Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-10-30

eighth Congress will have a Democratic
majority of forty or fifty, despite the
gerrymandering practiced in Republi-
can States like Ohio, and our majority
in the Senate will also soon be re-
stored"
"Your name has been freely used in
connection with the Speakorship,
while that Of Joe Blackburn is also
mentioned with prominence. What
doyou think ofyour relative chances?'
u have seen some reference to my
self in this connection, but it is too
remote to have engaged any very
serious consideration. The position Of
Speaker is very responsible one; in
fact, in point Of power it is only second
to that Of President, since in. the ar
pointment Of standing committees he
can do more towards shaping the legis-
lation Of the country than any one man
or all other agencies. Such an honor is
not to be declined or held lightly. My
colleague, Joe Blackburn, would make
o good Speaker, and his name is, as you
say, prominently associated with the
place. But there will be no conflict
or antagonism between us. Our rela-
tions are Of the most cordial character,
and although we have had no con
ference on the subject, | am just as
well satisfied that he understands my
feeling toward him in this regard as |
am certain that interpret his toward
me. If, when the question OF the
Speakership business becomes live
one, it shall appear that he il tde
stronger man, will give him cheer
full md earnest support. If | shall
seem to be the stronger, Blackburn
will, | am sure, give the same kind OF
support o me"
vt has been reported. Governor,
that in view Of your possible candidacy
for Speaker, you would not permit the
use Of your name for the United States
Senatorship."
Yes, such report gained currency
last winter during the session OF the
Legislature, and was SO ass;duously
circulated with the form of authority
that | found it necessary to give it
formal contradiction. While | have
not announced myself as a candi-
didate for the Senate, l
am not insensible to the
honor attaching to the high position,
and should be far from stating any
condition under which | would decline
it if within my reach. There is no in
compatibility between the speakership
oil Congress, or a candidacy for the
same, and an election to the Senate.
The Speaker Of the House is only
a member of Congress after all,
and there is no more improprie
ty in his being candidate than in
any other member Of Congress, OF in
a Senator being candidate for re-
election. AS to my candidacy for the
Senate | can only say shall not make
a canvass for it in the sense of travers-
ing the State by counties, and solicit
ing the votes of prospective members
of the Legislature. If the State
deems my services In that position
worthy Of the trust, it can command
them at the proper time"
After further conversation, il
which Governor Carlisle informed III
that Immediately after the November
election he would start South to serve
upon the Congressional Committee t
lexamine and report upon the improve
ments required for the Mississippi
river, we left him, doubtless in bliss
ful ignorance that what he regarded a
an ordinary off hand conversation
would blossom out into a full growl
interview.