The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1898-07-07

nj. Head nominated Hon. Benton Nc
Millin in the following eloquent words:
Mr.. Chairman, etc: In formally
presenting to you the name of your
next candidate for Governor, am we'll
aware that it is wholly unnecessary
upon my part to pronounce a eulogy
upon the man whom the Democracy of
this state chose as their candidate for
Governor even before this convention
was called. While it is true that no
commentator at my hands is neces.
sary, it is equally true that upon an
occasion of this kind, in placing his
name before this convention. Ishould
say something concerning him, which
he cannot say for himself.
Benton McMillin has seen twenty
two years Of active, stirring public life,
two years as a State Legislator and
twenty years of continued service in
the halls of Congress. During all that
time the breath Of suspicion has never
tarnished his good name, nor the vile
tongue OF slaRder cast any imputation
against his integrity. He comes to us
then. in those degenerate days of ava
rice, greed and corrumption, poor,
but honest man, asking our approval,
and the Endorsement Of his public life
During those years of active public
service, his life has not been barren of
results. Twice elected temporary
Speaker of the house of Representa-
tive in Congress, and often called to
preside over its deliberation he has at
tanned the highest rank possible on its
committees, as a member both Of the
Ways and Means Committee and Com
mittee of Rules.
Fourteen years continuous service
on the Ways and Means Committee,
the most important in the house, and
the longest term of any Lying man,
have familiarized him not only with
the most important legislation that
could come before congress, but have
brought him in immediate contact with
the able shrewdest and most accom-
plished men in public or private life,
that this or any other country has pro-
duced. And with all of this at all times
and under all circumstances he has full
| ly sustained himself, maintained his
integrity, and remained true to the
interests Of the masses of the people
whose cause he has espoused.
AS Chairman of the Subcommittee
on Internal Revenue in the last Con-
gress, as the author, he also became
the special champion, against the adj
vice Of q so-called Democratic Admin
istration, Of the income tax bill, and
caused to be placed upon the statute
books one of the most important, and
at the same time enc Of the most meri-
torious laws ever enacted by Congress,
while it is true the Supreme Court Of
the United States, by majority Of one
Judge. whose opinion was changed
upon an argument to rehear the case,
enjoined or suspended the execution oI
g the law, its enactment, however, viii
stand as q monument to the wisdom
t integrity and farsighted statesmanshiT
: Of the man, who. more than anyone
s else, is responsible for its enactment.
His well-known adherence to thu
q principles OF strict construction of tn
: Constitution, economy in public ex
q penditure, and unrelenting opposition
g to the imposition Of taxes for any pur
] pose save the expenses of the govern
1 ment, have made him the dreaded 70
d of the csrrup uptionist, and the special OBJ
n ject Of hatred from those seeking per
ssnal favers at the hands Of the Gov
D ernment.
Always mindful Of the best interest
e of his immediate constituents, he ha
3, zealously guarded their rights and Sc
cured for them fair proportion Of th
IN expenditures n necessarily made for pull
q lie improvements.
of Benton McMillin comes to the peopl
le of Tennessee peculiarly fitted to dii
D. charge the high aud responsible dutit
,f OF Chief Executive, at this time. /
es the full flush and bloom Of manhood
" with a public life behind him OF While
1t any man might we'll feel proud, and
IT future before him to which but few ca
rs hope to aspire, the people Of Tenne
see have made no mistake in calm
l. him over others equally deserving,
., take charge Of her public affairs at th
IN particular time.
Weneed the services Of a man ri
rs in public experience. We need Il
in guiding hand Of man fearless in Il
to discharge of public trust. We nee
on as governor Of Tennessee, a man WI
4, knows his duty aud dares perform j
i'll aud such a man we have in the pers'
lie OF Benton McMiIlin. A man vi
knows. and by his official life has der
is snstrated that "a public Office Is pu
by lie trust;n a man Who knows that
it public debt Is not q public blessin
on and that no people ever enriched the
nd selves by piIing up taxes to squand
sm in useless expenditure and tempt
IN, cupidity Of designing corruptionists
ole nau who knows that taxation can OF
ion be justly or conztitutiOnally levied
-.l Ii. ---..-.n AL III an at.