Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1884-08-30

feeling of the people there in regard 10 rail
purpose TO 'sget up election figures and stats
tics" did not seek 10 learn the strength o
the independent or disaffected vote" Of VIII
iamson County or any of its districts
versatioE with some OF the gentlemen
| whom met there one OF them made some al
fusion 70 the vote cast at the primary on tn
day before; spoke of the relative strength de
yeloped by the respective candidates; and, L
do not err, this led to discussion in which
some computation was made OF the entir,
head was suggested by me; l made no meme
randum of any such statement and have nj
recollection q the figures: Z While in Frank
conversation upon railroad matters with bu
three or four Of these. This talk was IN The
office Of Mr.. J. I. Parks, Cashier Of the na
during the whole of il. My Conversation
| was principally with Judge Waliace. sVllf
is. I believe. a member OF The Board o
Railway Assessors, and Mr.. Atha Thomas
the state Treasurer. These gentlemen crifi
L cised the action of the railroad corpora
tons In contesting the recent assessment
discussion OF the Railroad Com mission.
trust said nothing which they deemed oh
lJectionahle; and although we differed In
as well as ability with which they ex-
| pressed tneir own. am sure that y0ui cor
Tespondent's letter 81 they have seen it, has
surprised them Gs much as ii has me. No
citizen of Franklin advised me TO ego back
home and remain there and not NEEDLE
With affairs in Tennessee Such a speech,
with no more reason for its utterance than
my conduct afforded. would have been a
coarse aud gratultous insult, OF which no
sTennessean have yet seen could be capable.
II Nor was my visit TO Franklin made with
amy hope or purpose of affecting in any re-
lspect the canvass or the legislative election.
purposely. postponed IL until after the
primary election had been held, and I enter
tanned no audacious plan Of arraying and
utilizing the independent or disaffeeted
Vote
The paper to which have already alluded
upon the strength Of this letter of your CORE
spondent, has ed1torially advertised nae as
one who can be persuaded to come into
Democratic State to uphold the banner of
Browniow. now descended into the hands of
Houk," and il expresses sorrow that have
so far overstepped the bounds of propriety."
1shouid have cause for profound regret If /
were SO ignorant OF either the prophecies of
political conduct, or the decencies of social
LIE. that stood in need of such teacher.
I The insinuation that have attempted to
aid IN the defeat of the Democratic candi-
dates for the Legislature, elect Republicans,
or induce condition of things which would
imperll the Democratic control of Tennessee,
is as absurd as 1t is untrue. The specific
charges that have counseled action looking
TO that end are false. If not, it should be
easy to prove them. have conferred with
very few people upon railroad matters in nv
visits TO Tennessee. If have urged any man
here TO do anything which will lnjure the
Democratic party to vote for Republican, to
beat regular nominee with an independent,
10 assist IN revolt or Reorganization, the fact
ought to DO easily ascertained. If any gem
tleman with whom have spoken remem-
bers that have SO offended, trust that he
viii not hold the suggestion confidential and
feel bound in honor not to dfvulge it.
am accused Of having attempted some
thing Of this sort at the Democratic Conven-
ton at TullahOma, where remained for one
Gay on my way to McMinnville.
mentioned the railroad question but to
One gentleman while there, and that was sim
b. II
people regarding a Railroad Commission. 1t
is true that while there the kindness of the
assem- bled delegations made me more promi-
nent than deserved or desired. Several gen
tIsmen insisted that should go upon the
stand. would have declined the profered
compliments, but that it was so warmly and
cordially urged, that declination would have
been churlish. without the slightest expec-
tation upon my part that would be SO hon
ored, the Chairman introduced me to the
convention in terms which touched me more
profoundly, becaused they conveyed an elo-
quent tribute to my slain and heroic com
mander. The manner in which ii was re-
ce1ved and was welcomed can never for
get. None but boor or an migrate could
have failed 10 make some response. stroye
10 tell the qualification ] felt SO sincerely
but am sure that did not abuse the kindly
sentime lent shown me. by any utterance unl
becoming the occasion and my audience
i have not attempted interference in the
POLITICAL affairs of Tennessee. / certainly
have had no thought of influencing the
~-SO~~O- -
some measure the great railroad properties
which lie partially in Tennessee, and whose
interests will be directly affected by the rail
road legislation which is contem plated i
have sought, in pursuance of what l con-
ceived to be duty owed them by some one
in their service, to use all fair argument and
legitimate effort, to modify prejudice or hos
tility, if either existed, upon the part of the
people toward them, would not hesitate to
do this in Kentucky, in Tennessee or in any
Southern State; and so long as l abstain from
improper methods and political intrigues
feel no selfreproach, and will not acknoRl- y
edge the right of newspapers to publish me
as participant in things eulpable or inviting
condemnation.
In the prosecution of this business l shall
not hesitate to employ temperance and "a
tional remonstrsnce against measures which
] believe obstructive and injurious, not only
to the interests of the railroad corpora,
tons, but of the people as well. Firmly con-
WINGED that the prosperity and development
OF the southern states depend upon an in
crease in their transportation facilities, and
that the railroad construction, which can
alone furnish such facilities, will be impeded,
ton as has been urged in Tennessee / win
do all can, by the presentation of facts and
reasons TO the attention of the people, to in
duce moderate counsels and a friendly policy
in its stead. Believing that Railroad Commits
sions never effect the purposes for which they
are created that they do much harm and no
good; that they cost the corporations great
loss, without any benefit TO the people; that
they lead to confusion, litigation, bitterness
and disappointment, i shall always oppose
them, and not the least of my objections to
them is that they take the place of general
laws, which might be enacted for the healthy
regulation of railroads. 1 have not and l
shall not reflect upon those who differ with
me, for deem denunciation 20 aid to a
proper understanding of these matters But
l will not allow denunciation and calumny
to deter me from the decent and legitimate
exercise of just right.
1t is said that have not been invited into
Tennessee by "the official head of Tennessee
Democracy" Very true. ! have neither
asked nor received such invitation. Nor have
/ solicited, nor have been granted by any
journalistic censor or autocrat permission to
enter the State, nor leave to speak; but l
claim that every individual, and every asso-
citation of individuals, is sentitled to do that
which is necessary TO the assertion and lain
tenance of their property rights. They may
do il directly or by their authorized agents.
They cannot be debarred from asking the
protection of the courts If they be injured by
an act for which the laws provide remedy.
They should not, and rightfuIly cannot be
inhibited protest and decent opposition to
legislation which threatens injury or ruin to
their interests. The railroad corporations hon
estly believe that their business and prop
erty will be very seriously impaired If Virtu-
ally placed under the control and manage
ment of three officials who do not practically
understand the business, and have no such
interest in the property as will insure that
of,,l soh