The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1904-01-28
0lJRRALEIGHLE1IEFl
Political and Other News From
the State Capital.
GoRMAN NEWS BUREAU,

~
The gentlemen who aspire to high
Office, which they hope to attain through
nominations therefor at the forthcoming
Democratic State Convention. haven t
much time left to bestir themselves. This
being Presidential year" and it having
been agreed that only one State cOnven-
ton shall be held-which shall select
Gelsgates to the Democratic National
Convention and nominate candidates for
the State offices. both-it becomes neces-
sary to hold an early one, not later than
the first week in June, and the chances
are that the State Committee will soon
call it to be held during the month of
May.
The contest for the gubernatorial NOM
nation seems to have narrowed down
to three possibilities, viz: Maj. Charles
NJ Stedman, Lieutenant-GOvernor Viii
fred D. Turner and Hon Robt. B. Glenn.
Hon. Theo. ID. Davidson is still a candi-
date, it is understood, but his friends do
not expect to see him nominated unless
some unforeseen eXigency should bring
about that result.
The convention will probably be held
in Greensboro (the home of Major Sted-
mani again this year Raleigh apparently
cares little about it and is in no better
condition than in 1902 to take care of
the convention Or the delegates.
\ State chairman to manage the Dem
ocratic campaign will soon be selected
also Senator Simmons, who has held
that position for a number OF years and
SO successfully conducted the las ) several
campaigns, some time ago indicated a
desire to be relieved, but there are many
who think it would be best for the party
if he can beinduced toretain the position.
Several other gentlemen are in training
for the place. however, as it is considered
pretty sure stepping stone to high and
lucrative official honors. as in the case Of
Senator Simmons.
The distilers and liquor dealers. the
dispensary people and the prohibition
lists, and the dram drinker in 'prohibit-
ed territory {and these include about
all classes) are anxiously awaiting the
decision OF the Supreme Court in con-
STRUNG the act passed by the last Legis-
lature prohibiting the, shipping of liquor
into four certain counties where it's sale
had been prohibited. The language of
one section of the new law is so general
in its terms that Judge Brown decided
here last week that the act applies to all
the prohibition counties, although the
legislators who drew the bill now say
they never intended it to apply to any
save the four counties named-GastOn,
Cleveland, Cabarrus and Mitchell. Judge
Cooke at Durham now a straightOut
prohibition town. two weeks ago de-
cided the same thing in a case before him
but placed just the opposite construc-
ton upon the act from Judge Brown.
SO these two legal doctors of the same
class differ very materially, and it is up
to the Supreme Court to say which is
right. The appeal will be advanced and
the court will construe the law soon after
it meets in February
AS the Supreme Court is especially
strong on the <'intent'' nowadays, it
looks as though Judge Cooke would be
sustained
The liquor question promises to figure
prominently in politics in North Caro-
lima this year, especially in county and
local politics. Just how largely it will
figure in the State campaign remains to
be seen.
AS usual there are Incorporate prohi-
bitioDists who are losing their heads
over the recent successes OF the temper
ance forces and are throwing discretion
to the winds while they demand" more
radical and stringent anti-liquor laws.
Some of them are already seriously de
manding' that the Legislature to be
chosen this year shall make intoxication
a misdemeanor. per Sc, and pass laws
that will provide for putting the drink
ing men in Jail. Those not sent to jail
should be indicted and fined heavily, they
say, as well as pay a big bill of costs.
Other Temperance laws Of various
kinds are also demanded"
These wildeyed fanatics are the fellows
who always turn up at the appointed
time to become stumbling blocks to the
plans of the real reformers-the true and
actual temperance advocates-as soon
as the latter begin to really accomplish
results OF course the Republicans and
independents in every county are now
standing ready to cater to any opposi-
ton to the Democratic organiza ton that
presents itself.
Ii the incorporate radicals of the tenn
peraEce or antisaloon element are given
free rein this year no one need be aston
ished if they succeed in causing the cleo
ton Of an anti-prohibition, anti-dispen-
sary, take a-iittle-for-yo stomach S.
sake Legislature to hold forth up in the
capital building next winter. Then they IL
see what they will see-but will never
learn any wisdom or discretion.
LLEWXAM.