The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1912-07-27
sTEApFAsT IN PURPOSE.

uOne can be urged as more worthy
than that Of Ferdinand C. Claiborne,
OF Pointe Coupee. Although possibly
the youngest OF the four candidates
and not ADLER than at least two of
them, there are some points in which
his record far surpasses his Oppo-
nents and for that reason should
make strongest appeal to the vOt-
ers, who admire moral character and
achievement.
Mr.. Claiborne is thirty-seven years
o. age, and after securing an educa-
ton and a fitting for the bar by his
own efforts, he has successfully held
office at the gift of the people Of
his native parish, Pointe COupee.
Serving creditably as district attOr-
ney, during which he constantly show.
ed not only devotion to duty but a
strong sense of the moral obligations
Of his office, he has since then been
sent for two successive terms to Inc
General Assembly by his people. His
record there is known to all news
paper readers, and the consistency Of
his course, alike when lin oppoSi-
ton" or now when his faction is nom
inally in power. He has consistent
iy and persistently fought for eco
nomical government and the cOnse-
quent abolition of sinecures, and on
this issue he has never waVered.
Nor has he been Of that type OF
politician, who, to curry general ia
Vor, cOnceals or deprecates his affil-
iatiOns. He was among the first to
agitate the organization Of the Good
Government League, and has con-
tinuOusly served in it's councils and
It's battles. This candor, this stead
fastness Of purpose should commend
him to all members Of the League
obA " CIlP SLACI uOuCot ucu DIS WCl
who recognize the inherent strength
and nobility OF a man, who can act
thus, regardless Of considerations of
self interest. 1t also displays indie
pendence of thought and reliability
Of character, that augur well for his
future conduct in any official posi-
ton.
But above and beyond these points
which especially commend him to APP
prevail, there is another, which is eV-
en- more praise-worthy, and that is
his course in certain matters during
the past few months. His candidacy
for Lieutenant Governor, and later
for Speaker of the House is referred
to. 1t will be remembered that be
first asked for his endorsement by
the League for the former position,
but 1t was seen fit to turn him down (
and Mr.. Gueydan was endorsed in
stead. He not only fastened to sec
ond the nomination of Mr.. Gueydan
amidst the acClamations OF "Clai. |
borne! Claiborne" which possibly
any good politician would have done;
but as many another has not done
and would not do, he sulked never a /
minute, but actively worked for the
League, exercising his undoubted tai /
ents OF oratory in some Of the hard |
est fields Of the state.
That campaign over, which he had |
worked hard to bring to it's success
Gul issue, he next aspired to become
Speaker OF the House. And no one
will agree with Mr.. Amos Ponder
that 1t is matter of reproach to Il
man, otherwise qualified, to aspire
to office. Young Claiborne aspired
to be Speaker. So did L. e. Thomas
and RObt. Butler. The second nam.
ed was successful and it is gener-
ally understood by what wire-pulling
it was accomplished Mr.. Claiborne
had begun a campaign for the posi-
ton, but the disastrous floods struck
POinte Coupee and while his oppo-
nents had leisure to plan for the Of
flee, he was doing rescue work byI
night and by day, carrying food aud
furnishing shelter to refugees. He
cid not even leave this work for he
opening Of the Legislature.
He failed to land the Speakership. |
But some failures are grander than
any victory. Nor did he sulk or use
discretionary tactics at the General
as others did, but took up |
he work assigned him with entire
good humor and devotion. His work d
was second to none in the Legisla-
.ure,
II may be safely submitted that
n making such a record in circum-
stances so trying to a mans abili.
les, disposition and character, it
promises that "he, who is faithful in s
hat which Is least, is faithful also :