New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1918-08-03
THE SENATORIAL CONTEST

When our every thought ant
our every deed, in these crltlca
times in our national life. shoul(
be connected with an effort 4
subserve the best traditions an(
Hottest principles of Democracy
we are confronted with the as
tonishing callousness and Ell
frontery Of two ward bosses IL
the City Of New Orleans (wht
seem to be the dominant politica
powers in organized politics IL
that city, in provoking a heated
senatorial contest in the State OF
Louisiana, predicated, by these in
dividuals, upon narrow sectional
ism and cheap ward politics, such
as we imagine, usually obtains in
the city of New Orleans.
Ex-Governor Hall and Hon
John II. Overton. two distin.
guished, able. eloquent, patriotic
and forceful men, types of our
highest citizenship, were, up to
short time ago. with dignity
COMFORTING with the exalted po-
sition. and without affording any
distractions from our war activi-
ties, presenting their respective
claims for the United States Sem
atorship made vacant by the death
of our lamented fellow-townsman.
Robert F. Broussard. The entire
patriotic citizenship of Louisiana
seemed thoroughly satisfied that
the contest should be narrowed
down to these two distinguished
sons of the commonwealth, feel
ing that in the election of either,
all interests of the State would
be creditably represented in the
councils Of the Nation. and that
either would maintain the high
standards which have usually
characterized our Senator's. II.
But such condition was not to
the liking Of Boss Bob Ewing and
OF Boss Martin Behrman, of the
City of New Orleans. and they
scanned the horizon for q candi.
date who would enter the fray TO
subserve their political interests.
Finally they succeeded II having
Mr.. Edward J. Gay announce
in opposition to Governor Hall
and Mr.. Overton. "6ilk-wrapped
and sugar-coated," Little Lord
Fauntleroy," as aptly dubbed by
Mr. Overton. Mr.. Gay thus entered
the List with his battle cry, as
furnished by Boss Ewing and
Boss Behrman, South Louis
lana and the sugar industry should
be specially represented in the
Senate.'' Thus at once arousing
sectionalism and class interest and
forcing the campaign from the
high level which had been given to
It by Governor Hall and Mr.. Over
ton. to one which can be charac-
terized a. sordid and narrow and
unpatriotic to say the least.
Thus the demands Of our coun-
try for real craftsmanship answ-
cred by the slogan "South Louisi-
ana and the sugar interest must
have q Senator"l!l
It is evident that the Hall and
Overton types with their vigorous
mentalities and civic virtues and
spirit Of independence. do not ap-
peal to these ward bosses.
It may be that ct times SEN
ltor commands Federal patronage
and patronage i the life blood
81 the New Orleans organization,
10 we oil know and from this
lact, the opposition to Hall and
0verton. who can be depended
npon to select apboihtees with
Dnly the veal Of the government
ID view, perhaps arises.
Mr.. Gay, who has been selected
By Ewing and Bshrman TO repre-
vent our commonwealth in the
United States Senate, should not
be given serious confederation in|
connection with this office by the
enlightened electorate of Louis
lana. It is no disparagement to
him to say that he does not pos
ness the qualifications which
should be demanded by the cleo
Eorate Of the State. Moreover,
The great sugar industry OF Lon