The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1898-12-08

nounced no intention of making the
race for the United States senate, yet
it is known very generally that be has
ambitions in that direction. 1t may,
however, be stated positively that be-
fore he takes any steps toward that
high Office he will first serve Tennes-
see two years as governor.
Another matter that is being dis
cussed is whether or not Senator Will
liam B. Bate will have any opposition
in his race for the United States sen.
ate before the legislature when it meets
in January. For some time it has
been rumored that Judge John W.
Childress would make the race against
Senator Bate. This was a week ago,
and up to this time Judge Childress
has given no direct intimation that he
would run. 1t is generally thought
in political circles that the venerable
senator will have no opposition. Sena-
tor Bate has 66 instructed votes, more
than enough TO accomplish his election
provided the members stand by tn in
structions that they have received.
Besides this, be has pledges from
twenty or more ..embers of the legis-
l~ature, making the number of votes that
he might reasonably expect to receive
eighty odd. Senator Bate left last
night for Washington.
Tt has been charged by some that
Hon. Benton McMillin has had M
thing to do with the opposition talk to
Senator Bate aud that he would lend
his support to anyone who would OPP
pose Senator Bate. A reporter for the
American last night had an interview
with Hon. Horgan @. Fitzpatrick, and
he is also chairman of the democratic
state committee. He therefore speaks
with authority on this subject, being
perhaps the closest man in the state tc
Mr.. McMillin. When questioned in
regard to this matter by the reporter,
Mr.. Fitzpatrick said:
Gin April of thisyear Mr.. McMillin
in announcing his candidacy for the
democratic nomination for governor,
said: 81 am a candidate for governor
and nothing else, and / hope wher
elected to so conduct that office that my
official acts and administration will be
Endorsed by the party and the people o.
Tennessee. Mr.. McMillin has pri
vately and in the canvass repeatedly
stated that he was not and would no
be o candidate for the United State.
senate, and that he would serve tn,
people Of Tennessee as governor anC
endeavor to redeem every promis,
made by the Chattanooga platform anC
every pledge made by him in hi
speeches.
81 have been out of the city sine,
the election, and know nothing of til,
senatorial talk except what has ap
peared in the papers. [ am very mucl
surprised at even the mention of Mr.
McMillin's name in connection Will
the senatorship, and especially the ct
temptof certain papers to criticise him
On my arrival here Friday, knowing
as did. that the use Of his name as
, probable or possible candidate agains
Gen. Bate a without any kind Of au
. thoriry and did Mr.. McMillin q yer.
: great injustice, [ Immediately endeay
ored to communicate with him fully q
. Washington and in New York. 1 wa
,, not able to do so until Saturday even
ing. When l acquainted him full
with the situation here and the com
y meLts Of the state press. [ then re
= ceived from him the following messag
which l think should convince every
one that Mr.. McMillin has no othe
purpose than to serve the people {
Tennessee as governor for the next tw
years. The mestage l last night n
ceiYed from him is just what the PEE
pie Of Tennessee would naturally el
rect from Mr.. 3cMillin. It is as 70
lows:
- ~ashington, d. c., Dec. 3, 1885,
Morgan G. Fitzpatrick, Nasl
vile, Tenn; Your message advisin
me of the use of my name in come,
ton with the ~senatorship is just II
eeived. On nv return from New Yor
where [ have been on personal mattel
aud on business for the state, I am su.
prised at this in formation after my 7,
pested announcements that I was
candidate for governor and nothin
else. Either tie use or mention of IN
j mama In this aonnartioD 20 xubolI,r urstI