The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1899-09-13

performance in sackcloth and ashes,
and without any feasting on fatted
calves or decorating with golden rings.
1t might be advisable in some eommu-
mites to present the prodigal with a
precious medal, wrought in the proper
ton of 16 to l, as a token of identity
and guaranty of future good behavior.
But for heavens sake let the brethren
come if they want to.
There is one other thing we have
heard about this discord here which is
OF grave import, if it be true. The
opinion prevails to a large extent in
other States that the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad Company is having
much to do with this controversy here.
and that it is in a large measure re-
sponsible for it. As to the truth Of this
neither affirm nor deny, for do not
know the truth. 1 am opposed to reck-
less or in-a1vised assaults upon legiti-
mately invested interests, great or
small, individual or corporate. l be-
lieve in properly protecting and en-
cOuraging great enterprises which tend
to develop and advance the State.
believe the people of Kentucky feel
that way, and that the Democratic par
ty of Kentucky feels that way. / do
not believe that any legitimate interest
in this State would be imperiled by the
success of the Democratic ticket.
Whenever great corporations under
take to control party or public affairs
it is nearly always done either to obtain
or TO perpetuate some unfair advan-
tage. If corporations ask only for what
is manifestly right they can get it in
any State of the Union without resort
ing to extraordinary expedients or
doubtful means to obtain it, Great cor
porations have no business to NEEDLE
in the politics of State. Whenever
they do they menace the public veal.
No greater misfortune could befall a
State than to have it under the heel
of railroad corporation. Therefore, I
say if it be true that the Louisville and
Nashville Company is taking the part
it is reported to be taking in this con-
test the people of Kentucky should re-
buke it in a way to be remembered for
years.
have heard about other things con-
nected with your contest here, but 1
pass them by. ] do not regard them as
of great importance, and did not come
to discuss your local issues. 1 merely
advert to them: L do not attempt to
discuss them. 1 come to implore the
Democrats of Kentucky to elect the
Democratic ticket and thereby give
cheer and hope to the party in every
State; and l come to imploTe you to
elect Democratic Legislature that it
may send that prince of Kentucky gen.
tlemen, the Bayard of Kentucky, gall
liant Joe blackburn, back to the Senate
of the United States. When your
State convention nominated Mr..
Blackburn for the Senate we Missouri
Democrats were willing to forgive every
other possible convention sin, whether
of commission or omission, for that
one deed of Righteousness. We stand
in woefuI need of a Kentucky Demo
crat in the Federal Senate and public
sentiment outside Kentucky concurs
with public sentiment inside the State,
that time will move with leaden step un-
til that happy day shall come when
Blackburn's voice shall ring again in
the Senate chamber in bold defiance of
wrong and in eloquent advocacy of the
right.