Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-16

senator desires an Endorsement it will be
his. but will not be unanimous. This situa-
ton no one realizes more thoroughly than
does Senator McComas.
McComas Pleased.
1t is natural to suppose that such an in
dorsement would be welcomed by the sena-
tor at the close of his first term in the up
per house. His conspicuous abilities as a
national leader and his party services, 1T
would seem, demand some complimentary
action on the part of the state convention.
Senator McComas however, is willing to
forego the honor that Is due to him, in
order that the whole party may get to-
gether for the ticket. In other words, he
desires to eliminate himself from the cam
paign, for the general good of the party.
and if his judgment is followed the indorse-
ment will be allowed to go by the board.
On the other hand it is the opinion of his
friends and supporters in the rank and file
that justice demands proper recognition Of
Senator McComas at the hands of the con-
vention, and they may insist upon action
despite the wishes of the senator
An important matter to come before the
convention is the proposed change in the
party's constitution. by which a different
method in securing representation in state
conventions is outlined. The plan provides
that normally republican counties shall
have greater voice in party management
and the making of nominations than at
present. Under the system In vogue the
COuHtleS nave representation equal III luIu-
Der to their delegates and senators at An
napolis. Under the proposed plan normally
republican and debatable counties will have
greater representation in the convention
than will the counties that are normally
democratic.
Views of Williams.
Mr. Williams, who will be nominated by
reclamation, Is a former state senator and
a prominent lawyer of Bel Air. Asked as
to the issues upon which the campaign will
be conducted, Mr.. Williams replied:
The main issue must be the new election
law. Following the consideration of this
question must most earnestly consider
what can be done to minimize the use of
money in our elections. primary as well as
general"
Have you any definite plan to offer by
which the party may promise the people
certain reform in this respect?"
My ideas now are no more definite than
they were when l was taking part in leg
islative work, but 1 sometimes think we
are coming to a point where the adoption
of constitutional amendment empowering
the courts to declare void any election
where fraud or intimidation can be shown
to have been practiced will be rendered
necessary by the growing prominence Of
money in our local and state elections"
DO you suggest such an amendment, or
take that ground for the purpose Of this
campaign?
mot at present, but 1 know that in Eng
such as surround us are encountered, the
plan of permitting the courts to pass upon
the validity Of elections has been attended
with most beneficial results, and unless
some other effective method can be pre-
scribed by statute, we in this country must
come to something of the same sort.
suggest the plan at this time for the sole
purpose Of inviting discussion. realizing that
1t opens up a big field and one not to be
covered hastily.
1.-THE constitutional amendment will be
necessary, II ever the courts endowed
with the powers I have specified, because
in that way only will 1t be possible to get
around the constitutional provision which
makes each branch Of the general assem-
bly, the sole judge of the qualifications and
election of its members
Election Legislation.
IF elected governor, what would you
favor in the way of legislation relating to
the general elections?"
Generally speaking we had a good law
in 1885, he replied. II am not. however,
welded to the party emblem, and am en-
tirely satisfied that the voter should be re-
quired to choose the ticket he wishes to
vote from list of candidates. l do believe,
though that the law should be altered so as
to obliterate those technicalities that now
prevent the judges of election from finding
the intent of the voter and accepting his
ballot according to that intent If the same
be discoverable. / am not sufficiently post
ed as to the operation of the recent
changes in the law to speak of this spe-
cihcally: but the election law of Maryland
should be such to absolutely prevent the
introduction of anything like trick ballots
and in case of the failure of any set of
judges to count the ballots. to authorize
the supervisors of election some other
competent body to do their work for them
before the result Is announced"
I'm other words. you believe that every
qualified voter should be given full oppor-
tunity to cast his ballot and have 1t count
cdr
Exactly" Mr.. Williams concluded. mo
man should be disfranchised because of
technicalities In the law" J. NJ D.