The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-24
A MATTER OF ooNeRATULATIoN,

! A MATTER or CONGRATULAIEON. | without regard to the results of the 1 late campaign and election in Ala bama there is one feature that is high ly to be commended. and upon which all Alabamians may we'll congratulate themselves and each other. We refer to the general good feeling and quiet that prevailed throughout the State. It was in many respects one of the most exciting contests the State has ever had. when we consider the interests in- volved and the extent and importance of those interests. From President of the United States down to precinct and ward constables candidates were to be voted for. and of course all of them had strong friends and supporters. It was the first time the voters of Ala bams have been called on to vote a ticket involving so many oflices, ana it is pleasant and satisfactory reflection that there was SO little disorder and H-feeling. Of course there were hot contests. and perhaps hard words and | hard feelings in some cases. as is nat | ural when two or more men contest for an oftice. but taking the State over we doubt If there has eyer been a more orderly and wel-managed con- test than this was.
 | tS sko Whether the differences as to any can didats were personal or political mat ters not for all men have a right to thcir opinions and preferences. Men may differ widely about religious be- liefs but that does not mean that both sides cannot be thoroughly honest and sincere in their convictions. nor does 1t mean that one belief must be neces- sarily right and the other necessarily wrong. This would be a monotonous wcrld-A dead world. in fact, if all men should see and think and believ, alike. for then there would be no com petition no advancement and no hu- | RAO3ASSSs
 So 1t is in politics. It is best for the country that there should be par ties and different beliefs. for one party may act as a sort of watch over an- other and prevent it from going to ex. tremes. At the same time men on each side may be thoroughly honest ir their opinions. and may differ and ar- sue without personal ill-feeling and without aserfbine discreditable mo- lives to the other. And when the con tsst is merely a question of choice be- twssn men of the same political belief there is still less cause for bitterness. A man can be friend to one candi- date. and may warmly advocate his claims without falling out with his neiEhbor who is supporting anoth CT applicant for the same position. Let each man stand by his friend with out personal rancor and bitterness.
 Of course the result of the primary brought many disappointments and re- grets. Many a man was defeated who thought his election sure and. who thought he ought to be elected. Nc doubt there may be cases where the man who should have been elected fail ed of success. for strange things hap. pen at elections. It is not always the case that the most deserving and best qualified man succeeds. but 'Tt is all in the days work" as the saying is Those who succeeded can congratulate themselves on their good fortune-or perhaps on their good management I and those who failed may find conso- iation in the reflection that they have no fault to find with themselves for their failure. when the time comes to ratify the action of the primaries the friends of those who were defeated should join hands with the friends of the successful ones and all support the ticket. So shah the era of good feeling be continued and enlarged, all bitterness forgotten and general good comradeship prevail among the people. We had a generally quiet and orderly primary and there is no reason why there should be any rancor when 1t comes to endorsing the primary's ac- ton.
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 l WHY NOTR