The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-06-19
THAT SETTLEMENT AGAIN.


screwing and twisting Bro. Bruton
has at last attempted to answer the
questions pUpounded BY US relative
TO the state debt settlement. His re.
sponses are mere bubbles. evasions
and excuses, adrOitly prepared to save
his crooked, loose and conflicting
record on the issue from the pound-
ings Of public criticism. 1t is not
necessary here to reproduce our cate
chism, but, in justice to our cotempo-
rary, We copy the replies in full.
"The article, taken from the MILAN
EXCHANGE, appeared two weeks ago,
and the question propounded being ir-
relevant and not bearing on the ques-
at issue, we did not feel like INDUCING
in pleasantly or dealing in pastime d.
versions in discussing a question of
such magnitude as the State debt and
the measure sought TO be inaugurated
for its adjustment and final settlement.
But the Tribune and Sun in the alb
sence Of valid argument to sustain its
position in favor Of the Marks pro-
gramme, has given prominence to the
article for two weeks, seeking thereby
to divert the public mind from the
true situation, and in its efforts to show
us guilty of inconsistency in opposing
the fraudulent and deceptive uaOdats
opawsdi; Of holding an election in dr.
rect violation of the law.
But to the questions.
No. l. We did. But it did not Sc
cure the acceptance" and when the
bondholders refused the offer, We took
the position that we had no right to
force them and denounced such step
as reputation.
No. 2. We did, and we know it
now. And We know furthermore that
the law required their acceptance be.
fore an election could be ordered or
the Legislature re-convened. And we
know no,u, that they did not accept be-
fore Gov. Marks ordered the election
and we defy the EXCHANGE to pro-
duce a syllable of proof that one &C
cepted before such election was order
ed. This is our main ground of OBJ
lection.
No. 3. We are not such nor have
ever been and you have no proof oft.
No. 4. No. We showed the people
that they were following the leader
ship of high tax man, when Gen. At
kins came here from Washington City
and canvassed the county to carry the
election for county officers. But this
question has nothing to do with the
present issue,
No. 5. We have always advocated
a compromise 'just like to the bond
holder and honorable to the State, the
elimination of the fraudulent and I'M
lust portion of the debt and Settle
ment of the remainder on the best
terms possible" We stated on one &C.
casion that, 1--WE had inclined to 3355
cents as an equitable basis of compro'
mise, but opposed any measure that
was akin to Reputation" We never
advocated it, neither did we follow the
lead of Savage or any other man.
We are no mars slave.
No. 6. This does not deserve atten-
ton, but we simply say, Our sense Of
Justice to all mankind.
No. Z. In our first conception Of
Justice and fair dealing, when we were
taught to respect the legal and moral
rights of all men, whether they be our
friends or our enemies. A lesson all
should learn.
No. 8. Both. On the general
principle involved in answer to No.
Z. We are unwilling to disgrace the
one by defrauding the other. Are
your
No. 8. We have never said it was
too high, but said we would have voted
for it if the bondholders had accepted
it, but inasmuch as they had refused,
We see no sense in holding an election
at an enormous expense to the State
when it will amount to nothing but to
bring the odium of reputation upon
us and our posterity. 1t is in direct
violation Of law; it is fraud and the
people will express their condemnation
of it at the ballot box on the 9TH of
August. If it is carried, it simply
leaves the Shylocks demanding the
pound of flesh" for they have no
part in it.
If the EXCHANGE will be qualified
now We will ask one question at q
time. Are you in favor Of repudia-
ton"
In answer to cur first interrogatorY
Bro. B. acknowledges he did sign a
call for a non-partisan meeting al
Nashville to secure the acceptance OF
the bond holders and ratification by
the people, but says, by way of apoI,
ogv, "when the bond-holders refused
the offer we took the position that We
had no right to force them, and de,
nounced such a step as reputation.
"Be sure you are right and then GO
ahead" and sign, but don't sign and
then 90 back upon your chirography,
for the public will never know just
where to put its finger on you. II
YOU we're right when You signed the