Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1904-01-15
A LAST WORD TO OUR SENATOR
AND DELEGATES

Whatever may have been the doubts en-
tertained some weeks ago as TO the trend OF
popular sentiment upon the Senatorial ques'
ton, there can be none now. The claim OF
Mr.. Rayner and his friends that a majority
OF the Democratic voters Of the State are be.
hind him, has been clearly and convincingly
established. Not within the memory OF the
Oldest voter has there been so remarkable
demonstration Of popular favor, and SO
marked 3 determination TO have that favor
respected by those who, for the moment
WELD political power.
That these things would be manifestations
Of the contest we predicted some weeks ago
after a careful survey oil this part Of the field
and 1t is gratifying 10 note that the rest of
the State is In full accord with the senti
ment In Montgomery. The fact is, that Mr.
Rayner's dignifed campaign has won the
support OF the masses, and the people have
taken 1t upon themselves to let their repre-
sentatives know, In terms too plain to be
misunderstood, what they are expected TO
do when the time ior voting arrives. The
conditions are such that no member Of the
Legislature can vote in Ignorance OF the
wishes of his constituents, and the plea OF
misinlorInation cannot avail him should he
again ask the suffrages and confidence Of
the people.
The balloting for Senator will begin next
Tuesday. II public sentiment is TO be graft
fed, there is no reason why the balloting
should not end on the same day. Every
consideration OF party welfare and OF the
public veal requires that this question be
removed at once, so that the General Assem-
bly, may settle down to the important and
delicate work before ii. In the judgment
OF those who are anxious 10 have a united
party, nothing could be more unwise than
a secret caucus; for II is TO be remembered
that only the friends of Gov. Smith demand
this method OF settling the contest. Mr..
RaYner, Gov. Jackson and Mr.. Miles ask
for an open ballot. Has Gov. Smith alone
the right TO dictate the means by which the
party shall reach its conclusionsH Are the
other candidates to have no say in the mat
ter Z Is IL fair TO give to'one man the special
advantage he seeks-lhe opportunity TO do 10
secret what be would not dare TO do 10 the
light OF dayP This is business which the
members OF the Legislature can dispose OF
for themselves. 1t is for them to meet the
responsibility in a manly way, with due re
gard TO the wishes Of the people, and not
under the dictation of outsiders, under threat
OF punishment or promise of reward.
We commend these considerations to the
representatives Of Montgomery county, be-
cause we believe that the great bulk Of our
people demand the election OF Mr.. Rayner,
for the reasons
That be is easily the abest of all the can.
didates in the field;
Th0t Maryland would find in him
straightforward and eloquent advocate OF
those principles In which her political faith
is rooted;
That his election at this time would tend
more than any other thing TO remove the
friction which has retarded our progress and
disturbed the harmony of the party in the
State.
And these are sufficient grounds upon
which TO base the demand