The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-01-08
Thought to be Most Available:
Southern Man.
Campaign in His Behalf Developed
During the HoIidays-Gircs Promise
OF Assuming Formidable Proper
tions-Every Enor, VIII be Made To-
Impress His Availability Upon North
crn DemocFats-His Career In SEN
ATE has Been Distinguished but Not
Sensational
Especial TO The Messenger

Washington, January 3.-A new
Rishmond Is in the field 10 compete
with William Jennings Bryan for the
democratic presidential nomination.
He is Charles A. Cufberson, senator
from Texas and twice governor o. the
Lone Star state. The campaign in
his behalf took definite shape during
the Christmas holidays; it is IA carefully
planned and determined movement
and gives every promise OF attaining
formidable proportions.
Ever since Judge Alton II. Parker
made his memorable speech advocating
that in 1908 a southern man be select
ed 10 head the democratic ticket. south
erners in and Of ngres nave
been canvassing the field, sitting the
available men in search OF the one
most available. Senator Culbersou
alone survives this process Of elimi-
nation.
1t is almost unanimously agreed
among southern democrats, and 20
northern man arises to dispute, that IT
any southern mar Gun be elected next
year Senator Culbersop can be: ard
from now on every effort Will be made
TO impress his availability upon the
northern democrats. There will be no
difficulty, it is believed in uniting tho
southern states in his behalf; anI IL,
the north and west, but more especially
in the east, his strength and attrac-
tiveness as a candidate will be played
against the strength and attractiveness
Of Mr.. Bryan.
Senator Culberson BIS just passed
fifty-one years OF age, and is q SOD OF
the late David d. Culbersop, who Tor
twenty-five years c~onsecutjvely was ~
member Of the house of representatives
from Texas. Though q less dashinp
figure than his brilliant colleague, Sen
| ator Joseph W. Bailey, ne is looked
upon, especially in Texas, 6s an ADLER
and more dependable man and as n
statesman OF greater breadth apd
! grasp. His personality ia a compelling
one. OF medium heighth, with clean
shaver face and hair just turning
gray, in debate or on the hastings bis
manner is marked by a dignity and
poise that suggests tremendous force
in reserve. Senator Culberson never
rants, as does his colleague now and
then, but in a voice that IS fairly
caressing in its softness he can bare
! the weaknesses of an adversary and
rub salt in the smarting wounds.
Just entering ON his second term in
J the senate, Senator CulberBon's SER
vice in that body has been distinguish
ed. but not sensational. He IL more
given TO constructive craftsmanship
than forensic display, but when he
does participate I'm debate his argu-
ments are Illuminating and go TO the
heart of things.
When 1t was determined a year ago
10 make a serious effort TO ecure the
nomination of a southern man in 1903
and the sitting Of available5 began, n
large numebr of tfnguished men
were on the list. Senator Bailey had
a very considerable and determined
following, as did also Senator Daniei
of Virginia. Andrew jackson Mon
tague Of Virginia; Joseph w. Folk, or
Missouri; and John Sharp Williams. or
Mississippi, were among others con-
| sidered. Elimination. resulting from
scrutiny OF the closest kind, disposed
! If them one by one until there remain
ed only Senator CulberSon and John
Sharp Williams. For a long time
choice hung between the two. until
finally Mr.. Williams definitely an
nounced that he did not want the pres
identiaI nomination in 1908. being am
bilious first for a term OF service IN
the senate.
With the retirement OF Mr.. Williams
| from the field, sentiment for Senator
! Culberson rapidly crystallized, until
I today IL can be acc" tied that should
conditions be such hat in the next
nominating convent On the sou;h
should insist upon Ds.deration for 4
~fayorite SON, its candidate will be the