Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-12-30
HON. E. ]. TUCKER.
A Gambia and manly Letter ON the
Poll Tax Qnesttcn.r

! HON. E. ]. TUCKER.
Gambia and manly Letter ON ths
Poll Tax Qnestien-r
To the Editor Of the Ledger:
In recent issue of your paper find
editorials and'a communication signed
LAWYER" In reference TO the poll-tax
anestion, Lawyer uses the following
language:
"Evideutly great injustice is uninten-
tionally done the able bar of Somerville
in an editorial in your paper of few
evenings since. The article referred to
is one made up IN part OF the converse
ton held by you with one of the worthy
gentlemen aspiring to Eloaterial honors
from Fayette. He is quoted as citing
the opinion Of the lawyers at Somerville
to the effect that the plain however Oh
Ijectionable) law, requiring, as a pre-
requisite to voting, satisfactory evidence
OF the payment Of poll-tax for the
year preceding the election, is in opera
tive as TO Fayette county in the APP
preaching Floaterial election. There is
mistake somewhere; either You misun-
derstood the candidate or he misunder-
stood the lawyers, or else | misunder-
stood your article, for the intelligent
gentlemen composing the Somerville
bar could never have given any such
opinion. Manifest mischief might arise
from such an impression. if acted upon.
These articles unintentionally, | am
assured and convinced, do me wrong as
we'll as great injustice to the bar OF
Somerville, and nothing but an honest
and earnest conviction of right and duty
to myself and to the bar OF Somervllie
tan ADLER bar than which does not repre-
sent the legal profession in this or any
other State) is my apology for writing
this and asking place for 1t in your
columns.
| have been honored by the citizens
of my own county with position as
their representative in the Legislative |
halls of Tennessee in the years Of 1862
'70@7l, and while by no means inditfer-
ent as to consequences, attempted full,
faithful and conscientious discharge OF
all the duties devolying on and sequent
to such relations On the expiration Of
my term my reward was, as far as | can
speak, an Endorsement Of my actions
by the thinking, rejecting and intelli-
gent constituency j represented and
with this pleasant reflection | had de-
my inclination and personal
interest approaching, to retire from pub
lie life. ....,.l .,,,T .la.l
Numerous and urgent solicitations,
from sources satisfying me that it was
almost the unanimous wish OF the people
of Fayette, and being assured by many
persons in Memphis thstit was a con-
ceded fact that Fayette county was en-
titled to and should have the Floaterial
representative-to the detriment of my
own personal Interest," reluctantly am
nounced myself as candidate for the
office. ta4b.
In my own county an unfortunate con-
troversy has arisen as to whom of two
officers, each. having given bond and
qualified, and received tax books,
should be paid Our people, with
their characteristic prudence, are
hesitating-a portion declining TO pay
their taxes to either collector until the
question should be adiudicated by
the courts. In this view of the ques.
ton, heard several members of the bar
say in conversation that the payment
Of the polltax as a prerequisite to the
exercise Of the elective franchise
loould not or ought not to be required in
the approaching election for -Fioater.
This was the idea intended to be con-
veyed in my conversation; but at the
same time / may have been, and GER
tainly was, misunderstood, as / am sat
isfed from the construction placed on
my remarks, both in the editorial and
from Lawyer" In
Justice to the bar of Somerville," how
ever, since seeing the article referred to,
have consulted one or two Of the lead
ng members as to the effect Of this off.
eial controversy on the question Of vot-
ng, who give it as their opinion that the
Doll-tax must be paid as a qualification
o the voter. Permit me in this con-
lection. Mr.. Editor, TO refer TO my past
course, both in private aud public life, !
IS a reiutation to any improper direction
)r inference from the articles referred / ,
o-that | would indorse or connive at
II brook any Of the slightest violations Of
he election laws, or the purity of the !
,allotbox, for any one or all the offices
within the gift Of the people. / would |
Tot, nor could /, be guilty of such DELHI
rate wrong-such misrepresentation Of
he virtuous, intelligent friends who '
AVE put me forward as their candidate
or the suffrages Of the people and voters
n this Floaterial District. If elected !
viii do all in my power TO advance the ,
interest of the whole people.
f. j. Tucker.
gomeryille. Tenn. December 20. 1872.