Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-03-22
SENATOR SMITHTO MARBURY
Declines His SenSeleSS Challenge.
Says he Hopes Mr.. Marbury Will
Remain Democrat few Moons
UNITED STATES SENATE,
WASHINGTON, March IL.

icIter uateu Mafcn lU, winch 1 nereto-
fore noticed was published in the Bal
timore American and the Baltimore Sun
of yesterday, and hasten to reply, tax
ing up the various paragraphs of your
letter in order.
have published nothing concerning
you, or your record, in any newspaper.
nor have ! ever authorized any such
publication or publications, or had any
connection. however remote, Herewith:
hence, il such is the basis for your
proposition for joint debate. would
respectfully suggest that it would be
more appropriate if you direct your
challenge to the party or parties respon-
sible for the publications you mention.
1t is true that from time to time,
within the past 10 years. you have rem
dered some help to the Democratic par
ty in this State at the solicitation of
party leaders, although it has almost
always been subject of conjecture and
doubt among party friends. before each
SatupaiSHt Wuttuet youi inilucHcc WOuiu
be for or against the party.
As one of the many people in the State
who, throughout good fortune and bad,
have taken profound interest in the
success of the party. have always per-
sonally welcomed your cooperation in
party affairs, and trust that we can
now count upon you as being perma-
nently and uniformly for the Democratic
nominees, whoever they may be, at
every future election.
have no knowledge whatsoever of
your relations with former Presidents,
except that you held Office under Presi-
dent Cleveland; nor do | know what
your relations are with the present Chief
Executive. except this-that YOU are
again after Office. And if the newspa-
per stories are correct, as perhaps they
are not, the Presidents potent infu-
ence seems to be your chief reliance for
election to the Senate. And that sug-
gests to me this fact, that in the late
struggle for the Presidential nomination
we both first approved the candidacy Of
Judge Harmon. then recognizing the
hopelessness of his canvass, we both
finally supported President Wilson for
the nomination, whereupon you went to
Europe and remained at home. taking
an active and hope helpful part in the,
campaign.
In reference to our respective politi-
cal records, my position is apparently
more fortunate than yours, inasmuch
as you seem to feel that your record
needs defense and can see no obliga-
tion resting upon me to defend my De-
mocracy. | have uniformly and con-
sistently worked for the success of the
party, supporting its nominees at every
election. and have voted at every cleo
tion since was q. and in the several
positions have held, always by grace
of the Democrats. have uniformly en-
deavored to serve the people and my
party AS efficiently as my opportunities
and limited abilities would allow. And
without wishing to boast, believe l
can justly claim to have accomplished
great deal for the State and for the life
and strength of Democracy in Maryland.
Besides, no light could be thrown on
the subject by joint debate, such as
you propose. because everyone the least
interested in Maryland politics knows
my record. and apparently the people
are fast learning yours-a circumstance
am not surprised should give you grave
concern. For while have very little
personal knowledge Of the details Of
your political record. am informed by
those who have the pleasure of more
intimate acquaintance with your life
than that the articles attacking your
record and to which you allude in your
letter to me are approximately true.
Hence the facts brought out in joint de-
bate between us, regarding our respec-
tive records, would cause them to stand
out by contrast rather than by compari-
son. For instance. in the three cam
paigns Mr.. Bryan. the original progress
sive and the undisputed progressive
leader, made for the Presidency, my
every effort was centered and directed
upon his success, and particularly in his
fight against the late President McKin-
ley. the great exponent Of standpatism,
and high protective tariff. was with
Bryan, doing everything could for him.
and you were openly and aggressively
opposed to him.
The.Democratic primary on Novem-
ber 5, which am persuaded can in no
sensesibe dominated by any influence
without the State, however powerful,
win, no doubt, amply demonstrate which
Of us, or which of all the candidates. is
CONCLUDED ON PAGE Al