The border vidette., 1922-09-02
WHY CONFERENCE WAS HELD

lican are "nagging" the Demo crats over the Tucson confer ence, we want to enter a de nial as to the Republican. We have never stated that the con ference was unlawful, though we have been curious to know what it was held for, but none of its defenders have ever told us. Some Democrats, among them Governor Hunt, have con demned it, but so far as we know, no Repu Olicans. Ar ri2ona Republican.
 There are none other so blind as those whos do not desire to see.
 Last winter there was re quest made from many quarters to have the State Democratic Central Committee called toge ther for general party welfare. In response to this appeal. M H. McCalla, that excellent and obliging chairman, called a meet ing of the state committee for January 10, 1922. The meeting was held at Odd Fellows hall in Phoenix. There were many working Democrats and party leaders present from various sections of the state. These wise men were counseled and the day was spent under the good of the order-democracy
 It was get together meeting and resulted in unanimous agree ment to call the Tucson confer ence May 15. for the purpose of selecting candidates for the pri marieS that would reduce the number of gubernatorial candi dates. Further it was thought advisable to hold this selective session free from Republican in terference. The plan was car ried out and a ticket was named. After spirited contest between Ward, Stanford, Franklin, Green way and Roberts, MT. Ward was chosen as the Democratic choice of that body for governor. There were 156 delegates in the Tue son conference, selected prorata | from the various counties. These | men were, as rule, represent | ative Democrats who had party | welfare in mind.
 4NO OlS Ol 1lOOlS W ere able to control the conference. When the result was announced, MT. Ward told the members in l his acceptance address that the | field was still open to all others | and that the primary election later would really select the candidates.
 One man, Ex Governor Hunt, sometimes known as the Duke of Siam, did not seem to be pleased. He had been named as delegate from Gila county and his alternate took the place, while MT. Hunt, from Phoenix, kept in close touch with the conference over the telephone. He tired to prevent the selection of candidates but the conference refused dlctation. Then Mir. Hunt entered the race as is al. lowable under the primary law. The contest is on and the De- mocrats will abide by the re- suits. The nominee will be the next governor.
 But at the January 10 meeting in Phoenix it was expressly stated by M. H. McCalla, chair: man, and all speakers that the conference would not interfere with the lawful primary. It was work within the party, to insure privacy.
 Of course, many people be- lieved Republicans would try to rib up opposition through dis appointed Democrats. In this they were not mistaken Several men with ambition for office, have filed to contest with those named by representative Demo cracy in the Tucson conference. If they can win in the primaries the party will elect them in Mo- ( vember. There will be few bit ter enders this year. Very few : will say: II voted for. ....: in the primary, he lost, it is me for Campbell now"
 That was worked for three straight elections and Governor Campbell was the beneficiary. But even Democrats can learn 1 by getting their fingers burned 
 The Messenger is not taking sides between political aspirants before the primary. We do say, { however, that friends of the primary system called the Inc