The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1908-05-25
WHY SIMMONS IS FORCRIAG

mo Man in North Carolina Has
Rendered the Democratic Par
ty More Unselfish, More Un-
ceasing and More Effective
Service Than Mr.. Craig"
Senator F. M. Simmons has
written the following open letter
to Hon. Cameron Morrison, of
Mecklenburg, touching the CUB
ernatorial contest and giving the
reasons that actuated him in sup
porting Hon. Locke Craig for
the nomination for Governor:
United States Senate,
Washington, D. c.,
May 18th. 1908.
Hon. Cameron Morrison,
Charlotte, N. c.
Mr.. Dear Mr.. Morrison:
Your esteemed favor Of the
18th received.
Not only you, but other
friends in North Carolina have
advised me by letter and in per-
sonal conversation that in certain
sections of the State some of the
friends of Mr.. Kitchin seemed
more eager to make a point
against me than against Mr..
Craig or for Mr.. Kitchin. The
same is true l am told with
respect to Ex-Governor Aycock.
| am also advised that the bitter
ness of the assaults upon us in
some sections is without par
allel in the campaign history Of
the State.
No one should be deceived as
to the cause Of this sudden out
break against the Ex-Governor
and myself. 1t is not on account
of Mr.. Kitchin, or of Mr.. Craig.
1t is not because we are support
ing the one or opposing the other.
know that it is the preteXt, but
it is a mere preteXt. The rea
cause ought to be apparent to ev.
eryone. There is a certain ele
ment in the State which has lOng
desired to get lick, not only a
the Ex-Governor and myself, bu
at others who have stood with u
in some great movements tina
have made history in North Car
Dina in recent years, and our pc
f sitiOn in the Gubernational con
test has given them an opportuni
ty to deal the blow they have lon
been so anxious to deliver. L
Il short, the present outbreak c
II bitterness and resentment t
c wards us is instigated by infu
ences entirely disconnected frol
the Gubernatorial contest and il
spired by a selfish desire
weaken our influence and pos
ton in North Carolina.
Speaking for myself and Of m!
self, | have no fears. What l haI
done | have done as a matter {
conscience, and the consequence
must take care of themselve
, l make no apologies. My life
\ an open book. No man can hu
me by telling the truth, and
have lived long enough not
fear a lie.
Early in the present Gubern
torial contest l declared myse
for Mr.. Craig for Governor.
5. declaring myself for Mr.. era
(. and advocating his nomination
am simply exercising the right
preference which every 9th
Democrat in the State possesse
| am not simple enough to b
lieve and | do not think the pc
pie of North Carolina will t
7 lieve that the outcry now bel
raised against me in North Cal
lima on the part Of sor
is because | have seen
! to exercise this unquestion
> able right. Men do not Wo
themselves in a frenzy of passi
and hate, nor do they seek
arouse these feelings in osht
for such reasons, and | ask
eS' people of North Carolina to 10
Tor the real reasons IOF Jn0Se
= saults upon me and ansW
whether they approve the mot
and purpose of this attempt
undermine and weaken me
the esteem and regard of the
ters of a party and State
ry whose services | have given
best years of my life.
ac- If, as you say in your letter
W view of these assaults,
people of North Carolina
'ou interested in knowing my
sons for declaring myself for