The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-08
REPRESENTATIvEJAMES PHELAM

REF RESENTATIT EJAMES PHELAN
II is in the highest degree ere litablc to
Mr.. James Phclan that although can
vass for his seat in the House has
been prccpitatcd by an intelligent and
energetic opponent, he continues at
his post of duty in the House Of Repre-
scntatiyes, where many questions are still
being discussed in which his constituents
are directly interested. In this hc is not
only right but shrewd. Tho people are
watching him, and intelligent enough TO
discriminate hc is convinced he can trust
his case TO them, that he can leave his
fate in their hands, and staying ut his
post continue to perform his public duties.
Mr. Normcnt has had his say, and
said II well, yet Mr. Phclan is in no way
pcrturbed or afraid. He is content Tor the
present 10 contrast hispcriormancc Of duty
with Moments speech, knowing that lac
cannot lose anything by that contrast. lie
knows that his case is made up and that
he cannot, il lac would, unmakc il. lilo
knows that no word OF his would add TO
or subtract from it, aud that as il stands it
speaks cloqucntly Of his attention TO duty.
Few members OF the House have done rs
much in their first year M ho has, aud
fewer still have manifested as much indus
Try. lie has been alive TO everything in
the way OF legislation that could advance
the interests Of his constituents, and has
been rs industrious aud has shown az
much tact aud skill ms II he had been u
member OF tho House for three
terms, aud had served for six in.
stead OF only one year. Tho people
remember this TO his credit, his en-.
ergy in the matter OF the bridge he.
ing especially commendnblc Mr. Phclan's
record Of industry is an cxccllcntonc. lIc
need not, We feel SURE, be- afraid Of II.
II will sustain him here until lac can put
in his appearance and meet Mr.. Normcnt
ON the stump, when the Democrats Of tho
Tenth District are likely To enjoy a contest
such ~ they have not known for many
years. Both the contestants are young
men, both are ambitious and both are in
tclligcnt aud full OF the energy aud push
OF youth, aud 40 Tar they exhibit the very
best temper, ~ that W. are likely tc have
n feast Of reason, aud q contest In logical
skill that is TO be, let us also hope, r..
markablc for the absence Of any exhibit
tions of passion or bad temper. or the
dominccring spirit that sometimes crops
ont In men Who embark in politics aud Who
imagine the swaggor Of the bully aud
The .h'agsTt ". he. IeSseltalTto success.
In times past aud not 40 very long ago
this was the spiri,oi almost every canvass.
Competitors for office sought an easy op.
portuniiy for the usc Of the word "lisr, 4"
In order 10 test each others Motto and
physical courage In ilS,icuG encounter,
like pair Of street blnckguarls, that
sometimes ended In ridiculous corrc.
spondcncc, In which the worl "honur"
was comically and ahsurlly frequent and
conspicuous. Tho day for this sort Of
comic opcn Is done. 4 contest for Office
must be one Of reasoning aud reasonable
competition, In which the contestants
must be content 10 rely upon facts for
emphasis, aud not upon Billinrgaic. vitu.
pcnlion, abuse OF dcnunciation. Good
temper, skill In debate. an abundant stock
Of facts, rcady knowledge OF affairs, are
the safe, sum weapons OF oncnsc ~ we'll
~ dcicnsc In composition ior office. The
man who gocs beyond them, and who
permits his passion tn GET the better Of
him anil hurry him into personal abuse, is
already failure. On the stump people
cSpcc, fair. frank aud FREQ discussion; for
drnunciatiun- al,usc ana Hiilingxpatc thcy