Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1915-11-12
Want Lewis In The Senate.


Want Lewis In The Senate.
Wash. Cor BALTIC. Sun November S.
Sixty petitions and letters, signed by up
ward of $50 members of the Maryland
State Grange, as individuals, were pre-
sented today to Representative David j.
Lewis by a committee headed by j. Bent
ley Thomas, of Montgomery county. call
ing upon the Sixth District Congressman to
enter the primaries next year for the
Democratic nomination for the United
States Senate to succeed Senator Blair Lee.
Mr.. Lewis, in thanking the committee, said
he would reach definite decision within
the next few days. 1t is learned, however,
from his friends that Mr.. Lewis has made
up his mind to enter the contest.
In this connection The Sun correspon-
dent is advised that Senator Blair Lee has
been sounding sentiment in Maryland in
regard to seeking reelection to the Senate
and his formal announcement that he will
again be a candidate may be expected
shortly.
The Sixth district Representative came
to Washington this afternoon from Cum
berland and the committee waited on him
at his Office. Besides Mr.. Thomas the dele
CATION was composed of Western Starr,
of Westover J. D. Anthony and Charles
H. jefferson, of Chestertown, and j. An
drew Cohiil and Karol Eisenhardt, of Han
cock. They called as individuals and not
as officials of the State Grange Mr..
Thomas, in presenting the petitions, declared
that thousands of farmers of Maryland,
benefited by the parcel post legislation,
wanted to see Mr. Lewis in the United
States Senate in the belief that the larger
field would give him better opportunity
to accomplish more for the people
The other members of the delegation,
in following Mr.. Thomas, said Maryland
has not had a man in Congress in recent
years who had done more for the masses
of the people than Mr.. Lewis and they
sincerely hoped that he would consent to
run for the Senate, where his talents and
ability would have larger field. They
declared that thousands of members of
the State Grange would be behind his can
didacy and that Republicans as well as
Democrats would vote for him in the gen.
eral election. Mr.. Cohill pointed out that
Mr.. Lewis strength in Maryland was his
appeal to the Independent element and to
the Republicans, and but for the votes of
these he would not be in Congress.
Mr. Lewis, in replying, said:
81 appreciate this compliment. You
could not pay me a greater compliment
and appreciate it more than can say.
81 particularly appreciate the implied
approval, coming as it does from repre-
sentative farmers of Maryland. The farm
ers, as class, are producers and consum-
ers, as well as merchants of their own pro-
ducts, and thus represent all classes in the
nation. Not only have all worthy govern
ments begun with the agricultural devel-
opment, but the farmer, being a producer,
merchant and a consumer, represents
the social interest perhaps more perfectly
than any other class in the community.
While he represents stability, he is also
progressive and thus supports the best
elements in any civilization. | am proud
to be regarded as the exponent of the
CHANGERS and the farmers views 1t is rath-
er remarkable that, although not farmer,
for 20 years have been thinking and
working along his lines of thought.
Il have only one hesitation as to be-
coming candidate for the United States
Senate as you suggest, 1t is the question
often raised as to whether a man without
means can successfully conduct contest
for the United States Senate. am a man
without means. So far in my public life,
thanks to men like yourself and those you
represent, have succeeded against great
est odds. | shall take few days to consider
this last question before giving you de-
finite answer. Meanwhile, can only too
feebly express the gratitude feel for your
expression of your views today"
The petition which was signed by men,
bers of the State Grange, reads as follows
THE undersigned farmers and graneers
of Maryland respectfully request you to
become a candidate for the position of
United States Senator.
I'VE recognize in your successful eff
fort for the parcel post. an original grange
proposition, the sincerity and consistency
of purpose, the application to public duties
and the ability essential to successful pub
lie work. The farmers of this country have
urgent need for continued improvements
in the parcel post; for sane practical rural
credits legislation. and for laws to make
the telephone and telegraph part of the
postal service and accessible tot at rates
which our business affairs will justify.
1--WE believe that your work, II in the
United States Senate, will be more effica-
cious along these lines for the public ser
vice, and therefore ask you to consider the
request herein made"
Mr.. LEWIS CONCLUDES To RUN.
He says, in part in his announcement
Il am going to make this fight without
money. shall make it with my friends
and bare fists alone. have confidence in
the Democrats of Maryland, that they will
do the square thing by me, without money
and without price. My record is before
them. They may judge the future by the
past"
i ~. .4nnel.kiReulen