The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-07
Waynesvillc, N. c.. Jan. 5, 1903.
Hin Cyrus B Watson for Senator.

To the Editor: I have believed that
when Cyrus B. Watson desired official
trust by our party and State that his
wishes would be granted. How he has
served the State is we'll known. Boy
soldier, wearing no insignia of rank
without the gold nestars or bars upon his
collar, but with his bright musket and
glittering bayonet on his shoulder he
joined with no unequal step the tramp
of that mighty army of heroes under its
immortal Lee and sustained the cause
of the South with undauntedJ courage for
four long years of bloody battles.
Having shed his blood upon Virginia's
soil, ne was spared by Gods mercy to
Join his Democratic brethren in uphold
ing white supremacy and good govern
ment in North Carolina for the past
quarter of century.
Orators in many political campaigns
have upheld the valor o. the Confederate
soldier, and have an abiding faith that
their sincerity is to be relied upon.
Where ability. honesty and statesman
ship is equal should not the Confederate
soldier be given the preference? Ger
tainly it must be remembered that if
soon. It VIII be too late.
Confederates are now rapidly passing
away. The younger have attained that
age where ripe experience and conser-
vatism makes their council sound and
invaluable.
If | am not mistaken our State that
furnished moro soldiers than any of her
sister States, has not today single
Confederate soldier representing her in
the Congress of the United States, even
Maryland's two Democratic members,
newly elected fought under the stars and
bars, and doubt if any of the late Con-
federate States are without a soldier
representative.
Will not the absence of a Confederate
soldier in her representation in Congress,
be noticed by the world as a discrimina
ton against the Confederate soldier, and
will not North Carolina be justly con-
demned as lacking in appreciation of
those who have made her name glorious
in the history of nations struggling for
their rights? Or else subject her to the
criticism of insincerity?
There is an episode in the political
career of our friend to which it would be
proper, l think, for to mention. You
will recall that another distinguished
Democrat other than our friend, expected
to be nominated until few days before
the convention when he declined to per-
nit his name to be used. 1t was a
period of gloom, and the coming disaster
and disgrace to the State was antici-
pated by many of our loyal and faithful
Democrats Though nomination for
Governor of North Carolina is always a
great honor, there was none soliciting
that nomination. Some of our leaders
turning their eyes on Mr.. Watson as the
man to lead a forlorn hope, called on
him, and urged his acceptance of the
nomination to which he yielded. Later
in the morning and before the convention
assembled it was reported that Judge
Clark would accent the nomination.
This report reaching Mr.. Watson, he
sent for Mr.. Simmons and myself, and
requested us to visit Judge Clark and
say to him that in his opinion that he
was ten thousand votes stronger than
himself. and that if any one could be
elected that Judge Clark was the man,
and If he would accept the nomination
that he would go to the convention and
place him in nomination and ask that
it be made unanimously Mr.. Simmons
and myself found Judge Clark at the
Supreme court rooms, and performed our
mission Judge Clark declined for rea
sons unnecessary to mention here, but
which satisfied me of his wisdom in
doing So Returning we advised Mr..
Watson of our interview, and insisted
that Mr. Watson should accept the nomi-
nation. l remember well the patriots
response: Gentlemen, l have never
shirked a responsibility nor refused toI
obey the call of my State or party. and
if it is the wish of the convention TO