Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-12-28
STRANGE BEDFELLOWs.
Personal Alliance Between Tennes-
see Democrats and Republicans,
Mr.. Moore Says the High Takers
Will Herd Together.


WASHINGTON, December 26.-Ru-
mors of some queer political negotis-
tions between Tennessee politicians,
hitherto widely apart, led your cores
pondent to seek an interview with
VIM. Il. Moore, henber from the
Tenth District. In reply to a ques
tion about the possible new political
combinations in Tennessee, Mr.. Moore
said it was true that Tennessee Re-
publican Representatives and other
Republicans of the State here had
lately been consulted by gentlemen
connected with the State Credit wing
Of the Democratic party, with a view
to cooperation between all the voters
Of the State in an attempt to defeat
decisiyely and finally the Repudia,
tionists, or so-ealled low tax Demo-
Gratis.
Does this mean a coalition OF inde-
pendent movement
mo; it means the support of reg
ulsr Republican State ticket, and the
election Of Legislature unmistake-
ably pledged to the support of such
State administration upon the debt
question. II involves no surrender OF
the Republican organization; the only
fusion or coalition suggested is in the
legislative districts. In them it is
proposed to elect only men sound on
the debt question by union, wher
ever necessary, of the Republicans
and State-credit Democrats. This can
be easily done, and need not interfere
with the party organization"
"Doy expect to elect a Republi-
can State ticket at the next election?"
I'VE certainly do, and a Republi-
can Legislature, The Republican
party is in frst.rate shape, and is
gaining from the better elements Of
the Democratic party every day. The
State is full of old Wings and their
children; in fact that old Wing ele-
ment is the backbone of the State
credit Democracy, and tits one reason
that an alliance with the Republicans
is not distasteiul to that section of the
Democratic party. | will not say that
all State credit Democrats were once
old Wings, but do say that all old
Wings are now State credit meu."
DO you not think it possible that
the Republican rank and file may be
led away by the low tax cry2'
" have no such fear, nor has any
one who understands the condition Of
the parties 10 our State. Our leaders,
great and small, are on record against
any kind Of reputation. From the
very beginning Of the agitation of the
question the voters Of our party have
had the question fairly presensed to
them frequently, and they would
: rather vote for the State-credit Dem
ocrstic candidates than for the low
tax demagogues"
Were there any definite arrange
ments made in the recent conferences
between State credit Democrats and
Republican Representatives here for a
formal union?"
No, it is too soon for that, and
9rokabSy no formal union will be nee
essary. The proceedings in the Legis-
lature and the conduct Of the litiga-
tiOn on the bond question may be af-
fected by arguments reached in these
conferences. The hands of Governor
Hawkins will be strengthened, doubt
less, by the knowledge that be has
the sympathy Of the better element
Of the Democratic party, which op-
posed his election. That is about as
far as it will go for the present"
DO you think Tennessee able to
pay her debt ?"
"Yes. The State is hourishing
No one can enter the State without
seeing evidences Of increasing wealth.
Large amounts of Northern and for
eign capital have come in during the
past ten years, and this year more
than ever. There is no possible ex-
cuse for the cry about deserted
homes and waste fields; and the
people never were as well off as now
to make poor mouth is a habit Of
some people in Tennessee, and has
done the State infinite harm. | think
we could shoulder twice as great a
debt better than to repudiate one dol
lar Of what we owe.