The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1920-07-25
uARRELp FOR THE SENATE

HARRELD FOR THE SENATE
As the date for the nominating primary draws
nigh II becomes more and more apparent
that the contest In the democratic party be-
tween Senator Gore and Congressman Ferris is
n contest OF determination, The threat is being
openly made on every hand by those In a posi-
zion TO execute It. too that even though Gore
receives a majority of the votes he will not
get them counted. that Ferris, the machines
candidate. will be declared the nominee.
In tho circumstances tho republican party is
not only afforded a splendid opportunity to
elect it's candidate, hut Il is clothed with the
responsibility OF nominating man who is
capable In all respects and who will attract TO
his cause the thousands Of dissatisfied demo-
Gratis bound to result from the Gore Ferris con-
test.
1t had not been the intention OF The World
to take sides In the republican campaign or
single out any one OF the IA candidates for its
recommendation. II does NO now only In re-
Spouse to many requests for It's views, and from
a sense of responsibility to its readers.
1t Is our opinion that the republican nominee
can be elected II the strongest man Il nominat-
cd And it is equally our opinion that Judge
Harreid Is the strongest man to nominate. We
say this without prejudice to any of the other
gentlemen running. all Of whom are excellent
republicans and thoroughly entitled to fair con-
sidera.ion.
The decision which this paper now makes. to
select one OF the number for its support. every
elector must make on the day OF the primary.
For only one Of the number can be supported.
If II appears to other candidates that any .un-
fair advantage has been taken by us In max
ing our decision public so that others who might
wish to know Il can have the benefit OF that
decision In time to use II, can only add that
such Is not our intention. It has been demon
strated to our entire satisfaction that a not in
considerable number OF electors expects us to
state our position. and we consider It more hon
orable to do so publicly than secretly.
In very general way It may be said that
each OF the IA candidates is handicapped In
some manner. That IL always true OF every po-
liticai contest. The ideal and perfect candidate
never appears. 1t is not our purpose to discuss
the handicap OF any candidate save Judge Har-
reld's. His handicap is his vote in tho Berger
case. 1t Is being used against him by various
other candidates. That is their privilege. The
World at the time that vote was cast. expressed
lis dsapproval OF the vote. 1t has no disposi-
tion to retract anything that It said. But in
fairness TO Judge Harreld 1t should be said
that he was and is being misrerresented.
As he pointed out in an interview In this
paper a few days ago. his vote was not cast
TO seat Berger in congress, but was on a par
timentary question the effect of which was To
suspend the final decision Of the congress until
after the higher courts had passed on the YER
dict OF the trial court in Bergers case
Again fairness requires US to point out that
this action was In perfect line with the
precedents established by the congress. that It
has since been employed in the case Of SEN
ator Newberry OF Michigan. SO that the Har-
reid vote for Berger vote for congress
sional precedent established prior to the Berger
caso and respected since.
Thus 1t is evident TO The World, after a fair
and cnrful investigation, that Judge Harreld's
mistake honest and honorable nistake
and In not the remotest sense due to any prior
promise to Oklahoma socialists or immediate
influence from them, Nor In hope of any reward
from such source.
The question, them naturally turns on wheth-
er an honorable, capable man shall be ac-
corded the privilege of making an honest mis-
take? On that point do not hesitate TO an
nounce our decision. He is. An honest mist AXE
is unquestionably stepping stone to greater
service. Because the consciousness OF having
made such mistake places the public official on
guard as to the future.
Disposing OF the Harreld handicap after rec
ognizing its existence, inevitably brings one,