The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1899-02-24
A MiSSlSSlPPIAN ON DUTY.

HERE is not a MisIssippian, after listening to Powell, Jones, Mont
1 gomery, CrltZ LONGING and McCool set forth their different claims for
the Office of Governor ia tue coming state campaign, but who in his own
heart VIII ask, where is Nardarnan, and in the next thought the silent an
swer comes-on duty!-duty to whom-duty to his country, flag, state home
and comrades. No doubt the campaign will be over when he returns, his
voice may not be heard in his own behalf until after the votes are counted,
but his past is written so indelibly upon the hearts of our people that we
sometimes ask ourselves, is it necessary. May ask you is not his denoc-
racy unqucstIoned, his honor unstained, his patriotism proved, and his abil-
Iny granted. Your answer can be none other il you know him, than-Yes,
James X, Nardaman is one democrat who has not asked pay for his services.
No Office has he ever held from which he could draw campaign money to
made for warriors o. "A democratic battle since he reached majority but what
he was found in the thickcst of the fight battling for its principles and
victory. His opposition to popuism, his speeches and writing for silver,
his advocacy of Bryan are all fresh in the minds of the people and will
never be forgotten. He represented his county in the legislature, and for
ability displayed he was honored by his colleagues as their speaker. In
this position he displayed even in youth a great executive ability which was
even recognized by the states democracy when they made him Chairman of
their last State Convention.
As an editor he ranks with the foremost of Missi~ippis journalism.
One who has the courage of his convictions to condemn friend or foe in that
which is hurtful to state, church or society. For not retracting the truth,
trading honor for Office with the high executive of state, he was robbed of
hurt because he could no. fight for state, still he was true to It's cause, his
fire Of patriotism flushed his cheeks and turning to his company he bid them
each to stand true, and, if need be, die by their flag. Only from the
Heart Of a patriot could such words burst forth. Point to one of his oppon-
entS, who, If treated in this manner, would have remained true and left
home and family to uphold its honor as he is doing today yin foreign land.
I here is none, and for this James X. Vardaman is due the vote of every
man who values patriotism and holds his states honor above personal ambi
ton, and its offices above trades. With him as governor, patriotism in an
opponent or friend will be recognized; ability, and not votes or friendship
will b, the qualification for Office, and then Mississippi will regain its purity
and prowess NOW los) among the cluster of sister states. Ambitious, but
above price, a candidate without pledges or demagogey, Il life like the open
book-ready for inspection-a patriot for duty and not for office, a father
loved by family and a citizen by friends, is the character we find in james
X. Nardaman. Victorious Or defeated, as in the past. Mississippi win
have in him a true son, Democracy al able champion and defender, who is
ready by tongue, pen or life to defend its honor and protect it's principles.