The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-02-24

political apathy as shown at present.
II is not because there is nothing doing" that
this seeming lack of candidates is noticeable for the
undercurrent is flowing as swiftly as may wish,
but it denotes spirit of caution that has been
learned with other lessons coming with the primary
training
In this years campaign, at least, waiting game
has seemed desirable The unsophisticated will
doubtless attribute this delay and modesty to the
desire the part of the candidate to spare the people
undue discussion and thought, is it because the
asprant for Office is anxious to hide his candidacy
from public inspection because of his shrinking per-
sonality.
No; more potent exists-the announce
ment by the State Democratic committee of the date
for the primaries AT its meeting to-day that body
will decide the momentous question, and the bars will
be let down for those who want to serve their fell
lOw-citizens.
The matter of the primary dates is of much con.
Germ to those seeking Office. A short campaign is in
favor of the weak candidate, who, however, may be
well known. He will have decided advantage over
the stranger in the race, who, by reason of unac
quantance with the electors will not be able to make
as close canvass would be possible for him were
the primary date more distant.
It is for this reason that thus far the publicly
announced crop of candidates has been short While
in many localities states have been made and plans
outlined yet it needs the announcement of dates by
the executive committee to set the machinery in mo-
tion.
Too the newcomer in the political field is anxious
to know how much time he will have, and If the pr
mary is set for early day he will think seriously
before running against the old and toughened politi
cal harvest hand
Judging by the sentiment of the State press, the
desire is for late primary but in view of the &C.
tions of the executive committee in the past that
body is not apt to be swayed by public sentiment
nor anything else but the wishes and wisdom of GER
tain of its own members. Obviously late primary
date is in the interest of fairness. The primary itself
was adopted as means of fairness in making nom
nations and was so advertised by its alleged father
hut the spirit of its welldoing only be attained
by giving ample time to all.
Neglect of duty is a charge that could be fairly
laid Mt the door OF number of members of the
executive committee in the past. While the result
may be the same IL nearly all in attendance vet
the public would be more pleased with that condition
than to see few men hold the balance of power
through proxies and mt least, the actions would be
more healthy and conducive to better faith in the
primary system.
1t is expected that number Of newly.deveoped
schemes will infuse life into the campaign for Sen
well.defned position assumed by organized labor
throughout the State.
Not that there will be labor ticket in the field
30 far as known. but this political strength will b.
used rs club for those who have offended and de
bounced union labor.
While a feeling of resentment has prevailed i
many portions of the State toward antagonists q
union labor, yet united effort has been lacking. TIL
position taken by the Times Union in locking ou
the union printers declaring an "open shop" an
getting out the paper with force of rat printers hs
been the spark needed to touch off the inilammab
pile.
Endorsement of candidate by that paper,
aNorable mention or comment of any political pla
will be regarded target for the hostile shots
union labor, which is preparing for amalgam
ton with view of such purpose
Hon. w. Hunt Harris of Key West is one of Il
few who has announced for the State Senate, nc
withstanding his published statement two years a
that he would not again be candidate. Mr. HarI
has served several years in the Senate, and at t
last session was conspicuous advocate of the Ea
Coast Railway extension bill, and well did
please his constituents that doubtless he feels unal