The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-01-04
ARD KNOT FOR STATE
DEM. COMMITTEE TO
X. UNITE THIS WEEK

Jacksonville, Jan. 3 Indications
e that the meeting of the State
,mocratic Executive Committee to
held in Jacksonville this week,
nuary 6, will be one of the most
lportant and interesting held by
at body in many years, if for no
her reason than the consideration
recognition. When the committee
nvenes, subject to the call of
Gorge p. Raney, of Tampa, next
lursday, it will deal with the
oblem which arises over the fact
at the National Democratic Con-
ntion will be held just eight days
ter the holding of the Florida pri-
ary, and to certify the twelve dele
ties chosen from this State will
cessitate quick action by the COM
lttee after he primary. The COM
lttee must meet not later than Sat
day or the Monday following the
imary on June 6. as the State Can
ssing Board, to canvass the re-
rms and certify the delegates voted
In the election on the Tuesday be-
re. This will mean that specially
epared blanks will have to be sent
the county and State canvassing
mmittees so that the returns Of
votes for deleeates may be more
ickly dispatched to the State Com
ttee. In other words, instead of
local committees on the regular
ms Of the past, these will be re-
rded ON the special form, the ex
nse Of which will have to be borne
the candidates for office by extra
sessntent. The cost, however, will
small.
Ascending to National Committee
in John T. G.. Crawford North
=rolina is in the same predicament
Florida in regards the election of
legates in time to have them seat
= In Che national convention at St.
'uis, He stated this morning that
made an effort to have the con-
nti0n date postponed because of
e condition in Florida, but he said
at the National Executive Com
itlee favored beating the Republic
ms 70 the convention date, from
Indications, and that was the
ason for the early selection. How
er, the Republicans will meet one
eek Earlier in Chicago.
Could Have Been More Serious
Had it not been for an amend
emit to the Bryan primary law by
lac past LEGISLATURE, it is probable
eiat far more serious condition
!. ould have been brought about.
he old law provided that the coun
committees should canvass the re-
irns In each county six days after
lie election and that the State can
lassing committee should canvass
lem 20 days after. The State and
,ngressional executive committee
COW has the authority in its call or
~ resolution to call a primary cleo
r.on for the election of delegates and
roviding for the returns being sub
lifted direct by the election inspec-
ors, according to the Interpretation
4 the amendment oe 1915.
The platform of the national con-
ention is party law and the Balti.
lore platform provides that cleo
lion Of delegates should be direct
his lie considered the only and best
'ay to avoid complication at st
outs and no other method will be
ried unless it is proven next week
hat such procedure is impossible
committeeman Bryan believes that
:, it came to a pinch the st Loui.
invention, in view of the circum.
:tances. would seat a delegation
slected by the State committee. Such
delegation would have to be elect
ID about the time of holding of the
/. rimsry at special meeting of the
-ommittee.
The delegate question is just nov
Commanding the greatest attention