New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-14

Sir: / have read with much interest
page of The Tribune of last Tuesday,
headed Harding Ideas Face Test in
New Mexico" in which the election or
defeat of Senator Bursum on Septem-
Der 20 is treated as vote of confidence
in the President and his policy, or the
reverse. This is scarcely correct, as
ever since statehood was attained the
people of New Mexico have shown
remarkable independence in their state
elections, and they are good deal in
fucnced by local and personal con-
siderations.
The author of the article shows much
more knowledge of the subject than is
usual with writers on politics in New
Mexico, where conditions are peculiar,
but as I have just come from that
state and was present at the state con-
vention perhaps a few supplementary
paragraphs may be in order.
Unless some entirely unexpected ex
plosion suddenly changes the situation,
as in the first election of Cleveland,
there need be no fears that Bursum will
fail in election. Thus far everything is
favorable to his success. In so far as
the national situation influences the
local result. all is we'll. There is no
reaction from the sentiment registered
last fall.
The American people everywhere,
without much regard to party, are
learning every day not only to respect
the level-headed ability of the Presi-
dent, but to have a genuine affection
for his kindly spirit and evident desire
to deal justly by all men and all inter-
ests. Without any effort or apparent
intention, he is daily, gaining in popu-
larity as a man, a very human, lovable
man; and that is hard kind of popu-
larity to overcome.
AS to Senator Bursum, the feeling
is much more favorable than it was
! some years ago. Growing up in New
Mexico at time when undesirable
political methods were prevalent, with
no experience or knowledge of better
things, but always interested in public
affairs, he naturally affiliated with
those in control and became part of
their so-called machine" But with
an increasing knowledge of public af-
fairs and extending experience in wider
fields, he has grown steadily in breadth
and vision until fully abreast of the
time and equal to the high position he
now occupies.
This is appreciated by many who did
not fully approve his earlier career,
and the result is a feeling that he
should now be judged by his present
attitude and given full opportunity to
develop his undeniable talents and
energy for the benefit Of the state and
It's people.
The recent convention which nomi-
mated him was remarkable exhibition
of good feeling and popularity. l hap
pen to have participated, East and
West in more state conventions than
usually can be included in one life
taneous enthusiasm devoid of personal
| interest.
The circumstances were peculiar,
The convention was held for the norsi-
nation of Just one candidate for one
position. There is no general election
this fall. There is only one vacancy
to be filed. There are no county cleo
tons to enlist local and personal in
terest. There is nothing to call for
activity on the part of the ordinary
politician. For the one position to be
filled there was but one candidate: so
there was no emulation of rivals to call
for effort OR even attendance. Such a
convention would naturally be very
formal and Perfunctery affair, espe-
cially in state of vast area, where
long distances of travel involve large
expense.
! convention of over 500 was called