The Van Buren press., 1901-11-30
Fiat Contradiction Of o SANDER.


From the Little Rock Democrat.
When Governor Davis made the
charge against Senator Jones that be
had wronged his ward many years ago
In q financial transaction, he injured
himself more than anyone else and
placed himself In an attitude to be fatty
contysdicted by the parties alleged to
have been injured. The result OF cor
respoudencs published today shows him
MP rs standing sponsor for . charge
which is wholly rspudisted BY one OF
the parties to whom he evidently re-
ferred. 1t must be humiliating to eve
ry good citizen who has Q reasonable
amount of state pride to have the chief
executive placed in such an unenviable
attitude, but since he Is the only man
who has descended to such depths 10
political campaign which otherwise
might have been kept clear OF such un'
Just accusations It will be conceded that
he alone Is responsible and must bear
the odium. The communication re-
ferred to will be found In another COL
umn, and is letter addressed to Senator
Jas. X. Jones from Malvern by Maj
Sam W. Smith Of that town, who mar
ried Sallie D. Eaton, ward Of Senator
Jones, and whose alleged sufferings at
his hands 80 aroused Governor Davis
indignation. Major Smith not only re.
sents the charges against the honor and
integrity Of Senator Jones but expresses
the belief that the governor has dishon-
ored the state by having descended to
such depths as he has reached In this
contest. 1t was generally believed when
Davis made u personal assault on Sena.
tor Jones that his action would prove a
veritable boomerang, and the first pub
lie evidence of this fact Is made tangible
In this communication today.
For the information Of the public we
will state that Major Smith WAS major
OF the Third Arkansas regiment, Con
federate Army, that he married Miss
Eaton shortly after the war, and that
they now live at Malvern. He Is cit
lien of high standing and Is perfectly
responsible for any utterance he makes.
The communication appears to partake
somewhat Of 4 personal nature, but the
publication is with the consent Of the
writer. The governor may threaten
him with his now celebrated shotgun,
but we hardly think 80. Since Major
Smith Ia the husband and lawful pro-
tector Of one Of the wards whose fsnci'
ful injuries Governor Davis has prated
about, II will be In order for the gov
ernor to reconsider his method OF at
tack. The communication Ia Of 80 much
interest that we append 1t herewith. 1t
"a addressed TO Senator Jones and 10 ~
follows:
Malvern. Ark. Nov. 10, 1901.
Dear JIM regret very much the
attitude that Governor Davis has taken
in the campaign between you and Clarke
and exceedingly bis manner Of attack on
you. Think he has injured himself and
dishonored the state by having done 80.
His interference In the canvass was en-.
tirely uncallsd for. His methods In his
attacks on you are fWr beneath what the
people would expect FROM one they have
40 honored by election TO the high and
honorable position he now holds. !
think he should NOT have meddled In the
matter anyway. II seems that he can
nnd nothing Ia your public life to asssil
you Tor but goes back TO some individ.
nal transaction Of years ago that should
not be brought up vt all and ID endesv'
oring to prejudice the people against
you In that way. IT'S too small, low
and MEAN, and especially 90 since u
was entirely our matter (mine, my
wife's and youn) and has long since
been adjusted to the entire satisfaction
OF all concerned, can but condemn
Governor DIS conduct In the
strongest terms, and 10 your 3ustidca.
tion will state that all matters between
me and you and wife ~ 10 your guard.
janship and estate have been long since
settled to our entire satisfaction and
that we are both strong friends TO you
In your present campaign, and trust you
may be elected by 40 overwhelming
majority. Come by when you can
win DO glad TO see You or any Of your
folks. All well. Love to all.
Yours very truly,
20 W HMITU ~