Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-11
CONGRE SSMAN M'MILLIN
Why he Declined to Run for Governor of
Tennessee
He Thinks the Democrats Will VIM
Probable Nominees of Both
Parties for the Place.

|
thought of making The race, recently de-
clded after thorough examination of the
| situation net to Offer for the democratic
| nomination for governor of Tennessee this
year. His decision gave rise to a report
| that he had found the outlook for demo-
| cratic success in the state at large discour-
aging. and that consequently he would con-
| fine his aspirations to another term IN Con-
gress He Is now serving his ninth consec-
utive term as member of the House, and
being very popullr at nome may with
every right promise himself reelection.
Mr.. McMfllfn's Reasons.
In conversation with a representative of
The Star today today Mr.. McMill.n said
My only reason for deciding not to enter
the race for governor was of 4 financial
nature. l found l would be unable to stand
the expenses of such a campaign. | ami
sure L could have secured the nomination
and l should never for moment have en-
tertalned doubt as TO success at the polls.
The democracy will carry the state this
year-put that down as certain. There are
differences to be .ompo sed there as else
where, on the curr .ncy and other oues-
tons but that will be done in good time
and the vote of the state given both TO the
democratic state ticket and to the demo-
cratic national ticket. The silver issue?
WolI. silver has always been strong with
our people, and it still is. The GOLD senti-
ment in our ranks will not control the
party nor spit it, Tennessee is for silver
and straight democracy"
Probable Republican Nominee.
Whom are the republicans likely to NOM
mate for ;sovernor?''
Popular expectation seems 20 have fix I'd
on II. Clay Evans. 1 hope he may be the
man. In my Judgment, it would be to cur
advantage to have him rut up again He
is by no means as strong as he was gnen
he ran against Mr.. Turney, and he has
distinctly failed TO realize on his so-called
martyrdom, Elections have been held since
the last state election in Chattanooga Mr.
Evans home, Knoxville and Memphis and
the democrats carried all three of those
cities. In Chattanooga the republican can
didate for mayor was the personal friend
and choice of Mir. Evans, who turned out
and made an energetic canvass for him,
but, Notwithstanding, republican major
ity of fourteen hundred recorded in the city
at the previous election was wiped out and
a democratic majority of hearty two hu.l-
dred registered in It's steal. Mr.. Evans
would be an easy mark for US this year.
ard / repeat, 1 hope they'll nominate him
again.
The Democratic Candidates.
Mr. McNilln asked to be excused from
expressing an opinion about the probable
democratic candidate. 1t was learned from
another source, however, that the demo-
cratic nomination is thought to lie pc-
tween ex-Gov. Bob Taylor and James A.
Harris. tie present controller of the state
Since leaving the governors chair Mr.. Fay
lor as public entertainer on the platform
has fiddled and joked himself into quite a
snug condition financially, and is anxious
row TO re-enter politics. He is still very
popular in tie state, and if he is npmi-
mated will, 1t IL said, run like the ti'adi-
tional skeered' rabbit.
MS. Harris is very promising young
man, barely turned thirty, and comes from
Knoxville. He is ambitious. and has what
is called sn organization. This he created
while a candidate for controller, and has
it is reported, materially strengthane it
since his election to that office How strong
it Is remains to be seen
Business VS.. Sentiment
Here. then, lis business politics arrayei
against sentimental politics. Mr.. Harris is
relying on his organization, the members
of which are scattered over the state md
all holding good places obtained by him.
Mr. Taylor is relying on his eloquence and
bonhonmie, and the rallying power of a
pleasant remembrance of the humors and
good stories of his past campaigns The
contest between these two men is just be-
ginning.