Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-03-24
INTERESTING MONTHS AHEAD.

New Mexico had expected to pass through the
year 1921 without political battle. 1t under
stood that special election would be held in Septem-
Der to vote on the constitutional amendments sub
mitted by the legislature. But whatever battle that
precipitated would take the form of a controversy
over state policies and would be outside the normal
party lines.
The selection of Senator Fall a cabinet mem
Der and his consequent resignation from the United
States Senate has opened the way to election con-
troversy the highest office within the gift of the
people of a state.
Some of Senator Bursums hysterical friends in
rodueed bill in the legislature and procured its
passage in the house which would have had the
effect of leaving Senator Bursum to serve out the
remaining four years of Senator Falls term by ap-
pointment. Mr.. Bursum very wisely vetoed any such
proposal 1t would have had the appearance CT a
fear to face the people in the election 1t would also
have very unfortunately deprived the people of a
chance to select their senator.
Rather than to seem to- seek delay in getting
expression of the peoples will, Senator Bursum
chose to seek early expression of that will mas
much election to be held in September any
way the Senator chose that early chance to seek
from the people, commission as senator. law
permitting this accordingly passed
As a result New Mexico will elect United States
Senator in September 1921. Already the evidence of
the conflict begins to appear The politicians are
milling and laying their plans for party advant-
age.
No one disputes Senator Bursum's ability to pro-
cure his party nomination, That is foregone con-
cuson. The big question is of his ability to win at
the polls.
There is no manner of doubt that the republican
party greatly increased its chance of success by the
forward looking legislation adopted by its legisa-
ture Many republicans who had lost heart over the
reactionary tendencies of the party now feel that
it can be relied upon to forward in liberal policy
of state building.
A great deal of speculation is in the air as to
whom the democratic party will pit against Mr..
Bursum in the election So far the Journal has
heard, no is conspicuously mentioned If they
would succeed they must find strong man of pro-
gressive tendencies and possessing the confidence
of the people Geography will also be factor If the
democrats do wish fail before they BEGIN they
must use the utmost wisdom in the selection of
Just what the present temper of the electorate
is toward Senator Bursuni is somewhat problematic.
Probably the next sixty days will develop that ques-
ton. He has been twice rejected by the voters OF
this state Probably the third time is the charm
and he will be more fortunate.
The disposition of the federal patronage will,
perhaps be a factor for or against Mr.. Bursum. If
Secretary Fall insists upon dispensing the patronage
unaIded by Senator Bursum it will probably increase
the Senator's chances The Journal regards this pa
tronage as a liability rather than asset, for
senatorial candidate.
Many things can enter between now and Septem-
Der to change the front of things political in New
Mexico.
The political enemies of Senator Bursum will do
we'll not to overlook the fact that he is eX-
raordinarily astute politician and that he will fight
this battle from the vantage ground of being already
in office with a very compact and unanimous organ
zaton behind him.
Interesting months just ahead.