New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-09
LInPIyG ~FAToRTTE SONS"

No feature OF the canvass for the Demo
cratic Presidential nomination has been more
notable than the observation OF the 'faYorlte
SON" For years past the kindly habit has been
followed in many States Of honoring the most
distinguished local leader with nomination for
the Presidency. In recognition Of his talents
and services his name has been presented TO the
national convention, and the State delegation
las paid him the compliment Of voting for him
on at least one ballot Such tributes Of respect
and confidence cost nothing and are an agree
able contribution TO the amenities of politics. But
this year, In spite of the freeforal character Of
the contest, few States have been disposed TO
honor the "favorite son" tradition. For some
mysterious reason the custom which ordinarily
governs has been set aside Complimentary
nominations have been begrudged or denied,
and those "faForite sons who have actually
won Endorsements from their home constituent
cies have been obliged to win them not by moral
suasion, but by force. No single Democratic
candidate appealing for State support has had
that support freely and generously offered him.
he has had TO capture his certificate OF local
strength and popularity with club.
In this State Judge Alton B. Parker has been
put forward as 'favorife SON." BE viii have
the solid vote OF New-York behind him ct ST.
Louis. Yet only the chain and ball of the unit
rule holds his New-York supporters together.
Over q third OF the New-York delegation bitter
~ opposes his candidacy and is working openly
20 defeat him. Within the New-York Democ-
racy, too, q movement is now on foot to send a
delegation TO ST Louis armed with protest
against Judge Parkers nomination and denial
Of his claim to be considered New-York's genu-
ine or unfettered choice. In Massachusetts Mr..
Olneys right to the "favorite son" title is SINH
larry disputed The ex-Secretary OF State was
perhaps more clearly the choice OF a majority
OF the party in Massachusetts, than Judge Parker
was OF a majority OF the party In New-York;
but, thanks TO the anateurishness OF his cam
paign managers Mr.. Quincy, Mr.. Hamlin and
Mr.. CASTOR, he was put IN the humiliating atti-
tuds OF having TO divide the State delegation
with an outsider, Nh Hearst. The Olney man.
ayers called State convention, separate and
distinct from the Congress district conventions,
and then forgot to stipulate that the State con-
vention was TO have power TO bind the action of
the district delegates When too late they tried
TO repair their error by rushing resolutions
through the State convention; but technically
they had lost their case, and in the subsequent
night for district delegates three districts-with
six delegates-were carried by the Hearst forces
Mr.. Olney enters the national convention, there
fore. without the full and free support OF his
own State.
Ohio had two "favorite sons'' at the beginning
OF the canvass-Judson Harmon and Jsxnes r
K1bourne. The State convention, feeling either
unable TO chose between them or equally indf
ferent to both, instructed for nobody Ohio vii
nave forty-six delegates at St Louis. OF tha
os9 -Four Favor Mr.. Harmon's uomina