The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-31
COL. JOSIAH PATTERSON.
He Thinks Gen. Atkins Was Misin-
formed as to His Speeches.

He Thinks Gen. Atkins Was Misln-
formed as to His Speeches.
From the Nashville Democrat
A reporter for the Democrat saw Col.
Patterson at Wavcrly yesterday, and
called his attention to the interview with
Gen. Atkins, which appeared in the Amer
icdn on Friday morning, in which Gen.
Atkins said II was scarcely TO he doubted
that Col. Patterson was using his influence
, In behalf OF Senator Harris, both on and
of the stump, and that such interference
between two Democrats on the part OF an
appointivc candidate on the Democratic
electoral ticket ior the State-at-large ex-
cceded his authority and was unjustifiabe.
In reply TO inquiries Col. Patterson made
the following statement:
81 have no doubt Gen. Atkins has been
misniorscd, and am satisfied IL he knew
the facts in the case he would not have
made them the subject OF an interview in
the public press When Senator Harris
came from Washington to Memphis TO fill
list OF appointments In West Tennessee
he requested me 10 accompany him TO ~
many OF his appointments as convenient.
~ could, saying that the weather was very
warm and the canvass, by reason OF the
fact that Congress was still in session, was
not necessarily hurried one, and would
perhaps be too great u tax on his physical
powers. In that event he desired me 10
assist in the argument Of the questions
nj issue in the canvass. complied with
| his request, and while IL never became
necessary for me to engage in an extended
discussion OF the questions nj any point
| .tInNg ha gRnEa baganga ~ his ability NJ
all times 10 respond TO the draft on his
physical powers, yet had the opportunity
Of not only hearing his speeches but Of
discussing with him questions with which
he Is entirely familiar, by reason OF his
public service, and which are OF interest in
| the present canvass. Usually, nj the con.
clusion OF his speech, would, in response
10 the wishes Of the audience, make few
remarks, emphasizing, by way Of illustra.
ton, some point IN the argument and
winding up with an appeal 10 Democrats
10 stand by the organization and vote tho
entire tickct-Statc and national
at Jackson, the tirst place where Sen.
ator Harris spoke, in response TO call
from the audience, | spoke some
twenty minutes, and in the course Of my
remarks | referred in general and eulo.
CYSTIC terms 10 Senator Harris. Some Que
made these remarks the subject OF q tclc.
gram 10 Tng MENrnis Arrg,L, in which I
was characterized rs an clcctor for Senator
Harris, and not for Cleveland and Thur
man.
at the next appointment, ut Coving.
ton, attempted 10 arouse criticism by
referring 10 the circumstances Of my pres
cnce. and stated IN the audience that II
bad no significance, and that, uEder the
I A a
pointmcnt Of ten. Atkins or any other
distinguished Drmocnt Ny personal
acquaintance with Ten. Atkins Is limited,
hut very agreeable. ! know more Of his
public services aud have admired him as
nm able public servant and sterling
Democrat Al Coyington ] took occasion
10 refer in cugolisiic terms 90 his public
service, thinking that u would be n sufii.
rient answer TO the unjust criticism made
by the individual sending the dispatch
from jackson. However, the dispatch
sent from Covington suppressed what I
said In reference 90 Mr.. Atkins, aud gave
undue AMI misleading prominence 10 what
said In reference "a Senator Harris. II
was then apparent 10 me- that there WIS a
purpose In these dispatches, and made
no further effort at correction. At sVcry
subsequent appointment ! began my re.
marks by similar statement IN reference
20 Cen. Atkins. On last Saturday senator
Harris received q telegram FROM Washing.
ton announcing the passage oi the Mills
bill. lie said 10 me that the bill would 20
10 the Senate on the next Monday morn.
ing. and that ~ he was q member Ut tho
finance committee which would tako
charge Of II, Il was necessary for him 20
return Immediately 10 Washington. lie
requested me 10 attend his remaining APP
poinimcnis and address the people who
might attend. This I consented TO do,
and on every occasion, In filling these APP
pointmcnis, l have taken occasion TO
say that j came NJ tho request Of
Senator Harris, aud would under SINH.
liar circumstances come nj the request Of
Gen, Atkins In no speech have made
or will make have | referred directly or
Indirectly to the senatorial contest How
ever, Ten. Atkins has taken occasion TO
refer 10 complimentary remarks In respect
10 senator Harris made by me "on the
stump u this be an oilcnso TO the Dem
ocracy oi Tennessee, aud derogatory 10 tho
attitude ] sustain 70 Tic party, can only
admit the force OF criticism. To the eI.
tent Of my acquaintance With the Demo
Gratis Of the state, II Is known that am
an admircr Of the personal character and
public services OF senator Harris. I
have too long spoken la his praise 10 do
sist now. Ihayc too long referred TO him
a. the great leader Of the Democracy %
Tennessee and distinguished figure in
the national councils 10 quit tho habit
when talking 10 my fellow Democrats. I
mean no di-parsgemeni 20 Gen. Atkins vr
any other distinguished Democrat when
say have repeatedly gone 10 isr In con.
yer-atlon with friends as 10 remark that l
did not think the Democracy Of Tcnncn.cs
could afford 10 retire senator Harris TO pri.
vate lie"
Have you anything iurlher 10 SAY %
the suhjccir'
Nothing.