Pocahontas star herald., 1924-06-06
State Politics

Little Rock, June 2-The Democratic
primaries are only a little more than
two months off and the situation is
considerably "up in the air" There
are more elements of uncertainty in
the present campaign than have been
known in many years, Much of this
is due to the mystery which surrounds
Idhe part that will he played in the en-
dorsement of candidates by the Knights
of the Ku Klux Klan. This is new
uncertain and conjectural element in
Arkansas politics. 1t is not known
how many members the organization
has in Arkansas, what strength they
possess or where their support may be
given. They have the old time poll
ticians guessing and many of them are
afraid to take any steps that will an
ltagonize an organization said to num-
Der many thousands and to be active
in practically every county in Arkan-
sas. Save in few instances the Klan
has been successful IL reports publish
ed in the newspapers are to be believ-
ed. Klan officials themselves are not
giving out any information whatever,
but the importance of the Klan issne
is emphasized by the determined et-
forts made by antiKlan leaders to get
a line on the activities OF this new
political force.
II reports published in rhe news
papers and not denied are to he believ-
ed, Senator Lee CazOrt of johnson
county has been given the Klan en-
dorsement for Governor over sim @.
Ferguson, Commissioner Of Agricul-
ture. There have been rumors eur
rent that Mr. Ferguson would not
abide by the results of the so-caled
Klan primary but he has declinel TO
make any comment on this subject, and
is awaiting the final results before he
makes any statement.
While the Cazort- Ferguson contest
is holding the center of the slage, the
four other candidates for the gubcr-
Material nomination are quite active.
Tom j. Terral who ran second in
/ 1920 has been campaigning for some
months, but win open his camIaign
formally at sheridan June II, at which
time he viii outline his platform.
Chancellor John f. Martineau of
Little Rock opened his campaign for
mally at Conway, Saturday, May 81.
He is making taxation the chief factor
Of his platform.
Senator Jake Wilson of FL Dorado
opened his campaign and established
headquarters in Little Rock several
weeks ago and is making a thorough
canvass of the state.
Hamp Williams of Hot Springs is
actively promoting his race through
the mails and the public press, and will
later be heard in addresses TO the
people.
Efforts TO bring about a joint cam
paign or series of debates among two
or more of the candidates have so far
proven uuavailing. The nearest ap-
proach to joint debate is promised
at Warren on the 18th of July when a
majority of the candidates are expect
ed to be present on the same platform
TO expound their theories Of govern
ment and to pay their respects to their
, opponents.
Chancellor Martineau has issued a
blanket challenge to all candidates to
meet him on the stump and announces
that a division Of time will be accord
ed at any time of his appointments.
The race for Governor is over
shadowing the contest for all other
Offices although there is considerable
interest in the races for Secretary OF
State, Commissioner Of Highways, At
torney General and Auditor OF state.
There is also an interesting contest
for Railroad Commissioner from the
Little Rock district. William f. Floyd,
the present Commissioner Is being OPP
lposed hy Ben +. Spires OF Little Rock.
II is expected that another announce
ment will be made within the next
few days for Commissioner of High
ways. This race promises to be one
of the most hotly contested OF the
campaign. II. Il. Wilson. the present
commissioner, is candidate for a
third term.