The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-01-09
Culberson of Texas Groomed By
His Political Friends.
WORTHY RIVAL TO COMMONER
Man Who Can Defeat Bryan in
Race for Presidential Nomra.
tion-Old War Horse.

WASHINGTON, Jan.S,--A new Rich
mond Is in the field to compete VITA
William Jennings Bryan for the Demo-
cratic presidential nomination. He Is
Charles A. Culberson, Senator from
Texas and twice governor Of the Lone
Star state. The campaign Is his be-
half took definite shape during the
Christmas holidays; it is carefully
planned and determined movement
and gives every promise of attaining
formidable -ioportions,
Every since Judge Alton B, Parker
made his memorable speech advocating
that In 1908 a Southern man be selec-
ted TO head the Democratic ticka.
Southerners in and out OF Congress
have been canvassing the field sitting
the available men in search OF the ona
most available. Senator Culberson
alone survives the process Of elimina-
ton.
1t is almost unanimously agreed
among Southern Democrats, and no
Northern Democrat arises TO dispute.
that if any Southern man can be elec
ted next year Senator Culberson caaI
be; and from now on every effort will
be made to impress his availability up
on the northern Democracy. There
will be no difficulty. il is believed in
uniting the Southern states in his be e.
half; and in the North and West, but |
more especially In the East his
strength and attractiveness as a can
didate win be played against the
strength and attractiveness Of Mr..
Bryan.
Senator Culberson is just passed flf-
ty-one years OF age, and is a son of the
late David B. Culberson, who for twen
ty-two years consecutively was a MEM
Der of the House Of Representatives
from Texas. Though a less dashing
figure than his brilliant colleague, Sem
ator Joseph w. Bailey, he is looked up
on especially in Texas, as an abler and
more dependable man and as a states
man of greater breadth and grasp
His personality is a compelling one.
Of medium height, with clean -shaven
fase and hair just turning gray, in de-
hate or on the hustings his manner is
marked by dignity and poise that
suggests tremendous force in reserve. {
Senator Culberson never rants, as does
his colleague now and then. but in
voice that is fairly caressing in its
Stiffness he can bare the weaknesses Of T.
an adversary and rub salt in the smart
ing wounds
Just entering upon his second term r
in the Senate. Senator Culberson's SER Il
vice in that body has been distinguis- p
ed, but not sensational He is more
given TO constructive statesmanglIp =
than to forensic dispIey bur when ne 4
does participate in debate his argu-
ments are Illuminating and go to the
heart Of things. Senator Culbarson
was born at Da7erllle' in TalIapooea |
county Alabama, on June ~. 1856, but
a year later was taken by his parents
to that future home in Texas. That |
this gaye him q claim upon two South
ern states was not overlooked when
his availability as a presidential can
didate was being canvaescd. Nor did h
the canvassers overlook the fact that
1t was in Virginia he was educated. | |
Graduating first from the Virginia Mil II
tary Institute, the "West Point of the |
South" which has given 50 many ia II
nous men to Dixie, he later studied
aw at the University of Virginia, at a
ime when his father was a professor
n law at the famous institution foun- |
led by Thomas jefferson. III
In 1890, after a campaign that is vet
alked Of in Texas because Of its dash l
Ind brilliancy the younger Culberson
vas elected attorney general Of his
tate, being but .han thrty-ive Years
# age He was reelected in 1892. and
wo years later was elected governor
ecuring recollection to the executive
1896. From the governors office he \
topped into the United States senate,
nd has served two years Of his second
erm in that body.
When it was determined a year ago
. make serious effort TO secure the
olnination Of q Southern man in 1908
nd the sitting Of availables began, a
-rge number Of distinguished men
ere on the list. Senator Bailey had
very con Si7ara f1a ana 1...- ,, !