The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-05-06

ment. the appointeez OF the comptroller,
the railroad tax assessors, and even the
state superintendent Of public schools. have
abandoned their offices and official duties
and are out in the field in the capacity of
attorneys for Contestant TurGcy, aiding
ana advising in this farcicaI investigation.
Il believe that l am now having the dis
tinction of being the first legally elected
governor Of Tennessee. or any other state,
who was accorded the privilege OF being
contestcc. while, by a Special arrangement
under the forms of law the candidate de
fcated by the people is permitted to hold
over in Office. usurp it's responsibilities. be
burdened with its salary, and be contestant
all At the same time-and that before 4
tribunal by him selected and under g So
called law passed at his request and TO
which he attached his official approval.
Neither my counsel nor myself has
done anything from the beginning, and will
not to the ending. that VIII in any way
bring shame upon the good name of tie
good people OF Tennessee. / have male
the fight. believing in the right and justice
of our cause. strictly within the limits OF
the law and the constitution.
The Obstacles in Turncy's Way.
When Governor Turney offered Tor
second term last summer it was with the
consciousness that the exercise of his
duties had estrauged many voters-the
necessary penalty of a party in power
The republicans had nominated Hon
Henry Clay Evans. of Chattanooga, who
seemed to fulfill the ideal Of those who
wanted n business rather than a senti-
mental administration. Evans could talk
about pig iron. coal mines. thrcshinS ma
chimes and the like, while Turney's mind
fingered among the spirits OF those fallen
braves who went out with him from Win
chester in the spring days of 1851 To the
credit of these young men. il must be said
that they did not vote for Evans, Tor his
vote is only 1900 greater than was the
republican vote Of 1892 the increase COM
ing probably from the scattering votes
previously given 10 other parties, but they
staid at home. and helped, among otntr
causes to make the democratic vote fall
$4,000 short of It's total in 1882
There Was Dismay in Camp.
When the returns began TO come in on
the night Of the 9th OF November, the loss
of 5000 votes in Shelby county pointed to
the defeat of the democratic ticket Then
Davidson reported loss of l.S90. to which
other counties added losses which made
the calculaters concede the state to Evans
by midnight. The falling of could not be
explained by the off-year theory, because
the republicans polled their full vote of
the presidential year, and went 1t 4.oJd
better The natural causes which would
keen democratic indiffcreHts away from
age of influence on the republicans, and II
was this f;cct that suggested an inquiry
into the character of the vote
Mr. Cherry, the managing editor OF The
Nashville American. which has stood Up
s1Uarely for the democratic contention IN
the present struggle, thIs tells the story;
''The American. in the interest of honest
elections. and of the good name of the state,
has fought the attempt To force upon the
state a government fOunded upon iraudu-
lent votes, cast deliberately and In puTsu-
ance of advice from those who were TO be
benehciarics. The democracy, being IN pow
er. is charged with the enforcement of the
fighting in opposition without responsibility
for words spoken. The poll tax law has
been enforced long enough Ter the repuo-
leans 20 have tested ii in the courts, the
only proper way to have a law declared I'M
constitutional. 1t is the privilege of any
of laws passed, but it is the courts 10
which he must appeal, and whose decision
is exclusive. The republicans seem to
regard each man as a court in himself,
to decide the constitutionality of laws. That
is a most disOricrly method. and one that
no government could tolerate.
The lawful agencies of the state nave
been called in to settle. this question of the
yovernorship Their decision VIII be based
upon the ascertained faces. All the demo-
Gratis want is that the truth be known.
The Poll Tax LAW Defined.
The poll tax law. which, it will be seen,
lies at the bottom of this whole contest. is
authorized by section %. article >, of the
constitution of 1870 in these words:
"Au male citizens of this state over the