Mississippi leader. (Jackson, Miss.) 1892-1895, 1892-08-25
or Nat fonaI Importance.

Editor Missisdppi Leader
The Atlanta Constitution says that
the campaign in Tom Watson's dis
trict is one, not only of State, but Of
national importance. We think so,
too. bat perhaps for very different
reasons from any that mighty topper,
the Constitution, would assign.
The great and only issue before the
country is, which shall rule America,
the citizen or the dollarf The tariff,
financial question, and many others,
come in as details.
In the present Congress, Tom Wat
son has been the unfiinching cham
pion of the people. The most bril-
liant Georgian of his day, he has de-
voted all of his gigantic powers to de-
Tending the primitive principles of
Democracy. Not one thing that he
could do in the interest of the people
has been neglected. Not one corrupt
measure of plutocracy but he has
exposed. No wonder then that he has
a warm place in the hearts of tOiling
millions, nor is it wonder that the
cohorts and servants of money kings
hate Tom with a perfect hatred. No
wonder they have tried so hard to
blacken the character OF one of Gods
and at allhazards, to defeat
his reelection.
Upon tho eve of adjournment the
American congress made a desperate
effort to hold up the heroic defender
of the peoples rights as common
liar. But they have sigifslly failed in
that hellish purpose. The country
knows that the charge of "drunken
members" as made by Watson, is not
only true with reference to the present
congress, but to nearly, if not quite,
every Congress that the country ever
had. About dozen witnesses, and
some of them members of Congress,
testified that all Watson said was true.
Again. 1t is fact, though they would
not suffer it proven, that one of the
finest bar rooms in the country is To-
Gated in the capital building, for the
convenience of congressman. The
country knows that many Of them
patrouize it frequently, and that when
men habitually drink, they invariably
and frequently become more or
less intoxicated. All of this dam
aging evidence, going 10 substan-
tiate Watsoa's charge, that no
court on earth would dare
exclude. was ruled out by the U. s.
Congress to shield drunken members,
and ruin bold champion of the peO-
pie and of moral rectitude.
But repeat it has signally failed.
The people press closer to their cham
pion, and thus Watson's campaign be-
comes of national Importance.
No doubt that vast sums of money
will be used, the best talent that the
plutes can command will be marshall
ed in Toms district; expert ballot
suffers employed, and every device
that can be invented by his satanic
majesty will be used to compass the
defeat Of the great champion of popu-
lar rights. who has dared call atten-
tion to the congressional bar room,
and its baleful effect. Then it be-
comes the duty of every reforlner; of
all who oppose drunkards in congress;
indeed of every fair minded man, to
see to it, that Tom Watson has every
possible encouragement, all possible
assistance, and especially the people
of his district, that he has fair count,
and is returned to Congress.
Yes, indeed, it becomes of national
Importance when plutocracy deter
mines to crush member of congress
simply tor championing popular right:
and a sober congress. I,r Sad
j. HI. SIMPSON
Watson, Miss.