Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1907-12-05
is Bailey any More Of Democrat Than
Bascom SIemp2

The Democrats in mass meeting at
Bristol having declared against making
nomination for Representative in Con-
gress, the race is now between Bascom
Slemp and David F. Bailey, both strong
Republicans.
The question naturally arises which of
the two, if either, a Democrat should
support. AS to supporting one or
the other we take it that it is the duty
of a citizen to exercise the right of the
ballot, and to cast it for the right as he
sees it. 1t is unquestionably the plain
duty of every true citizen to cast his
ballot, and at all times, and under all
circumstances, take a definite stand for
or against a candidate for office. The
Democrats have no nominee, and the
question arises, is Col. Bailey any more
of Democrat than Slemp?
We can recall a time when Bailey was
a Democrat, and If he had remained
steadfast, he would have probably got
what he deserved.
The question of Republican or Demo-
ed by the Pie Counter, and Col. Bailey
should have submitted his claims to the
Gate City convention and abided by the
result.
This old cry of ring" is not of recent
birth. 1t is as old as the parties them
selves. 1t is generally given to those in
power, by those who would like to be
in power, and there is generally very
little in it. Doubtless Bailey would like
to have a ring" of his own. That is
about the sum and substance of the
whole matter, but just what claims he
has to the support of Democrats we can
not see.
Certainly for years he has marched
up and down the District making the
hottest kind of political speeches, and
we can inform the Colonel that many,
many, Democrats still remember this.
He has abused the party and its policies
'on the stump, and is now no more of q
Democrat than he has been all these
years. Then, why, the question arises,
should he be supported by the Demo-
Gratis? Certainly not because he is in
any sense q Democrat, or is the cham.
pion of any Democratic policies, for he
is not. He cannot disrupt the Repub-
lican party in the District for the rea-
.son that he is not strong enough.
If perchance by some "cataclysm'
he should be elected, what then? The
administration, and his party in Con-
gress, would treat him as neither Demo
crat, Republican nor Prohibitionist.
Would he be admitted to the caucusi
Would he have the say as to the appoint
,ment of any Federal officers from a
Postmaster Up? Certainly not. Then
how could he injure the Republican
party or the organization in the Dis
trict? To entrench himself he would
have to have the Federal patronage
the spoils of war, and the sinews OF
war. Does any one suppose Roosevelt
would listen to anything he has to say,
OF that he would make any appoint.
meuts upon his recommendation? Ger.
tainly not, for the late Congressman
Slemp was held in high esteem by him,
as is the case with Bascom Slemp
Bascom as the chairman of his party
would have the say and we would have q
Representative in Congress who woult
practically have his hands tied. The
Republican organization would remain
intact, Slemp would have the Federal
patronage and Bailey would go to Con
gress, draw his salary and come home.
Now we would like to ask how in any
manner, shape, form or fashion ths