Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1915-12-31
PARTY TURNING To
SENATOR PITTMAN
L. A. SpelIier In Reno Gazette Sizes
Up the Political
Condition

their supporters apparently having de-
clared truce in order TO give proper
attention to the job of ushering out
old 1915. Visitors from all parts of
the state, called here during the last
week on various business matters
usually attendant on the beginning of
Il new year, tell of the spread o. Pitt
man sentiment in all sections. One of
the most prominent democrats in the
state particularly well known in east
ern and southern Nevada, in discuss
ing the democratic senatorial situation
said:
Sentiment Is Changing.
During the last month l have had
occasion TO visit the eastern and
southern districts of the state and
found politics one of the principal
topics being considered by the voters,
both men and women. The democra-
tic senatorial fight holds the center of
the stage and the relative merits of
Senator Pittman and Judge McCarran
are being discussed quite generally. AS
compared with previous observations /
noted that the sentiment is undergoing
a marked change, as the voters lay
aside all personal beliefs and consider
the fight from the standpoint of right
and justice. While there is no gain
saying the personal popularity OF
Judge McCarran, find that the lead
ing democrats are beginning to ask
themselves why McCarran is entitled
TO their support rather than Senator
Pittman. The senator's record at
Washington is without a blemish. He
stands high in the estimation # his
party's leaders at the nations capital
and enjoys the Confidence of Presi-
dent Wilson. He has voted consist.
e9tly with the party on every issue
presented TO congress and has stoodo
for the fulfillment of every party
pledge. None can say he has shown
any lack OF interest in legislation that
will benefit Nevada and her people. He
has always taken n deep interest in
measures destined TO relieve the set
tiers and aid the mining industry.
Pittman a Party Man.
Senator Pittman's work for his
party prior to his election also is de
serving of some recognition. He was
used in southern Nevada as q speaker
Ill two campaigns prior to his election
and the entire campaign of 1910 was
financed by him with money he made
by sacrificing mining stock. He was
defeated by the late Senator George S.
Nixon, but despite his defeat kept on
working for the best interests of his
party.
Democrats are beginning 20 realize
that Senator Pittman is the logical
candidate Of their party and see that,
with a clean record ,an ability that is
unquestioncd and recognition by ma
tional party leaders it would be folly,
to say nothing of injustice and inap.
probation. to sidetrack him for one
whose claim of preference has no foun.
dation In fact.
McCarran's Position UntenabIe.
"The impression also seems to be
gaining that Judge McCarran Is over
stepping the mark by aspiring to sen.
atorial honors before his term as su.
preme court justice has expired, OF
without lat least, stepping down from
the bench while conducting his cam
paign to unseat a senator whose rec.
ord is clear.
"To my mind Judge McCarrau will
find this point-morc particularly be-
cause the question of his constitu-
tlonal right to do so Is involved-a
handicap that will be hard to over.
come"
Ross Made No Announcement.
1t has developed that the announce.
mcnt of Gilbert G.. Ross as candidate
for the democratic congressional nom.
ination, emanating from Phoebe was.
according to Ross. pure invention.
Ross, while not denying that he may
be a candidate for the nomination,
says he has not given It any very ser.
ious thought either one way or the
other. Ross, however, has one of the
best jobs under the state administra-
tion, that of bank examiner, at a sal.
cry Of $4,000 a year with $500 a year
allowed for actual expenses. His term
expires in 1919.
Simmons Term Expires Soon.
The terp of w. II. Simmons, mem.
ber of the railroad and tax commits.
sions, will expire in February and Gov.
Boyle will be called upon either to re.
appoint him or name some other per.
son, who Is not a democrat, for the
place. Under the law no more than
two members of the commission can
be OF the same political belief. Com.
missioners Shaughnessy and Bartine
are democrats. OF course the governor
might appoint a socialist but this is
considered a very remote possibility.