The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-03-25


The presence in North Carolina OF
that gentlemanis personal representa-
tives makes Il impossible 70 longer
deny that William Randolph Hearst Is
manking a serious and determined ef-
fort to secure the support OF this
states delegates 10 the national demo-
cratic convention in his candidacy for
the presidential nomination. A large
number Of North Carolina democrats.
along with people in general. have been
accustomed to view with indifference
the efforts or the enterprising and inn
mensely wealthy young journalist TO
secure this coveted prize
Mr.. Hearst ia two representatives
in Raleigh to interview the politicians
drawn to this place by the meeting OF
the democratic state executive commit
tee there, and IL is known that GER
tain North Carolina democrats have
committed themselves to the supper
of the rich journalist.
For several months the Hearst peo-
pie have been feeling the pulse OF
North Carolina democrats. but IL was
not until Hon. w. j. Bryan's recent
visit that the campaign was begun in
real earnest. Soon after Bryan left
Raleigh 1t was learned that leading pol
iticians had discussed the availability
OF Hearst. and in a few days the state
was invaded by that gentleman's per.
sonal representatives. The representa-
tiyes came from Washington. where
they had been in touch with the North
Carolina delegation in congress.
a little over three weeks & Mr.. w.
T. n. tanning. of New York. was In
Charlotte in the interest of Hearst's
candidacy. He came here from Raleigh
and after spending a short while in
this city went to Columbia to interview
Palmetto State democrats Mr.. Ian
ming did not openly announce himself
as a Hearst representative. but felt his
way cautiously. He confined his eff
forts to learning the names of the lead
ing democrats and their preferences
for president. For instance, he X
who was most likely to be sent as dele
gates to the national convention, n
who these prospective delegates would
be inclined to support for h presiden-
tial nomination.
Who is supporting Hearst in North
Carolina? Probably il would not be
wise, at this stage, to give the names
Of the gentlemen who are known to be
committed to Mr.. Hearst. 1t is suf-
ficient to say that they are men of In
fuence in the party. In Raleigh on nth
there were several democrats of high
standing who have pinned their faith
to the Hearst movement and who are
relied upon to work up sentiment 10;
that gentleman in this state.
At the present writing the majority
of Charlotte democrats are unalterably
opposed to the nomination of Hearst
for president. A Chronicle reporter
mentioned the matter to several promi-
nent democrats he met today. and
not one of them had a kind word to
say for the candidacy of the journalist.
With one exception. every democrat
approached said In effect that the nom
ination of Hearst would be nothing
of a calamity to the democratic
party. The exception was a gentleman
who would not commit himself either
way.
In reply to the question. VIVA do
you hin of the attempt to organize
the North Carolina democrats foc
Hearst?" a gentleman who has proba-
bly done as much work for the party
in recent years as any man in the coun-
ty, said with feeling: Its an out
rage"
Another gentleman, a man who has
beer a bulwark Of strength to the par
ty since the civil war. said: What,
Hearst? Why, I'd rather have Bryan
again. Although he has led the party
to two defeats, Bryan is a strong man
of convictions. a man who always
strikes from the Shoulder-and you al
ways know where to find him. ! hav-
emit heard Of anybody who wants Bry-
an nominated again. but l believe the
rank and file of the party would prefer
him to Hearst. The party cannot al
ford to indorse the methods pursued
by Hearst. and if a man Of his stripe Is
nominated, we had just as we'll throw
up the Spong and quit
A man who has been placed in office
by the democrats of M~ecklenburg said
he could not vote for Hearst. IF can't
vote for a. democrat" he said, Il won't
vote at ALL"
The above gives a fair idea OF the
opinion in which Mr.. Herst is appar-
entity held by Charlotte democrats