Hon. Locke Craig Thinks the Prospects For It Are Very Bright.

"The West is in fine shape," declared Hon. Locke Craig, of Asheville, who was here yesterday as an attorney in the Baxter Shemwell extradition case. "The Democrats are for the amendment almost to a man, and a good many influential Republicans, to my knowledge, will vote for it. For several months past they have been making a vigorous campaign, both by speeches and through the newspapers, and have said so many things against the amendment and so grossly misrepresented it that for a while our friends were uneasy and anxious. Since our campaign has begun and the objects and provisions of the measure are understood the Democrats unanimously and enthusiastically for it. They not only endorse it, but feel that it is the very thing they want, and that its adoption is essential to the welfare of all the people of the State. Buncombe county will give not less than a thousand majority for the amendment. The whole Ninth district will, in my opinion, give a much larger Democratic majority this year than in 1898.

"All the fair minded people of our county, regardless of party, are opposed to Pearson in his attempt to get a seat in Congress when he knows that he was fairly beaten, and this outrage will make us many votes. Some of the Republicans, I am sure, would like to Pearson nominated for Governor, as they know that would be the end of him and they would rejoice to see him slaughtered. They are about as tired of him as the Democrats are."

"Is Col. Davidson still in the race for the nomination for Governor?" I asked.

"Why yes, I know nothing to the contrary, and have seen nothing in the papers. Whether he receives the nomination or not there is no man in North Carolina that will more earnestly and loyally support the party. It is, however, unnecessary for me to say this. His whole record demonstrates this. Our people believe in him, and his time and ability always has been and always will be at the command of the Democracy."

"You will be here at the State convention, of course?"

"Yes. I will be at the convention and Buncombe will send down a good delegation that will help to nominate a good ticket. We ought this year to put on the ticket, for all the places, the strongest men we have."

"How about your musical festival?"

"That was a great success in every way. We have the finest orchestra in America, and our people demand and can appreciate the best. Before long we will have the largest and handsomest auditorium in the State. We need it on such occasions as the musical festival and for the many conventions and gatherings that like to come to Asheville.

"Our city is steadily and substantially improving. We have the most cosmopolitan population of any town in the State, but a population awake to every interest of the city and the State."

"How about the Northern people in the mountains—I believe you have a good many—will they vote for the amendment?"

"Yes. I think the Northern element of our citizenship will support the amendment. These people are among our best citizens and realize that the conditions in the State demand the disfranchisement of the illiterate negroes."

Mr. Craig left last night for his home at Asheville.