The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-10
Douqhton Will be in the
Race for the Honor.
SEVEN CANDIDATES
1t Looks Like Judge Graham and COL
Cunningham Will Shy Their Casters
Into the Ring---Who'II Get
the ThimbIe is the
Question?
Especial to News and Observer.)

Especial to News and Observer)
Greensboro N. c.. Jan. 9.-With the
beginning of the year 1904, one which
will be memorable in the annals OF many
lives in the political world, not only in
North Carolina, but in the Nation as
well, the pulsing of political fever begins
to stir the veins of other than the can
didates themselves. Leaving the narra-
tion of matters affecting national policies,
politics and candidates, to those more in
terested and better informed, the present
article will deal with those nearer home,
with facts relative to the fast approach
ing interesting and exciting race for the
nomination by the State Democracy OF
it's candidate for Governor.
Within the past ten days, the circulation
of news and news carriers has decidedly
increased. Not a day passes but that
some prominent or some warm advocate
of some candidate, has not been inter
viewed by this correspondent. From
these thoroughly reliable sources, one fact
may at the start be considered settled,
other statements to the contrary notwith-
sanding: there will be seven candidates
voted on at the State convention, to-wit:
Turner, Davidson, Glenn. Stedman, Cum
ingham, Doughton and Graham. While
it is conceded that the leading candidates
are Turner, Davidson, Glenn and Sted-
man, there have been friends here of the
other three, within the past week who
claim a splendid showing for them. A
many very close to ex-Judge Graham, said
there was no doubt of his being candi-
date, and that he would at the proper.
time declare himself, and unlike the 9TH
ers, would lay down his platform, sub,
ject to the approval of the State Demo
cratic convention. He also said that the
number of appeals to Judge Graham to
announce his candidacy were surprising,
and he would have to be reckoned with in
all future forecasts of nomination proba-
bilities. Almost the same state of affairs
were said to exist, by gentleman from
Durham, who is a strong John Cunning
ham man. He said that not only in the
central part of the State but especially in
the East, which was claimed principally
for Glenn and Stedman, Cunningham had
powerful following. The statement
made that the tobacco and general agri-
largely be Influenced for Turner, on ac-
count of the "hold" Secretary of State
Grimes had on it, was stoutly combatted,
the counter statement being made that
the Agricultural Secretary Of State could
not turn the tide, if he desired to.
While it is tactitly admitted by all that
the administration" meaning the State
officers, are, according to political ethics,
expected to lend their moral support to
Turner, who was elected with them, no
one has yet been heard to accuse single
one Of them of 50 far showing any parti-
san interest in the fight.
A live bit of gossip in this connection
which was given by one of those who
know it ALL" and he came from Raleigh,
was to the effect that two of the State
officers the Treasurer and the Insurance
Commissioner were laying particularly
low and not antagonizing anybody, for
while they, like the others of the State
officers, had 'tcinch" on the next nomi-
nation, they were looking four years
ahead, and would themselves be candi
dates for Governor, when the time for
an Eastern candidate rolled round.
An expert political manager from the
center, who knows all about Turner's
said this, after being warned
that his estimate was wanted for publica-
tion: "It is going to be a pretty con-
test. OF course Turner's friends believe
he will be decidedly in the lead on the
first ballot, and it looks like it will mar
row down, to the field, against him; but
Governor Turner is recognized all over
the State as safe man, conservative.
and progressive, and his canvass of the
State four years ago and two years ago.
added to his service as President of the
Senate, has made new and strong friends
for him all over the State 1 think some
other candidates may carry more solid
counties, but Turner will get some sup
port from almost every county, in addi-
tion to those he will carry solid, and in
the long run, it is that kind of strength
that counts in a long contest He has
no enemies. and is identified with no
factions, and will conduct his canvass for
The nomination, as he does everything
else, on a high plane. So, while we do
not predict a hurrah victory, we do ex-
pect to win out. We do not underesti-
mate the strength and excellent qualfica-
lions of the other candidates. but we feel
that our man has the call. and should
have it, according to all rules of party
reward.
"You ask if Doughton's candidacy helps
or hurts Turner? My information is that
Mr.. Doughton will not be candidate.
and that in a few days letter will be