The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-01-23
FRAUD HAS TRlUMPHED!
Proof Already In Hand Showing
Tillman's Elections by Five
Thousand Plurality.


nounced the reasons for his de-
cision Mr.. Tillman had prepared
his petition aud the bond after de
ci ing that he would not contest,
ne wired to several counties where
the investigation was still in pro-
gress TO discontinue work. He re-
selveu oo,olai kilograms from
friends to-day advising him that it
was dangerous to risk the amount
involved in view OF the partisan
spirit manifested by that body that
would try the case. Mr.. Tillman's
card is as follows:
Nashville, Tenn, January 10, 1897.
TO the Public: Since | gave
notice 70 the legislature Of my con-
test for The Office of governor that
body has enacted a law which has
received the approval Of he gov
ernor requiring that, before pro-
ceeding with the contest, contes.
tant shall enter into bond in the
penal sum of $4,000, payable to the
state, conditioned upon the faithful,
bona fide and successful prosecu-
ton of thu contest, the penalty en-
forced should the joint assembly
determine the contest unwarranled
or not in good faith, or malicious,
or made for political effect, or with
out reasonable cause.
While | have been willing to
make, and have made reasonable
sacrif cs in the interest of fair
elections and better state govern
ment, upon reflection and the ad-
vice OF friends, / have determined
not to assume so large liability as
a bond for $4,000 enforceable at
the will of the joint assembly of the
legislature. Think such an act lie
!, dff;a,SSsying of the. sa@arest, -enndelp;
nation. The contention that 1t is
necessary to discourage frivolous
contests is mere pretsxt.
This act is particularly unjust, In
view of the fact that and my pc
litical associates have boon engaged
since the election in the labor ol
investigation and preparation OF
evidence at very great expense, re
lying, until recently, upon the con
test law as it existed, under which
the former contest was made by
the democratic candidate who had
y been defeated upon the face the
returns.
1t was not necessary to pass the
above named act for the purpose
of discouraging costestants for the
Office Of governor The burden
which falls upon a contestant
in lawyers fees an! other unavoid.
able expenses, the sacrifice of pri.
vate business, the labor and dsa-
greeab!e accomplishments of such
a contest aud the probability in
the case of a republican contestant
in this state of decision adverse
to him would seem to be sufficient
encouragement to man of more
than ordinary public spirit and OF
moderate fortune and when the
legislature, in addition, threatens
him with a penalty of $4,000 fol
presuming to make the contest
the Encouragement reaches a point
amounting almost to prohibition
!, Such law is violative of a sound
public policy, for the Legislature
ought to be ready and willing al
public expense and in the Interest
of the preservation of fair and hon
est elections and of the trust anC
confidence of the people in thsil
institutions, enter upon thorough
Investigation of alleged fraud upor
the sworn petition of a reputable
candidate for the Office of governor
The law requires contestant t,
make oath to his petition and ,
man of good conscience could oni
make such oath after diligent -
quiry into the sources and reliab,l
ity of the Information upon VIII
his petion is based. While, as ~,
lawyer, am clearly of the epini ;, !,
thai. the law is unconstitution +,
nevertheless I am unwilling :.
assume the risk Of an adverse de
ision of this legal question.
Upon the most diligent and care
full investigation, the shifting of thu
,Asvidence gathered eliminating
&{!oubtful matter, it is my opinion
as well as that of my attorneys
rShat,upon the evidence already in
IYreceived more than 5000 maj0rit.
ooe Che legal votes cast and the in
,vestigatien still in progress wa
revealing daily additional frauds
sbut because of the act above men
toned | shall abandon and discon
Ntinue my contest.
Respectfully.
GEORGE n, TILLMAN.