The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-12
SENATOR ISHAM G. HARRIS
A PRIVATE LETTER CONTAINING REF
BRENCEs TO THE BRIDGE.
Col. Josiah Patterson Reveals the Sub
stance OF the Contents OF Interest to
the Public, and Speaks from His In
Innate knowledge OF the Senator.

Learning that Col Josiah Patterson had
received letter from Senator Isham q.
Harris, in which the senator had referred
to the Memphis bridge bill, a representa-
tive OF TuE APrEAL called on Col. Paiter-
son TO learn II he had any information on
the subject that would interest the public
In answer to inquiries, Col. Patterson said:
81 received letter dated the 9Th Of
February, from Senator Harris, in which,
among other things, he discussed at some
length his attitude in respect 10 the Mem
phis bridge. The letter was wholly OF a
personal character and was not intended
for the public. will say, however, that
Senator Harris was and always has been,
an active and persistent friend OF the meas
urc, and felt indignant that he should have
been misunderstood by any part OF the
community Of Memphis He thought his
attitude toward the measure had been 80
pronounced and 80 well understood that
no one who wanted TO do him justice
would for moment doubt his disposition
and purpose TO do everything in his
power TO secure the passage OF the
bill. The result was, when questions were
put to him categorically 10 answer how he
stood, he grew, naturally enough, indig-
dant at the implication that he could or
would, under any circumstances, oppose
the measure. Senator Harris IL not the
man TO submit tamely 10 any imputation
on his motives, and he regarded every in
quiry addressed 10 him In respect 10 his
attitude rs an expression Of that want OF
trust and confidence which he thought
this community ought TO impose In him.
lie knows the great anxiety OF the people
OF Memphis for the bridge, and believed
that doubts ~ to his loyalty 10 the meas
uro had been brought about by those who
were disposed TO do him injustice. lie,
therefore, thought IL becoming in him TO
attempt no explanations and let his record
answer TO the people of Memphis. The
following extracts from his letter 10 me
will show how loyal he was 10 the measure
and how unreasonable IL was TO question
his fidelity TO 1t. In one part Of his lettor
lac says.
"I have been more earnest and persist
cnt in my efforts TO secure bridge nj
Memphis than any other man In the SEN
ate, rs every = tor knows, Again, he
says III would consent, which | will
not, every senator with the slightest inter
est in the bridge question would certify
that the Memphis bridge had been nearer
hobby with me thanany other question
''These extracts are sufficient TO show that
Senator Harris was in no very agreeable
frame Of mind when hc received intclli-
gence that his motives and intentions were
questioned"
When asked II Senator Harris said any
thing in his letter about the immediate
passage Of the bill, Col. Patterson sud:
"llc did not, but that Senator Harris did
not seem 10 have any doubt about its
passage. Tho senator referred in his letter
TO the amendment that had been suggested
by the Secretary OF War" The following
extract from the letter shows what he said
ON that subject;
"'Mr Phean called 30 SCENE at the Sem
ate yesterday 10 say that he had had an in
tcryiew with the Secretary OF War, and
that he was satisfied that his bill would
have to be amended I'm the Senate, and
asked me 10 have IL amended. sent him
10 the subcommittee in charge Of the bill.
II will probably be amended 10 conform IN
the opinion Of the Secretary Of War,
though think the proposed amendm mi
quite unnecessary; but II the Secretary Il
War demands Il. shall not object; but
will see the Secretary OF War in the morn
ing and know