Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-02-21
WASHINGTON LETTER.
corrsspoaasnes Of he Iedrsr.l

WASHINGTON, February lb.-The
accompanying letter of Hon. Chas. B.
Simonton, member of congress from
the Tenth district, merits more han a
passing notice, not more because of its
manly Democratic sentiment than
the reasons necessary for the preser-
walton of our party organization in
Tennessee. This letter, in reply to
an inquiry from the able editor of
0ur Country, will be read with more
than usual interest. It's tone should
be that of every Democrat in Tennes.
see, who would adhere to the time
honored usage of the party and main
tain its autonomy in the November
election. Mr.. Simonton is a young
man, but his conduct in congress en-
titles him to the confidence and
admiration accorded wise and expo
rienced representatives of 8 great
party. Already has he earned a status
among his colleagues hardly achieved
by any one of his years, especially
during the first term in congress. Not
only is he an able representative, but
he is also a~judicious man, an active,
Industrious worker. His letter will
be received right gladly, and read most
approximately. 1t is sound in every
respect, and like its author, thorough
ly Democratic, for realizing the great
effort to be made by the Republicans
all over Tennessee, he is more solicit
tous of Democratic harmony of feeling,
unity Of sentiment and concentration
Of purpose than anxious for his own
denomination. The inquiry and his
reply are as follows:
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 6, 1885,
L. D. Cardwell, Esq, Editor "Our
Country" Dresden, Tenn, Dear Sir:
Yours Of the Cd inst. is at hand, re.
questing an answer to certain ques-
tons therein propouRded, to-wit:
"Will / be q candidate for reelection
to congress at the next November
and, If so, will l submit
my claims to, and abide by, the de-
Of a Democratic convention2"
| did not purpose, also early a day,
to make any public declaration as to
whether | would be a candidate for
reelection or not. But as a constitu-
ent of nine, as a Democrat, and being
an editor whose duty It is to watch, "
| recognize your right to PROFOUND
the inquiries, and also to a frank and
answer. In reply II
would say, | am very grateful
to the people of the Ninth congress
district for the honor they CON
ferred in choosing me their represen-
tatiye. | am earnestly striving so to
discharge the duties of this position
as that | may secure their approval.
| want to submit to the people who
sent me here, when this session of
congress is over, for their decision,
the question Of how have | discharged
the trust which they committed to
my hands-whether well or not. 1t
will be the proudest day of my life if
they shall endorse me with a continu
ance of their confidence.
But you ask, will l submit my
claims to and abide by the decision
IF Democratic convention? On this
proposition l have no hesitation. l
Democrat. l am for organiza-
lion. / earnestly desire and will strive
10 promote the harmony and unity Of
The party, not only in the Ninth con-
district, but throughout
the whole country, If | had ever
heSitated, which l have not, l would
not falter now. We have reached a
crisis, when the welfare Of the coun.
try, honest and economic government,
the rights and liberties of the people,
and their protection against the op.
preston and robberies Of combina-
and corporations, the right Of
self-government itself, and Of
the people to choose, and put in Office
Of their own choice, depend
upon the completion Of the change,
now partly effected, in the admins
tratiOn of our national affairs. But
the leaders Of the Republican party,
drunken with the long continued reign
Of power, have grown audacious, reck-
less and defiant and, cmboldened lby
the success of past efforts to thwart
the will of the people, need but the
slightest pretext to attempt to son.
tinue their power, despite the voice of.
the people tothe contrary, even to force
as we'll as fraud. Wemustsucceedin the
next November election. To accom-
plish this there will need to be har-
mony and united effort all along the
line. We can't afford IN lose , Stoto