Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-02-02

4
msry, after the election, to determine
the choice Of the Democrats for United
Estates Senator, Gel. John T. MeGrsw
has been asked to reply. Thursday, the
colonel gave to The Leader the follow
ling Interview.
"Responding to your inquiry,
have read Senator watsonis let
lers with respect TO a Primary Election
for the nomination of candidate for
United States Senator, after the gener-
al election. 1t is, in effect, the plan
suggested by Hon. Albert Sydney
Il Johnston. Of Monroe, one Of the ablest
and beet men in the State. dop'i
think the nomination Of candidate
fer United states senator, after the
general election. | doa't thisk the
nomination OF a candidate for the
Senate after the election will prove
Unsatisfactory to the Democrats Of the
State who favor the primary Sys
tenn for the nomination OF all elective
offices, because in the end, IL the plan
suggested be adopted, 1t will be the
source OF dissatisfaction and party dis
cord, II occurs to me, for the follow
ing reasons:
First--lt will necessitate new cleo
ton, with all the costs, irritation and
annoyances incident thereto, after the
people Of the State have just gone
through an exciting Presidential and
State electioa.
Secsnd--It will be difficult, 30 sson
after the rresidcntia. election, TO get
The people to the polls, IN such = post
election, particularly In the rural dis
trcts, and will entail large expendi-
ture upon the candidates, TO organize
IN each OF the counties Of the State, In
order TO get tneir friends again 10 the
polls.
Third The amount Of money which
each candidate for United states Sena
tor, under the late Act Of Congress and
our Corrupt Practices Acts, is author
lied to expend, would not be sufficient
10 defrsy the actual, ordinary and leg
itimate ex penses which candidate
would be required 10 expend, in ord ri
to make canvass end get TO the cleo
ton full vote of The Democratic elec-
tors.
FOURTH the votes polled did not
represent far aggregate OF the DEM
ocratic Votes cast AT the general cleo
tien, and there were fsur or five candi-
dates for the Senate, no one OF which
candidates received reasonably large
plurality, the members Of the Legisla-
ture would not be bound TO accept the
result, because II would net represent
a fair expression OF the Democratic
voters, as shown by the preceding gea-
eral election.
i III the Democratic party thinksit I'M
wise 10 hold such election, earlier than
the general election, suggest pri-
mary election for Senator, conducted
under the auspices Of the State Com
mitsee, on the day Of the general cleo
ttiou, to be held under such rules and
a. Ah&J Wv RASD~A'S~t ~
the Democratic State Committee.
This plan would cause the candi-
dates for Senator to exert their energies
towards having all their friends At the
poles for the general eie zion, at time
when the party most needs them, and
thu. insure q full party vote, and prac-
tically elect Senator Mt the same time
a Governor and other State officers are
chosen
| Col McGraw's views are well worthy
of and will receive the best considera-
ton of Democrats Throughout tie
/ State.
TO us it seems as IL as result Of tire
subml ssion OF Hon. Albert sydney
Johnston's plan, and its adoption by
Senator Watson that the way has been
paved to party success.
The Fisher plan seems 10 still furth-
er tend TO harmonious action and
Democratic victory. There may be diff
fieullies in lite execution, but not such
a. cannot be compromised and easily
loyeTc0me.
tits TO be hoped that the State com
mittee In its wisdom Will adopt 1t as
well as the Presidential Primary This
being done, all kickers can be relegated
to political limbo and an enthused
Democracy, every man incidentally
worsing for his choice for the Senator
L tt.Nff
working for the triumph of Demo-
crats principles, in the election OF the
National, state and local tieke ., .wiil
go into the coming campa.gn with
victory predetermined.
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