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Friday, December 11, 1931
UNLUCKY RITCHIE
Just when the skies were bluest for the presidential aspira-of Maryland's favorite son, just when he had begun to receive the acclaim of the leaders in other States, just when, for the first time in history, Maryland was about to have its opportunity to receive the Nation's honor in acclaiming its Governor as President—a shadow has fallen that might prevent further consideration of Ritchie as a Demcoratic nominee.
Unfortunate, indeed, for it was in no way attrbutable to the Governor, was the lynching that occurred on the Eastern Shore last Friday night. And it must be said that the act, itself, was as justifiable as such acts ever are, for the spirit of the Eastern Shoremen was roused to a fever-pitch by racial troubles. But whatever its Natonal affect will be, although still problematical is bound to be unfavorable.
Governor Ritchie has made an admirable chief executive of Maryland. In every department of the State he has increased efficiency, reduced taxes, yet increased the public convenience. And rightfully his is the stand taken for him to be the Democratic nominee. The word that he is from a "lynch State," however, yill horrify any northerner, and, possibly, affect unfavorably a great many political leaders of the west.
If Ritchie had gone to the Senate, as he could have a few years ago, a lynching in his home State would not have meant so much. But Ritchie is Governor, and the public, unjustly, perhaps, holds the Governor accountable for everything that happens in his State. Our Ritchie, therefore, now has much more to overcome than other candidates in the field in whic he is entered.
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