Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-09-25
LON John H. SAVAGE
And the PIatTOrrs Upon Which
He is Running for the United
states senate.


In all this discussion Of State issues
the people will not forget that a
United States Senator is to be elected
by the next Legislature. Colonel
Savageis a candidate, and in a circular
letter thus announces his views and
platform:
McMINNvILLE, September 20, 1882
am a candidate for United States
| Senator. The people cannot vote
directly, but should instruct their
Representatives as to their choice. II
elected, | hope to do for the nation
what | have helped to do for the State,
and thereby get relief from national
burdens too grievous 20 be borne.
There are more than fifteen hundred
million dollars Of national bonds
nonyproductive aud non taxable,
There are National Banks, 2l32,
founded upon these bonds. The
bonds and banks thus connected are a
financial and political power that will
elect every President, make the North
richer and the South poorer, so long
as the bonds remain unpaid, and they
now elect many Senators and Congress
men; also control business, commerce
and, to q great extent, the ballot box.
| make an issue between ~"profigate
expenditures" on one side, and
speedy payment on the other, which
will force Senators and Representa-
tives to fight for the people, or be
driven from Congress by their con
stituents.
In 1879 a thousand millions was
voted as arrears OF pensions, without
any real battle against it. The present
Congress has spent near 5000 00, 900
that should have been paid on the
public debt. Every hundred million
so paid will come South to find invest
ments. The bonds neither feed,
clothe or educate the people, nor do
tSey pay as much tax as a
drink of whisky, a chew Of to-
bacco or a lucifer match. 1t requires
near one hundred millions 10 pay the
annual interest due the bondholder,
which is raised by tax on labor, agri-
culture, manufactures and commerce.
Ny opponents, SO far as known, favor
bonds aud banks, aud every bond
holder aud banker at Nashville and
elsewhere will be against me, and I'M
less people instruct their representa-
tives before election, | will be de-
feated.
If Senators have tried to relieve
you, they have failed. If they have
tried to do nothing, they have sue
ceeded. You have done much for
them; what have they done for you?
could not do less; if | do not do
more, | will resign and come home,
and let another try.
Massachusetts has twenty.f five times
as much bank circulation as TeDnes
see, and FIVE times more circulation
than twelve Of the Southern States.
Tennessee is ten times larger than
Rhode Island, but Rhode Island has
five times more back circulation than
Tennessee. Your Representatives
have been afraid to attack this grand
money power. Some have joined it
for safety, saying it was unwise to
hasten tie payment Oftbe bonds. The
speedy payment of the bonds is the
only way 10 reduce the tariff, 10 abol-
isb internal revenue. secure economy
at Washington and elect Democratic
President.
If you approve my policy. l will be
much obliged if you will use your in
iueDce TO elect men to the Legislature
who will think it best for the people
to elect Savage United States Senator.
Very Respectfully,
Joan H. SAVAGE.