The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1898-09-23
DEMOCRATIC NOMINEES.

There is no guessing the verdict Of
a jury or the action of a political
convention. AS often, perhaps more
often than otherwise-and particu-
larly so in an uninstructed delega-
ton, the unexpected happens.
Last Mondays convention was
one of those surprises; and a right
glad surprise it was.
Before the convention met the
rumblings of discord and dissatis-
faction were loud and general. The
people were dissatisfied and com
planning at the general outlook, and
the party workers were divided,
confused and at sea. There was
enough opposition to all the an
nounced candidates to make a gen.
eral demand for new material; and
to that end some of the workers who
were not welded to any particular
candidate, but were moved to serve
their country first, early in the day
bent their hest energies.
With this patriotic purpose in
view, looking to the general good Of
all the people first and to the
strengthening of their party next,
it was determined that the time and
occasion called for the nomination
for the Senate of Hon. L. P. Padgett.
Friends who had favored the candi-
dacy of Judge f. f. Erwin frankly
and candidly disclosed to him the
true situation, and with unselfish
devotion to the general good Judge
Erwin sacrificed his political ambi-
ton. and instead of being stumb-
ling block, smoothed the way for the
Padgett boom. The flank move
ment was not generally known until
DR.. X. s. Hewlett, in a remarkably
well considered, clear, earnest and
forcible speech, had called at the
conclusion of his remarks, the name
of L. P. Padgett.
The enthusiasm aroused by that
speech and the name it presented
knew no bounds. 1t was an ovation
few men live to enjoy. 1t was a
heart tribute from tho people to
their chosen leader. 1t was spon.
taneous combustion of the pent uI
desire of the friends of his father
and the playmates of his youth, tC
honor him with their confidence and
their trust. 1t was a memorable
scene, made more impressive by the
manly, self-sacrificing, feeling man
ner with which he accepted the
tribute of affection and subordinated
his personal wishes and personal in
terests for the public good.
Following this came the second
surprise. in the nomination of Mr.
John w. Fry, for Floater. For sew
eral weeks friends have been trying
to prevail upon Mr.. Fry to stand fol
one of these offices; but he stead
tasty refused. He was present II
the convention to ward off any effor
of that kind, and approached f. H
Hatcher, Esq, as This friend" Il
withdraw his name should it be sug
gested. What was his surprise
therefore, when Mr.. Hatcher, smil
ingly, complacently, with gooC
Joke written all over his face
stepped to the front and in a few
earnest words of commentator
nominated the popular free silveI
banker for Floater. Mr.. Fry made
frantic efforts to decline, but hi
voice was drowned by the shouting
of others that he would accept, unit
finally he yielded and said that h,
would.
No man ever made friends taste
than John Fry the short while h.
has lived in Columbia. He is maj
OF upright, moral character; Demo
crat who never sulks; party ser
want who has always and would nov
prefer a place in the ranks; a ma
of affairs, with clear Discrimination
and fine judgment; just such a maj
as will make a fine impression an
WELD a good influence in the legis
lature, looking to the business inter
ests of the State.
The representatives selected ar
Capt. Frank Craig and DR.. H. l
Oliver. Capt. Craig was not present
aud his name was used without hi
knowledge or consent. But he
too good a Democrat to decline
call like this. His father betor