The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1910-07-28
81 TENTH DIsrRIcr.

tain counties, bids fair this fall to
be the scene of one, of the. most
closely contested campaigns in the
state. Representative John g.
Grant, Republican, is opposed for
reelection by former Representa-
tive j. M. Gudger, Jr., and Meth
er candidate is allowing the grass
ito grow under his feet. Mr.. Gud-
ger has issued an open challenge
for a series of joint debates, and
should the challenge be accepted
spectacular features would ensue.
1t is understood, however, that the
Republican managers do not look
with favor upon the-idea and will
decline to enter such an arrange
ment.
"In 1906 Hon. ". T. Crawford
led the Democrats of this district
to victory by a majority Of nearly
1000 while two years later the in
cumbent defeated him by some
thing more than 800. The bitter
fight in the Democratic primary
and convention is offset by the
tangle Mr. Grant got into over the
Biltmore postofice appointment,
and it would be a rash man indeed
who wouldpredict the outcome
with any degree of confidence. At
all events the mountain folk will
be treated-to a red-hot campaign,
a dish to which they are by no
means averse."
So says the Charlotte Observers
editorial prognosticator, in Thurs
day mornings issue of that pa
per. 1t is, perhaps, true that the
contest will be interesting, but we
do not anticipate any very great
proportion of excitement, dut to
the refusal of Mr.. Grant to meet
his opponent in joint depate. A
candidate Flooding along alone is
not "ikely'' to set the woods
"afre" with enthusiasm. The
democrats up here enjoy a cred
hot-campaign," right out in the
open, but their adversaries are
afraid "to face the music" Mr..
Grant having already taken him
self to the woods.
Concerning the stubborn resist
ance to Mr.. Gudger in the district
convention we can assure the es-
teemed Observer that thesinal
ballot settled all differences and
democrats are now united in one
common cause, the redemption of
the district from Republicanism
this year. There was little real
bitterness in the convention, any
way, Notwithstanding the excite
ment and confusion among the
delegates over points of order
raised at various times during
the progress of the proceedings.
The supporters of each aspirant
contested every inch of ground
with zeal and determination, but
every one yielded gracefully to
the will of the majority. Every
delegate who desired to talk was
afforded an opportunity and re-
ieved himself of what he had to
say. No one was suppressed and
there is no reason why any partic-
ipant should feel aggrieved.
OF course Mr.. Grant will have to
atone for his unmanly treatment
of Mrs. Reed and other unfortun-
ate women in the district who
were deposed from positions upon
his suggestion. 1t is needless to
recall the numerous instances in
which he displayed a painful lack
of chivalry. The people remem-
Der it all and Mr.. Grant will be
reminded of his conduct many,
many times before the conclusion
of this campaign.
In fact, the democracy over
here is united and hopeful. The
district has been fighting ground
for thirty years, but in only one
instance during that period has a
republican served more than enc
term in succession. "Turn about