The Washington herald., 1907-04-30
Stir IN FREDERICK POLITICS
Democrats Miss Guiding Hand of
Late Gen. Baughman.
Mayor, City Register, and Five Mem-
bers Board of Aldermen to BE
Chosen Next Mcath.


Special 10 The Washington Herald
Frederick. Nd. April Considerable
interest is beginning TO be manifested by
the politicians Of both parties in the mu-
nicipal election in Frederick. which VIII
be held Tuesday. June II, when a mayor,
city register and Ave members Of the
board Of aldermen are 10 be chosen. In
der the election law, which was passed by
the legislature in 1904, through the influ-
ence Of the late Gen. l. Victor Baugh-
man, who, fer so many years, was the
Democratic leader Of this county. almost
the whole colored vote is eliminated. less
than fifty negroes being able TO qualify
/ as electors under the property qualiaca-
ton which the law contains.
As consequence. the city is safely
Democrats, provided strong and popular
nominations are made. and there is har-
mony within the ranks Of the party Just
what VIII be the outcome this year is
somewhat problematical for the reason
that the Democrats are not as well united
as heretofore. The principal reason for
this condition Of affairs is the absence
of the directing influence Of Gen. Baugh-
man, who, during his lifetime, was very
successful IN the management IN Demo-
cratic affairs in both city and county.
There is a wide difference of opinion
prevailing among the Democrats as to
the methods that should be used ia
nominating candidate for mayor and
city register. For years the Crawford
County system had been used ga nominal
ing these officers, but six years ago the
system was arbitrarily set aside by the
party managers. This action was much
deplored By many Democrats. and IN
the light of what was accomplished ia
the Baltimore city primary a few weeks
ago by the Democrats the friends Of the
system here I'm Frederick are vigorously
contending that it be used again.
The Democratic city executive committee
a few DAYS ago had a warm discussion
over the matter, bur 10 c0nclusnon was
reached. and the question win. in all
probability, be settled definitely May 8.
when the committee meets 10 select dates
for the primaries.
For the Democratic nomination for
mayor there are two active candidates la
George Edward Smith, the incumbent
who aspires TO a third term. and john
Edward Schell, who has been president of
the board OF aldermen Tor the past three
years. The friends OF these rival candi-
dates are industriousy al work but
neither side is very suguine as yet.
/ Many Of the friends of Mayor Smith
| are advocating the Crawford County sys-
! tenn for the primaries. but the mayor has
not yet committed himself, nor has his
/ opponent. Alderman Shell. For the posi-
/ tion Of city register, Z. c. Shepherd, the
/ incumbent has no opposition within his
party. The present aldermen. John Hersh-
/ berger, Joseph Douglass Wesley kindly
/ and Edward G. Lease, are Democrats,
and all of them are aid 10 be willing 10
/ succeed themselves.
/ What opposition tire viii be TO the
/ Democratic nominees remains 10 be seen.
! The Republicans. beilg in the minority,
are not very actively engaged as yet,
and thus far the onF person mentioned
| for the nomination by that party for
mayor is Milton a. Woodward. Edward
a. Gittinger. who WIS the predecessor Of
the present incumbnt is likely to be
nominated for city 'egister by the Re
publicans.
/ Aside from what isgOing on among the
politicians OF the tN1 parties, there is a
good deal of talk Of citizens movement
with a view Of takhg the city's affairs
out Of politics.