Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-11-24
The Lewis Vote In Montgomery.
To THE EDITOR OF THE SENTINEL.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SENTINEL.
Sir: In recent issue of the Balti
more sun" there appeared labored com.
position by Mr.. M. D. Knight. Senator Lee I:
road engineer for Montgomery county. in
which he contends that Senator Lee did
not actively work for the defeat of the
Hon. David j. Lewis.
Any one acquainted with the political
compositions of Mr.. William H. Lamar and
Senator Lee will have little doubt that Mr..
Knight received all the aid he desired in the
preparation Of his article.
II Senator Lee had really wanted Lewis
elected to the Senate, he had plenty of
opportunities to so clearly demonstrate il
that there could have been no question in
respect to his loyalty. He could have pub
lished ringing appeal in your estimable
paper on behalf Of Lewis and commended
his recognized ability and unquestioned
Democracy. He could have, at least, ac-
cepted one of the many invitations which
were extended to him to appear on the
platform with Lewis, in some part Of the
State, in order that his followers might
understand what his wishes were. In
common decency he would have at least
attended the Democratic meeting in Rock
vile, the county seat Of Lees county, and
either spoken on Lewis behalf or, at least
by his presence. have indicated that he
was not utterly Indifferent. Senator Lee
has never been accused Of an inability to
understand the force and power Of money
in an election, and II he were unwilling to
give any Of his time. he could have ex-
pressed his loyalty by handsome contri-
button. which his great wealth would have
easily enabled him to do.
So far as the writer has been able to
ascertain. Lee attended in the campaign
only two meetings. and these were in the
immediate neighborhood of his home.
The first of these meetings was held at
the home Of Mr.. Harry M. Martin. under
the auspices Of Wilson-Marsh Club.
Martin was openly against Lewis and
imperative whenever his name was men,
toned.
1t is customary in Montgomery county
to have the name Of the Democratic can
dldates for the Senate and House Of Rep
resentatives attached to the names of the
Democratic clubs. but in Martins club 1t
was freely stated that Lewis name was
left off to indicate the attitude of the club
toward him. Senator Lees presence at
this meeting and his refusal to stand on
the platform beside Lewis in Rockville
were sufficient indications to his machine
in Montgomery county Of his real feeling
toward Lewis.
Mr.. knight contends that Senator Lee
could have cut Lewis to GREAT extent in
Montgomery county. This is true. but not
with political safety. The word could be
passed with the least danger in Senator
Lees home district Of Wheaton. where Mr..
Martin also resided According to tally
carefully kept. Lewis received Al Republi-
can votes in this district Over one fourth
Of the Democrats who participated in the
election in Wheaton district either voted
against Lewis or failed to vote for either
Senatorial candidate. The revelations OF
a study Of the election figures in Wheaton
district are somewhat astounding but con-
vincine. The total registered Democratic
vote is IT'S; the total registered Republi-
can vote Is 425. Dr. France received 434
votes. or II more than the Republicans afiili-
ated Lewis received 458 votes. or 247
less than the Democratic vote affiliated. |
Wilson received SAT and Hughes 442 |
Wilson 1863 short and Hughes " over their |
respective affiliated registered vote. On
1853 Democratic ballots cast and counted |
on November 7th Lewis was cut. and AZ |
of these cuts carried a vote for France. |
Moreover. there were Al Republican ballots
which carried the name Of Lewis. Make
the most liberal, or rather extravagant,
allowance you please and then answer.
In the absence Of such unblushine party
disloyalty and perfdy. what should have
been the majority for Lewis instead Of the
"a majority he did receive In the Wheaton
district 7"
In sixteen out Of eighteen precincts in
the county Mr. Lewis was left off Of 392
Democratic ballots.
On 1902 Democratic ballots the name Of
DR.. France appeared. This latter cut, Of
course. counts double. which would have
made the total OF the majority for Lewis
sos more than his majority Of 735.
About one Democrat in five who partici-
pated in the primaries in Montgomery
county either failed to vote for any Sena-
torial candidate or voted against Lewis.
Had Lewis received the united support
Of the Democrats at the recent election.
he would have received a majority in
Montgomery county Of over 1900 instead |
OF 735.
Had Senator Lee operated his system Of |
transportation with half the zeal he has |
shown on his own behalf In Democratic |
primaries. at least one-half Of the Demo-
cratic voters who stayed at home might |
have been induced to 60 to the polls.
The Honorable Robert G. Hilton, Sena- |
tor Lees local leader. who Is in receipt Of
$4,000 year az Sub-Treasurer in Balti-
more. a position which he received at the
hands OF Senator Lee. showed so little
interest in the campaign and impeded the
efforts Of the Chairman Of the State Cen
trail Committee. Of which Mr.. Hilton is a
member. to such an extent that the chair
man. who is also friend Of Senator Lee.
but loyal Democrat, publicly criticised
Hilton therefor, and stated that instead Of
helping him in the fight he found Hilton