The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-03
staff Correspondence Of The Appeal.


NASHVILLE, Tenn, Jan. 2.-Already
there are wars and rumors OF war at the
Capital City OF Tennessee. II is OF po-
ltical character, however. and the humble
citizens serenely observe and remarks,
Keep it up, neighbors the devil will get
you all anyhow"
The near approach Of Monday, January
Z, ON which date the recently elected
members o. the State Legislature viii come
together and dispense all the pie that Ten
nessee Democrats are likely to get for
long time, has had peculiarly enervating
effect upon the hungry stalwarts.
II is not alone for the United States Sem
atorship that the contest Is exciting.
There are Secretary OF State, Treasurer,
Comptroller, Speakers Of the Senate and
Lower House respectively and number
OF less important berths and distinctions.
OF course the Senatorial contest over
shadows the others in importance. Yet
the minor struggles are waged with an
equal earnesinessDnd persistency.
S.nator Isham G. Harris has set up shop
IN room No. g. Maxwell House, where leg
islators, candidates and politicians gener-
ally most do congregate. His mission is
strictly business. Ever since his arrival
something pertaining to his case has been
going on, and under his personal super
vision. Every legslator-elect who has put
in an appearance has heard from the So
gacious old Senator. Gen. Atkins. his
most formidable competitor at this writ
ing is not yet on hand. lie was expected
today, but failed TO materializc. His
friends confidently believe he will be here
before tomorrow's sun goes down. II so
there will be daily and hourly levees held
by the two gentlemen and much expendi.
ture OF sweetly persuasive eloquence in
subdued tones. 1t is said that Gen. At.
kins and his friends have not been idle
since the election, the result Of which it
Is conceded weakened the hold OF Senator
Harris ON Tcnnessee's political strings
There will be no Federal offices for him TO
dispense, and the present holders by his
favor do not feel justified in spending any
considerable sv,n ct money 10 continue
him in the Senate. For them II would lie
n personal outlay with no hope OF return.
This brings the two down TO u basis for o
square fight on their merits. What does
this promise, and how do Ties, gentlemen
prognos,icate? Senator Harris claims TO
have fity-sevcn votes in his fold against
which no wies OF his enemy can prevail.
ten. Atkins claims iiiiy-onc equally SCI
afsl. h.ssa
from. Here is a manifest discrepancy,
since there will not be exceeding ninety
TWO Democrats in both branches of the
Legislature combined. Conservative friends
Of Gen. Atkins estimate his positive
strength from the State at iory.iyc. From
the remainder, Col. John II. Savage is
avoweily IN the race, with twelve or III.
teen votes.
lie too, is here, and has nm active
worker in the Coffee County Representa-
tive, MIR Lee Jacobs. q modest, intelligent
yonng man who. doubtless, Is laboring
consocntiousy ior what hc believes aud
knows TO be- the object desired by his
mountain district constituents. To your
correspondent Mr.. jacobs said lac was
aiding Col. Savage because he believed he
would suit his people, and becaus- lac was
his friend. That was all there was in IT,
Col. Sewage Is hopeful. Ex.Gov. James
y. Porter Is also here, quartcrcd at the
Maxwell. Early this morning Il was qui.
city talked around that he would be in the
race, and your correspondent, went nj him
for an expression on the subject. After
referring sofrowiully 20 the trouble which
caused him TO Withdraw from the field
some time ago. the Ex-Governor said, "No,
am not n candidate"
"But in the event Of hitch and your
friends insisted upon supporting you what
ihen?" inquired your correspondent
II am not candidate" he reiterated,
and that closed the interview, 10 FAR ~ IL
would be interesting TO the public.
ON the question OF caucus there Is a
painful silence among all factions, though
tho outlook ut present is that there will he
ono. not later than next Saturday night.
This may he changed. however. rs soon NJ
the leading candidates for office and the
bulk OF their friends reach the scene and
take an inventory OF the situation. Those
who oppose or advocate the caucus idea
10 not seem 60 be confined 10 either ono
or the other Senatorial candidates. Cen.
Atkins, II would seem, docs lot dread the
caucus, ~ his supporters are not OF one
mind about H. Senator Harris, your cor.
respondent was informed today Thy gen
llcman who did no, vouch for IT. correct
ncSsl. does not want the caucus. yet there
seems 10 be no common understanding 81
and acquicsccncc IN this wish by his
friends. II Is ut present matter nbouI
which nothing definite can bc stated.
There " some foundation, however, for
the prediction that should a eau ~ bc
held |, will not hc by all the Dcmocmiic
members, nor even n very large majority
of them. Tho faction that feels II viii get
the worst The machine will. 60 \ great
extent, ignore Il or bolt after tits over.
DIR. Morrow. who was caught on the
wing 'oday and asked by the writer who
would, in his opinion, figure rs candidates
II the event Of deadlock between Senator
HAIRS and General Atkins, begged 10 bc
excused.
"Will ex.Gov. John @. B.oWng' was
further interrogation.
"lIe has been away from the State 10
long. and has become 20 interested IN rail.
foadsgtha, I hardly think he will
"Will cx.Gov. James u. Poricrf'
THAT | doubt. also, because OF lls no
cent truly unfortunate troubles. But, 4"
continued the doctor, 81 would be content
10 scs either one Of them elected"
Turning from the Senatorial question
10 those u smaller yet important moment,
what u the other Offices Tor which lively
scramble IL going ong''
"Tho names OF most OF the candidates
were published in TIr ArrrAL q few days
ago, aud was much nearer completeness,
doubtless, than was supposed AZ the Time.
In the list for Secretary of state erase the