The Brookhaven leader., 1885-05-28
Interesting Correspondence.

MERIDIAN, Miss MAY 9th, 1885.
Govrrnor Roht. Lowry. jackson, Miss:
DEAR SIR 1t is generally conced-
ed that the nomination Of a candid
ate for Governor by the Democratic
State Ccprcntion, which has been
called 10y the Executive Committee
to meet at jackson on the 10Th day
of August next, will he equivalent To
an election by the people at the
polls. There being no organized
opposition to the Democratic party
in the State, it is difficult to con
ceivc how anything can occur to rem
der the election of the nominee of
that convention at all doubtful.
I'll am correct in this view, it APP
pears to me to be altogether proper
that there should be a canvass of
the State before the meeting Of the
convention, and joint discussion OF
such questions uf interest To the peo-
pie as may be fifty embraced in a
canvass on the part Of those who
have consented to allow the use of
their names for nomination for the
office of Governor.
| presume, also. that the candi-
dates for the several other State of.
fees would gladly avail themselves
of such On arrangement, as it would
afford them convenient and agree
able way Of presenting their respect
i've claims To the people, either by a
Joint discussion or otherwise.
am not unminltul Of the old
and digniicl rnle that the office
should seek the man. But it is
somewhat obsolete now. and has
prevailed but little since You and
myself came np0n the stage. 1t is,
in fact, more of a sentiment at this
dav than a reality, and in case Of an
office OF great honor or emolument,
is rarely invoked when a reasonable
and decent seeking would be like Y
to secure the office.
| am unable to conceive of any
harm that could result from a can
vass. Conducted fairly and courte-
ouslv. sc am sure it would he,
nothing bat good results could fol
low. There can be no just appre.
hcnsiOn that canvass thus conduct
cd co,ld produce seeds of dissension
in the party. or tend to destroy its
solieliiy, or in any way to endangel
its safety. The Governor being the
highest officer in the State, possess.
ing, under our constitution, vas,
powers. and it being his duty to rec
ommend legislation. as we'll as tC
take care that the laws are enforced
and my views, az we'll az yours, as
I presume YOU will conccdc. not be
ing known on many questions o'
great interest and importance TO tho
/ people. it seems to me to he quite
proper that an opportunity should
be given to the people to hear us be
fore they elect.
do not make this proposition i,
any spirit Of eascrness or anxiety t.
have a public discussion with you
for am aware that your larger &C
, quaintance throughout the State
and your high official position
would give you some advantage o
me, either with or without a canvass
But | believe there is a strong an,
growing sentiment on the part of TIL
people favorable to the canvass
have suggested, and it is in defer
ence to this sentiment, and the al
vice of friends, chat | write you o.
this subject.
If YOU concur with me, | respect
fully suggest that the extent an,
terms of the canvass may be re(erre,
to and arranged by resrectiv
friends.
am advised that Gen. Feather
ston is also q candidate for the otfic
Of Governor. and | have no doub
that it would meet his views to PAL
ticipate in such a canvass as I hav
suggested. Ii | am uot mistaken il
this, it would be my pleasure, as
have no doubt it would be yours, t.
extend to Gen. Fcatherston cuua
terms in such canvass as may be ar
ranged
Trusting that | shall have Tn,
honor of hearing from YOU upon tn
subject Of this letter at as early .
day as may suit your convenience,
am,
Yours respectfully,
j. 7. WALKER.
JACKSON, Miss, MAY 1lLh, 1885.