The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-05-28
BA1LEY,s NEXT FIGHF.

AUSTIN. Tex, May Ex-senator Bailey's
new eight may be said TO hsve already
begun. 1t was supposed by superficial
observers that the Texas statesman had
entered on peaceful waters when the tnves-
tigation ordained by the last Legislature
OF the State terminated without apparent
injurious results to him. These observers
perceived only q Offering but deceptive
surface. The investigation referred 70 was
amsre prologue to the drama. Mr.. Bailey's
troubles have just begun.
Inc State convention will not assemble
until many months shall have elapsed. In
one sense, therefore, 1t may be true that tho
struggle 10 a thing Of the future. As u
matter Of fact, however, the battle isalready
Joined. Everything depends on the per-
sonnet Of the convention and all the real
fighting in the casa relates to it's selection.
That question once decided. the Subsequent
proceedings will be Q matter OF course
very much as Senator Bailey's oonfirma-
ton was after he had obtained the indoTBe-
ment OF the primaries. But meanwhile
there must be the contest over the consti-
tuition OF the convention, and that COM
prises the vital issue now before the Texas
Democracy. Heretofore the State has
sent to the national party assemblies four
delegates at large. and two Of these nave
always been the United States Senators.
IT IL an observance, not q rule; q conven-
ton. not an obligation. So far. however,
the Democrats have sanctioned the custom
by acts Of unqueationing concurrence
Under normal circumstances Senator Bailey
would become a member Of the Texas dele
CATION TO the Democratic national conven-
ton Of 1908 without o breath OF protest from
any quarter. As it happens, however, the
circumstances are not normal. MIR. Bailey's
opponents, who failed in their effort TO
overthrow him last winter because the peo-
pies Representatives in the Texas Legisla-
ture refused to reverse the peoples decision
In the primaries. are now attacking him on
new ground. Bsiley's title to q place in the
delegation Is a matter Of mere etiquette.
II CAL DC COhlOotCd ltbOb NiotASiOh VI oAJ
established law. And this contest, it now
appears, Is to be made. The anti-Bailey
contingent. no longer handicapped by the
forces which counted against them in the
Legislature. propose to renew their fight
before the people and thus exploit afresh
the accusations and animosities which six
months ago we're crippled by the consid-
e~rations just mentioned.
The issue means everything to Mr., Bailey,
though much less to the opposition. Should
his enemies succeed in defeating him as a
delegate, the fact will constitute an author
| itative announcement OF his final elimina-
ton from Texas politics. On the other
hand, should he win out the fact will be
generally accepted as a triumph Of conven-
ton over hasty and perhaps imperfectly
| organised a~ntagonism, in which case the
result will merely lead up to a more care
fully prepared campaign in the future.
Meantime the Democratic situation In
Texas lie extremely interesting. since il
bears upon national issues with peculiar
| force. Bailey has already declared his de-
votion to the cause OF Culberson, though
with Bryan as a second choice. His loyalty
to Culberson ia 9 matter Of perplexing specu.
lation, his fondness for Bryan open to
Thousand guesses. The theory Of vel
informed Texans Is that Bailey, realizing
the defnitive and final nature Of the struggle
now confronting him, is appealing to the
Texas public by every expedient occurring
10 his alert and fertile mind. Proclaiminl
hot allegiance TO Culberson and alterna.
lively 70 the Nebraska prophet, he coveri
or fondly thinks he covers the whole field
Of Texas sentiment.
For the time being Senator Bailey is the
supreme question with the Texas Democ'
racy. For the time being Texans can bt
induced to serious consideration OF moth
ing else.