in Carroll as
largely in favor of Gov. Smith, Mr.. Sun. If
the Senator and Delegates hearken to the
majority of the Democrats of this county Gov.
Smith will receive five votes from Carroll.