Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-08-15
BOWIE F. WATERS.

Silver Spring. Nd. August IL. 1919.
Mr.. Bowie F. Waters, Rockville. Md.
My Dear Mr.. Waters In response to your
letter Of August 18th and your enclosure,
ITO the Democratic Voters of Montgomery
County."I desire to state my position on
the contest between yourself and Mr.. An
drew j. Cummings for the Democratic
nomination for the State Senate from Mont
gomery county.
Upon my return from France, l found
a number of my friends in Montgomery
county supporting Mr. Cummings for the
State Senate. II was about that time that
you were brought into the fight as an op-
ponent of Mr.. Cummings, who had then
been in the field for several months. Real
izing that, together with these same friends
had supported Mr.. Cummings for the
State Legislature whenever he was a can
didate. and that as delegate from Mont
gomery county, Mr. Cummings had made
a remarkable record for the accomplish
ment of constructive legislation and for
aiding in county improvements. and be-
lieving Mr.. Cummings exceptionally well
qualified to serve Montgomery county effec-
lively in the State Senate. decided to
join my friends in supporting Mr.. Cum
min9s in his race for the State Senate.
In our conversation at the Burtonsville
picnic on August 9th. explained to you
that while my political situation had I'M
dergone decided change in that had
Unexpectedly become the unopposed Demo-
cratic nominee for Comptroller on the State
ticket, it to no extent changed my obliga-
ton to actively support Mr.. Cummings. 1t
was known to your friends before became
a candidate that would continue to sup
port Mr.. Cummings. explained to you
that the main objective in the harmony
program OF the Democratic party through.
out Maryland was the election of Mr.
Ritchie Governor and that. as Mr.. Richie
desired me TO accompany him on his pre-
liminary tour Of the State. his program
was interfered with to the extent that the
contest for the State Senate in Montgom-
cry county made It appropriate under the
circumstances for me to remain in Mont.
eomery county until the primary election
| suggested to you that. in view of the fact
that all elements of the party had made
sincere efforts to adjust party differences
in all parts Of the State. II would be a very
gracious move in the direction Of Demo-
cratic harmony IL you would clear the
Montgomery county situation by retiring
from the contest.
1t seemed to me that this concession on
your part was in order as most Of the con-
cessions for harmony had been made in
the interest of that element OF the Demo-
cratic party with which you have been
aligned in recent years.
Your counter proposition that Mr.. Cum
mines and you both withdraw from the
fight seems entirely beyond the question.
especially as Mr. Cummings prospects in
the present fight seem so good that it
would be entirely unfair for me to make
him any such suggestion. | will be happy
to see the matter settled in open primary
by the Democratic voters of Montgomery
county.
You are requested to give this answer
the same publicity you give your letter,
ITO the Democratic Voters OF Montgomery
County"
Very truly yours.
E. BROOKE LEE.