The Columbus weekly dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 1902-1905, 1903-08-27
Allen For vardaman.

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You know [ am entirely out
of politics. 1 claim to be the
only thoroughly reformed and
completely sanctified politician in
the State | see, however, most
of our great men and distinguish
ed leaders are declaring them
selves, and as I do not yield to
any one, not even Bishop Gallo
way, in patriotic concern for the
welfare of my State and country,
[ do not object to making known
my position on this contest that
is now absorbing so much atten-
tion in our State.
In the first primary l voted
for Capt. Noel, in the next it IS
my purpose to vote for Maj. Var
deman, nor do I object to giving
some of the reasons that impel
me in this course. [ admire Maj.
Vardaman for his ability. integ-
rity and manly and courageous
independence. [ do not agree
with him on all questions and
would have been glad if his cam
paign had been on somewhat diff
ferent lines, He has, however,
many of the essential qualities
which | think are needed by the
governor Of Mississippi at this
time. [ feel sure he would ad-
misister the affairs of the State
for the best interests of all our
people, who are only interested
in good government.
I find none of the men who
have profile by the questionable
methods of past administrations
supporting him. So far as l
know. the bOodlers are all againt
him. In none of the caucuses of
the ring has his name been con-
sidered. He is not favored by
them because they think he would
not favor them. The considera-
ton. however, that has most af-
fected my choice between him
and his opponent, Judge Critz, is
the charge that Judge Critz has
in this campaign expended much
more money than is required for
what [ consider legitimate cam
paign expenses.
I heard Capt. Noel, in his
speech at this place, say he knew
of no greater political calamity
that could befall this State than
to have it understood that to con-
duct a successful candidacy for
the high office Of governor one
must have the use of a large cam
paign fund he then went into
the details and figures, and show
ed that Judge Critz was expend-
ing more money than any man
could afford to eXpend, looking to
the legitimate salary of the Office,
and that the election of Judge
Critz by these methods would be
equivalent to service of notice by
the voters of the State that no
poor man need apply. I was
much impressed with this part of
Mr.. Noel's speech, for it accord
ed perfectly with my own idea.
I know of no more corrupting,
debauching political process than
the illegitimate use of money in
elections. I think it is today the
greatest menace to our free re
publican institutions and our
election system. [ have always
been against it and shall continue
my warfare against it and those
who practice it, no matter who
they chance to be. | read a short
time ago a letter from the bood-
ling lieutenant-governor of Mis-
souri, (who was driven in disgrace
from the Office he held to noted
lobbyist and corruPtionist, ask
ing d large contribution to his
campaign fund in his candidacy
for governor. He closed the let
ter by saying: There are ways
this can be paid back the first
year if [ am elected. l just in
stance this to show the vicious
ness of the. system. If the can
didate has not the money of his
own, or is not willing to spend
his own money, there are always
other interests that would like to
put up the money to elect a gov
ernor, knowing there are ways it
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