New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-09-23
LATEST FIGURES INDICATE
BURSUM'S PLURALITY BE-
TWEEN 6 AND 7 THOUSAND
(By Guthrie Smith

Senator Holm ". BurSum return
to the senate is by plurality OF not
less than 6,3l4, it is assured by COM
prehensive but unofficial reports. This
vote of confidence in Senator Bur-
sum, and in the Harding administra-
ton, was proportionately larger than
that given to Harding in l9lO, and
that vote was a record breaker.
The election was exceedingly import
ant for two reasons. First, it was the
first opportunity that had been given
to the people of any state to register
their confidence in the Harding ad-
ministration, or the lack OF such con-
fidence. On this account the returns
were watched, not only all over the
United States, but throughout the civ
ilized world. Second, it gave the peo-
pie of New Mexico an opportunity
to choose between Hanna and Bur-
sum, and the things for which they
stand.
Judge R. Harry Hanna, of Albuquer-
que, provisional candidate of the Dem
ocratic convention, has made his main
claim to notoriety upon his unendine
denunciation of Bursum, and what ht
described as "Bursonism." The peo
pie at last have had chance to de-
eide between these two men, without
any other candidates or questions te
confuse the issue. By an overwhelm
ing vote they have said that they
prefer Bursum and his constructive
ability.
Approval of Hanna and Hanna me
thods has been waning since the gen
tleman made his first appearance as
candidate for state office in 1911, /
is shown by the election returns. Ii
that year he was nominated Tor su
preme court justice, and was elected
by l42 votes. In 1918 he was nominal
ed succeed himself, but was defeated
by 1862 votes. In 1920 he was tn
nominee for governor, and in spite o
the fact that the Republican governo
was actively campaigning in his be
half, was defeated by 367l.
Bursum's strength was surprising
He carried 20 of the 81 counties, hi
home county of Socorro giving hin
in excess of 1900 plurality. Catrol
cut this year from Socorro county
added 500 more. Thus, old Socorr'
county gave him more than 2,50O plurr
ality, which indicates determined ct
fort TO make it unanimous.
Even more of a reversal of norma
conditions was the vote in Bernalill,
county. Hanna, for governor, in l9N
carried this, his home county, by l,o3
plurality. This year he lost it by 4O(
making a change of more than 100
votes in the attitude of the public.
Frank H. Hitchcock, former post
master general and campaign manage
for President Taft, rode from Ne'
York City to Silver City, in order t
have the privilege of voting for Bur
sum. Hitchcock several years ag
established his residence in Silver City
On this point, it may not be amiss t
correct some inaccurate prophecie
that have been printed. Former Gov
ernor Herbert ]. Hagerman, in a sign
ed story, declared that Hitchcock wa
sure to be the Bursum candidate 70
ln1It0 Dtdtts Stlldtoi III iC--
cock will not be Bursum's candidate
He will not be anybody's candidate
he would be his own candidate. II
II he were to be anybody's candidate
has not the slightest desire TO retur
TO public service, he has declared with
out hesitation. A man of his grea
ability would make an excellent sen
ator for New Mexico. or any othe
state. but he has no claims that wi
be submitted to convention or
primary in New Mexico. And Bursur
has no candidate for United State
senator in 1922 He does not even hav
an idea as to who will receive the nom
nation.
President Harding expressed hi
qualification in the following Telegram
10 the senator:
"Congratuiations on the splendid in
dorsement New Mexico has given yot
know YOU will be interested enoug
70 permit the administration TO shar
with YOU the feeling that II represent
not only appreciation of YOUR ow
excellent service but an understandin
of the earnest effort that has bee
made by the party in power TO des
with the manifold problems that hav
confronted It. II is most heartenin
to receive such testimony at thi
time"
The pluralities by counties are a
follows: