The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-05-26
Another Clincher.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, L. s.,
WASHINGTON, ID. c., May 20, '86.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE y. s,
WASHINGTON, d. c., May 20, '86. I
EDITOR OF THE NATcHEz DEMOCRAT:
The following is an extract from an article
which has appeared in your paper of re-
cent date:
"The doctrine OF rotation in office is very
nice for the outs who want to get in, but
after they get in position it acts as kind
of boomerang which flies back and strikes
the thrower over. We understand that
Col. c. E. Hooker is using it with consider
able effect in his canvass for the nomina.
lion for Congress against Major E. Banks
dale 1t is pretty we'll known that Maj.
Barksdale has been one of the strongest ad-
vocates of the principle of rotation, while
Col. Hooker, on the contrary, always up
held the theory that when the people have
good officer, no good is accomplished by
rotating him out of office merely Tor the
sake of giving some other man taste of
the pap Col. Hooker, we learn, thinks
that his antagonist for the nomina-
ton should be governed by the rule he has
so strongly advocated, and should retire in
order to let the good thing go round"
As the criticisms of my distinguished
competitor are made in my absence, you
have done me an unintertional kindness
in bringing the foregoing to my attention.
| have always held that the true test by
which to try an aspirant for public
Office is his capacity and fidelity, and
that his length of service neither AIDES to,
nor detracts from, his merit; that the pub
lie good, and not the wish of the candi-
date, should be the paramount considers
ton in making a selection. II | have
ever discussed the subject Of rotation" it
was upon the general idea that there should
be no monopoly of office-holding, or any
other monopoly, in this country. When it
was proposed by the Republican party to
elect a candidate for President for the third
term, deprecated it as startling inno-
walton upon the me.honored usage of
which the Father OF his country was the
founder. | can imagine no other founda-
ton Tor the frivolous reason upon which
you say Col. Hooker has based his opposi-
ton TO my denomination. For many years
l was in the habit OF expressing my opin-
ions freely in THE CLARION newspaper up
on every public topic, and will solicit its
proprietor to place its files at your dispos-
al, or of any other curious inquirer, to
ascertain whether any words l have ever
written can be cited to verify the state
ment that I have advocated the dis
missal of any member of my own party
from Congressional service on the ground
of rotation" My words do not support
the allegation, aud my acts, which speak
louder than words, emphatically contra
dict it. For example, as delegate to the
Kinds County Convention of 1880, voted
for the resolution declaring my distinguish
ed competitor its choice for the fourth
term in the old 5th District. After his
nomination for the said fourth term, gave
him my support, though l have learned
with regret, that he did not reciprocate the
compliment to the party which has crown
ed him with SO many distinctions, by vot-
ing for its nominee for Congress in the It'll
District in 1882. E. BARKsDALE.