The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-09
Relation of the Gubernatorial
Scramble to the Senatorial Race.
Probabilities, Possibilities, Contin-
gencies and Likelihoods.
Speculative Coon-Track Philoso-
ply: 'Is He Comm or Gwine2"
The Curious Case Of Mcconnell and the
Chattanooga Times Trading
Chances--who's Who and
What's What.

Special Dispatch to The Appeal.
IN NASHVILLE, Tenn, April S.-A great deal
u interest is being taken by the people of
his city in the political contest, which isnow
being waged so 6ercely and is so near an
end; and this interest is intensified by the
silence Of the two morning papers OF this
city. Neither the American nor the Demo
croi have had much il anything TO say
about tho candidates for Governor, or the
prospects Of the Democratic party in the
Efall elections. They have both preached
harmony, but beyond that have had little
TO say. There are, no doubt, good reasons
FLOR this; reasons that may, perhaps, in the
future be developed. Yet it may be that
there is only one reason, and that the pos
sible complications that are likely 10 grow
out OF q very much mixed competition for
Office. The position of the american in re-
gard TO the great national question Of tar
III reform, which is presently to lead TO
fierce, perhaps prolonged, debate in Con-
gress, for the leading Democratic
organ in the State, is very
anomalous one. But the reasons for
this are no doubt satisfactory TO the con-
ductors Of that paper, who are believed to
be earnestly in favor OF the nomination
and reelection Of Gov. Taylor, about
whom, in connection with the candidates
for United States senator, there arc some
very strong doubts rs to where he stands.
Some say that he is for Harris and that
Harris is for him. How this is | do not
know, but II il was generally believed
throughout the State, think II would
very materially mar his prospects, IL il
didn't defeat him. On second thought Il
would appear almost impossible that Tay-
| Tor, under any circumstances, could Sc
cure the Harris support, rs they have been
uniformly and bitterly opposed to him be-
cause oi his cspousal OF the Blair bill,
| which they declare Is proof OF his I'M
| soundncss rs q party man. AS 10 the
scandals about Taylor, which were current
| Just before tho Legislature adjourned,
| II il hut justice 60 say that no one here be-
lioyod them 20 bc true in any sense.
| A strong feeling OF opposition 10 Senator
Harris has grown up all over the State,
and will be made manifest ~ soon rs he
| takes the field, Ms he promises TO do after
| -Congess adjOurns II has also been AS
serted in connection with Gov. Taylor
that he is a candidate for the Senate him
self, but this has been denied by his most
intimate friends, who say that he has dc.
clared TO them that his hands are quite full
In defending himself against the attacks Of
the Mcconnell faction-that hc cares
nothing about the senatorship and will
not interfere either for one or the other Of
the candidates. And yet il is very queer,
and none the less u fact, that some Of the
strongest Harris men In the State are using
their influence for his nomination and re.
election. Gov Taylor has had no political
relationship with either OF the senatorial
candidates such rs would Justify an ex-
pectancy from them Of any support for
him. Atkins has been at Washington
during his whole term, and also during
the campaign that resulted In his election,
~ that he could have no entangling al
lianccs Of any kind with him. As
81 Gov. Porter, Il Is also 20
be said OF him that he was a
resident OF Washington until within the
last six months, and practically he has
been out OF State politics over since he left
the gubernatorcal chair and accepted the
presidency OF the Chattanooga railroad.
II Is difficult 10 believe, with these facts in
view, that Gov. Taylor could have any
alliance with either OF these gentle men.
As 10 Atkins, do not hear the least OBJ
lection, but il has been limited that blood,
being thicker than water. he might, In the
case Of tie-up In tho Joint convention OF
the two houses OF the Legislature, aud II
Il should turn out that he had no chance
Of winning himself, he would turn his vote
over 10 Harris NJ the critical moment, and
! thus secure the triumph OF the senior soma
tor. Gen. Atkins is q thoroughly honor
able man and n reliable one, and whatever
he himself would say on this head would
be satisfactory 10 the people OF the State.
lie would not enter into any combi-
nation, / am sure, but II II nat
ural 10 suppose that he would prefer
his kinsman 10 a stranger. II TnE APPEAL
1 would interview him on this head, II
would confer great favor on the public.
Gen. Atkins has n host Of warm personal
and political friends throughout the State,
aud they would be very glad 10 have n
promise from him rs 20 his purpose In the
canvass Another singular phase OF these
cross purposes Is found in the attitude OF
opposition which the Chattanooga Tm0
occupies toward Senator Harris, and It's
very strong and persistent advocacy OF
Mcdonnell, who Is the choice Of Mr.. Hills
man, collector Of internal revenue at Nash
vile, who Is stanch friend OF Senator
Harris, a. common gratitude would dictate
he ought 10 be. From this one would be
justified In concluding either that Nc
Connell was the Harris candidate for Gov.
ornor, or else Iiillsman was opposed 10 the
Harris candidate. or that the Harris fac.
ton have no candidate, or that the Harris
party cannot control the friends Of their
friends. In other words, Mcconnell hay-
ing the support Of the T5no, cannot con.
troll its columns for the friend OF his friend
llillsman. There Is room In this for
great deal Of guessing. Gov. Portor's
candidacy for the Senate Il not in any way
mixed up with the gubernatorial contest.
. His namo has not been linked with that
Of any Of the candidates, and he II making
the race on his personal strength and popu-
larity Tho other three candidates fof
i Governor Of Montgomery; Cald.
WE'LL II Gibson; Trousdale, Of sumner
are ~ free from alliances or complications
NJ Porter, and their friends arc baslng
hopes Of success for them upon a possible
deadlock in the ofavcniion between Tay-
Tor and McCon(il. II anything like
wranslei or row or disaGection, Is dcycl-