Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-01-11
Roed's Gilt Edge Tonic allsys irritation
IsnAM q. HARRIS
Confident that the Democracy NJ
Tennessee Will Elect q Good
Democrat 70 the Senate.

WASHINGTON, January Al have
just had a pleasant interview with
Senator Harris, OF Tennessee. 1t Is
as follows:
Question-Senator will Tennessee
send a democrat to the senate TO sue
coed Judge Baily2
Answer-I have no doubt Of it. On
joint ballot in the legislature we have
a majority. There is no division Of
opinion in the democracy OfTennessee
on questions Of federal politics. The
only issue is upon the question of the
state debt, a question of state policy
purely, with which neither congress
or any department of the federal gov
eminent can, or ought to have any
thing to do.
The senator will doubtless be elected
with reference to his opinions upon
those questions which fall within the
range and scope of the powers and du-
ties Of the office to which he aspires,
without regard to his opinions upon
other questions upon which, as sena-
tor, he can never be called upon to
act.
The democrats Of the state have
honestly differed in opinion as to the
proper adjustment Of the state debt,
but however widely they have differed,
and however earnestly and warmly
they may have discussed this question,
both wings Of the party were equally
jealous and earnest in support Of the
national ticket and the principles and
policies of the national democracy, and
while every member of the legislature
will act upon his own convictions Of
duty in respect to the state debt, re-
gardless of party considerations, every
democrat in the legislature, | do not
doubt, will see to it that no republican
is sent from that state to the senate,
to misrepresent the known will Of a
large majority Of the people.
Question.-Then you are confident
that no republican can be elected to
the senate from TENNESSEE
Answer.-I am. The democracy Of
Tennessee holds principles paramount
to all other considerations, aud for
that reason | cannot think it possible
that any portion of the democrats of
the legislature, because of a difference
of option on a single question Of
state policy, with which congress can
have nothing to do, will ever consent
to abandon the principles and
policies upon which the dearest
rights and highest pecuniary interests
Of the state and people depend
rights, which in the scale of import
ance rise far above all pecuniary con-
siderations and pecuniary interests
vastly more important to the people Of
Tennessee than any view that can
possibly be taken Of the state debt
question. Upon all questions Of fed
eral politics the party is united, and
fully appreciates the fact hat there
has been no period in our history when
it was more important, if indeed
equally important, that it should stand
united upon these questions, when
there is no such reason to fear that We
are in danger of federal legislation
prejudicial to our interests and viola
tive of what We claim as we'll defined
rights. The republicans having already
secured the executive and a majority
Of the next house Of representatives
our only hope Of preventing hostile
and unfriendly legislation is 70 be
found in our holding the senate. |
feel assured hst the democrats of the
legislature will stand united upon all
federal questions, however widely
they may differ in opinion as to the
proper method Of adjusting the state
debt. 1t would be as logical to sup
pose that they could not unite in the
election of a senator because of a
conflict of opinion on the subject Of
religion, as upon this question.
Question-What will probably be
accomplished by the present session
of congress?
Answer-The season being limited
to the 4th of March, and the time
which must necessarily be given to
the consideration and passage Of the
regular appropriation bills, render it
impossible that much else will be
done.
The refunding bill will doubtless be
considered, and should in some form
be passed, so as TO reduce the rate OF
interest. A bill ap~portioning repre-
sentation should and probably will be
passed, and in my opinion a thorough
revision of our whole revenue system
is Of the highest Importance to the
taxpayers of the country; but the
session being so limited and the mi
nority of either house, by parliament
airy tactics and prolonged debate, may
prevent the passage Of any measure
which it does not approve, and any
revenue measure in conflict with the
views of the executive would GER
tainly fall under the presidential veto.
In my opinion there will be yeIy little
accomplished, except the passage Of
the general appropriation bills, the
apportionment bill. and possibly the
refdnding bill.
These are the opinions Of an able
and uniinching democrat. | hope
that the result Of the senatorial cleo
ton in Tennessee may be such as he
confidently predicts.