Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-03-17
The Real State Credit Party
Versus ObsirncfiOniafa.

u
Versus ObsiructiOnists.
The Shelby county resolutions sug-
gest that basis of settlement be
named in the State Democratic plat
form, nothing being left to so-called
negotiation. The candidate nomi-
mated for Governor and candidates for
the Legislature on this platform would
make this square issue before the
people. This would be direct submis-
sion OF given proposition. A Legis-
lature elected upon such platform
would be authorized to settle at the
rate suggested and at nothing higher.
There is no probability that any more
pledge. breakers will be elected. We
can safely vouch for all who will rep
resent the low tax wing Of the Demo
cratic party, and there are some Re-
publicans from, this corner of the
State who can be trusted fully as much
upon this question, should we happen
not to elect all Democrats. If the
Republicans Of this State would agree
to a settlement at 50-3, it would be
done easily by the next Legislature.
But the majority stand in with a few
high tax Democrats who do not wish
the question taken out Of politics, and
are determined to agree to nothing
less than 100 6 not proposed by the
bondholders, well knowing that such
position tends far more toward ulti-
mate reputation than the course
taken by the most extreme men of the
low tax wing. 1t is an alliance be-
tween few high tax Democrats on
the one hand and a majority of the
Republican leaders on the other. They
understand each other perfectly, and
cooperate without the slightest jar.
This was clearly developed in the last
Gubernatorial canvass. and more fully
demonstrated in the last Legislature.
1t is the essence of a Malone scheme,
having the same general priniples IN
view, but by different methods aud
protesting an opposite set of principles.
True, it las not extended to national
politics as yet, but this unnatural
bedfellowship points that way. AS
the immortal Flanagan, Of Texas,
said in the Chicago convention,
What are we here for if not to get
the ofices?' That is the spirit which
animates a few high tax Bourbon
Democrats and good many Republi-
can leaders in Tennessee. The peo-
pie begin to understand that the clamor
for high aud impractical settlement
is not sincere, but proceeds from O
desire to obstruct and defeat any
settlement for years to come. Shelby
Co., although. emerging from and still
under the clouds of great misfortuues
lifts up her voice in favor Of resump
tion, Of rendering the creditors of The
State something within the possible
ability of the people to. o.pay and possibly
more than they are morally bound t
pay. This too in the face Of much anC
recent violent Misrepresentation anC
detraction, and just after decision o
the Supreme Court declaring that ont
! Legislature cannot bind another, anC
| by reciting the well.known fact tha
the State cannot be sued and made t.
pay anything. The masses are honest
in Shelby County and all over the
State, and are willing to pay whatever
is right and within their ability to pay
If a reasonable settlement is defeated
in the next Legislature, it will be done
by those who champion State credit
but to destroy it.