The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-11-23

would relieve the congressman of a very
great responsibility. and besides that it is
democratic. 1t puts 1t right up to the
people to decide upon whom they favor
for postmasterships and other plums
which have fallen into the spacious lap
of democracy incident with party success.
OF course. such primaries would not be
legally binding. but the congressman are
willing to be guided by them. and can
point to them as an excuse for their
support OF the successful candidates in
such primaries, and in this way, perhaps
save their own political bacon.
Representatives Humphreys of Missis-
sippl and Beall of Texas are both out fav-
oring such a plan. The only question
which bothers is that the republican citi-
zens OF each community might take no.
tlon 10 vote themselves. as they are inter
their respective commurxt.es and this
feature might tend to complicate mat
tiers some-in other words, gum the
cards"
Henry Opposes Primary Plan
Representative Henry of Texas is OPP
posed to the primary plan. Mr.. Henry
received telegram from some of his
constituents in which IL was stated that
the patronage question was very much
agitated one down in the cattle country.
The document concluded with the plea
that Mr.. Henry stand by the old system
OF recommending his friends for appoint
ment to office. Mr. Henry replied that he
took no stock in the new tangled idea. "A
primary to determine who would be post
master" said Mr.. Henry would be I'M
fair. because there is no law under which
It could be safeguarded Republicans
could vote as we'll as democrats, and
hare -
proper man would be selected. prefer
to take the responsibility in my own dis
trict, and will do So
IF something is not done" said a prom
fnent southern congressman now at the
capital. the situa ton will be most EN-
barrassing for all of us. We must make
some decision as to whom our support
will be given, and naturally that decision
win not meet with favor from the other
candidates MY prediction is that there
will be more democratic members of Con-
gress defeated for the nomination in 1914
than ever before in the history of the
party. Men who have been representing
their districts for years. and who are pop
ular idols at home, will meet their Water
loo over this patronage business. They
will be compelled to deny their support
to some of their most influential con-
stituents, as 1t is a physical inpossibility
to support them all, and the result will
be the severing of old political ties and
the smashing Of gaps in political fences.
II is up to US to get busy and do some-
thing to sidestep this boomerang, or it's
back to the mines for ours
Republicans Smile at Discomfort
The republicans are smiling over the
discomfort of their democratic colleagues.
But after all, all the officeseekers are
not democrats. Because of the resignation
of a number of officeholders recently, and
the report that President Taft would fill
all offices before retiring from the pres
idency there are hundreds and huh
dreds of republicans in the country who
are going on the basis that If a whole
loaf>cannot be had they will take small
piece, and they are literally swapping
the White House with letters, and are
urging their republican congressman to
follow. them up with their influence"
They are begging that they may get
little taste of the public office plum be-
fore the democrats make their bow.
In many letters 1t is suggested that If
they are appointed to office now that 1t
might be by some chance the new admins
istration would overlook them in the
grand rush of March 4. and they would
not be disturbed. But that Is a pipe
dream" when 1t comes to overlooking a
federal job there is not a chance. Others
suggest that in the shuttle they might be
able to hold on for a few months after
March T. while the more important jobs
we're demanding attention. The jobs
sought include everything from pure food
expert to messenger in some department
There are times when we are glad
that we are not congressman.