The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1897-01-28
TAYLOR INAUGURATED.
Bob" Taylor Again Becomes TenneSSse'S
Governor.
'etiring Governor Spoke Of the Gre.
form" of The Ballot. Taylor
Urges Reform. t-

Urges Reform. ,-..
Nashville, Tenn, Jan. 81. After an
intermission of six years, Robert L.
Taylor again became Governor of Ten
nessee today, when, in the presence
OF brilliant assemblage of 1000 peo-
pie, he was for the third time inaugura-
ted. The simplicity that the governor
so much desired should characterize
the event was conspicuous for its alb
sence, as no Inauguration was ever
more interesting. The ceremonies
were had in the hall of the house Of
representatives. An immense United
States flag was draped in the rear of
the Speakers stand, while on his desk
sat jar of Brides roses. The clerks
desk was decorated with rare plants
and ferns from The hospital for the in
sane. H.
ihe desks had been removed from
the hall and members and their wives,
with all the state officials and their
families, occupied seats there, while
the galleries were crowded with visi.
tors. The senators entered the hall
promptly at II o'clock, but it was II I'D
when President Thompson, of the sen
ate, called the joint convention tc
order.
The Rev. James l.. Vance, of the
First Presbyterian church, opened the
proceedings with prayer. After the
roll-call of the senate and house, the
state officials, supreme court, Inaugural
committee and the governor and the
governor-elect entered and were as
signed seats.
In introducing the retiring governor
Peter Turney, President Thompson
spoke of the services rendered by Gov
Turney, in war and in peace. He spoke
of his record in the war, on the bencl
and in the gubernatorial chair. Gov
Turney said that in retiring from pub
lie life he desired to exprass his thank
for honors repeatedly conferred. Hi
record was an open book. He was es
pecially proud of the fact that he, hat
done the state some service two year
ago. 1t had served to purify the ballot
box, and otherwise his distinguishe,
successor would not have been here to
day. His oath was to see that the law
were enforced and had he not made tn
contest lie would have felt that he ha
perjured himself. There had neve
been any purpose to make any cOntes
before this Legislature. All that tai
had panned out just as he said it would
If there had been any honest intentio
to make a contest they would hav
made the bond.
As to his pardon record Gov. Turne
said he had no regrets, but had as
signed valid reasons for every pardo
granted. He had simply been recruit
ing the republican ranks by his pal
dons, as fully 96 per cent. of those pal
doned belonged to that party.
After music Gov. Turney introduce
Governor elect Taylor, asking thf
praying members pray for Gov. Tay
lor for the next two years, as he woul
need pray Gov. Taylor then bega
his inaugural address.
Gov. Taylor spoke at length, anon
other things saying:
"In obedience to the will of the pc,
: pie, clearly expressed at the bollot bo,
/ am about to take upon myself IL
cares and the responsibilities of I'll
high Office of Governor of Tennessee
Having entered other fields since n
last term of service as governor, vii
the ardent, hope that l had found
happy retreat from the storms of pol
tics and the anxieties and sorrows
public life, rejciced in the sincere b
lief that would never again be callt
upon to face the perils of political stri
and contention. But / hold it to
the first duty of patriotic citizenship
promptly respond when the people ca
And with this conviction l have obey
the summons of my countrymen, al
turned my back on the alluring plet
ures of life in the realm of dreams, frC
whose joyous waters politicians are n
permitted to drink, and on who
shadowy shores legislatures never me
and the howl and protests OF defeat
candidates are never heard.
"It is not a political contest whi
fronts us-it is taxes. 1t is not poll
cal martyrs which our country
< mands in these troublous times-it
o relief from the sheriff's sale and
d back tax attorneys execution"
4 He then urged retrenchment and
6 form, the protection of the ballot b.
. and urged the state to give encoural
{, ment and support to the Centenn
9 Exposition. Gov. Tnylor was swC