The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-12-25

that interests the people of Georgia.
Personal abuse don't answer it, Let
US see.
Speaking OF the charge OF corporate
domination, the Atlanta Journal edi-
torially says: But true in the sense
that the little inner ring, which by
hook and crook has managed to keep
on top so long, is absolutely under
the influence Of such corporate domi-
nation, and is evidently under agree
ment to whip the rank and file of the
popular representatives into line for
the corporations whenever possible"
In the Savannah Press of Dec. q,
in an editorial upon my interview, we
find this language. The facts are,
/ however, about as Mr.. Osborne has
stated them at the opening of the last
Legislature
I believe to-day that Democracy's
sole danger is from the inside-from
the mercenaries who by their acts make
possible to-day division of the white
people of the state as a protest
against their selfish manipulation.
People Will Know All.
rs not the harm incalculable that
attends the presence in party lines of
one who, if public opinion would per-
nit an advertisement of his business,
would send out a card reading like
this:
bill Jones-Mercenary-
Legislative bills drawn, pigeon
holed. amended out of all semblance,
delayed strangled or killed.
Democracy fooled. bam-boozled,
teased, betrayed or steered UP Salt
Greek and left without a paddle.
Either side taken
Political influence bought, sold and
exchanged.
Terms: Annual salary preferred.
but will work by the job"
The thing horrifies when one is
plainspoken. Don't it?
so far this is as far as I have gone
But 1 am prepared to go further. 1
purpose to take the people into my
confidence and reason it out with
them. 1 say now that the question
asked me by Morris relative to the
conference in Mr.. Vests interest is
pertinent and material.
That Midsummer Conference.
but the story never excites inter-
est when you commence I'm the middle
of the book. In a spirit of perfect
fairness to the public, l suggest to Mr..
Morris that we commence at the be-
ginning, and publish the whole story
as a serial.
This story properly commences at
a midsummer conference in the year
1902. Mr.. Morris will doubtless recall
ii very promptly when / remind him
it was the conference which resulted
in the retirement of Mr.. Steed from
the speakership race. and the concen-
tration behind him of the forces that
made his election possible. An in
cident of this conference, l am relia-
bly, informed. was the apportionment
of certain high offices for years thence
next ensuing.
Let us start the story here and 1
assign Mr.. Morris to write the first
chapter. 1 assign him to the task,
because / was not present at the con-
ference. He was. The public is en-
titled to have the story first hand. 1
will then edit his remarks, take it up
where he left off and bring it down
to the present time.
"The first chapter should contain:
First. The names of those present at
the conference if it is deemed advisa-
BILE, but the interests represented will
answer just as well. Second: The
reasons advanced at this conference
why Mitchell should be beaten. Third:
The promises made Mr.. Steed to pro-
cure his retirement. The article
should be written in an open. frank
dignified manner, and be free from
abuse, in order to command respect
and attention.
Make 1t Lingering Death.
81 shall not hurry Mr. Morris in his
literary effort 1 intend to take a
couple of short trips off during the
holidays and will be otherwise engaged
until the middle of next month. So 1
give him until Jan. Is, 1905, to do his
part.
IF he does not do so by that time,
in the full acknowledgement that the
great jury is to pass upon this ques-
tion is entitled to the facts, l shall
myself write the chapter from in
formation that has leaked out. l am
in no hurry for a further reason. 1
don't want the merceIfaries put out of
their misery too quickly. Let the
punishment fit the crime. Make 1t a
lingering death.
TT will be observed that in this in
terview / do not attempt to correct the
many grave inaccuracies which go to
make up Mr.. Morris TRADE of personal
abuse. The sole excuse is that this
interview is already too long. 1 must
not tire nor becloud the issue with
collateral matter.
II am waging an offensive warfare
Mr.. Morris is not strong enough to put
me on the defensive.
II content myself for the present
with the statement that never at any
time have l ever received a penny as
a reward for political influence. This
for my own satisfaction only. With
the recognition that IL does not alb
solve me from my duty to the public
and to myself to answer specifically at
later day.
Truth VIII Leak out.
"Any matter personal to myself is
at present of minor consideration
When the shrill cry OF the sentinel is
heard upon the still night air. warning
the sleepers of the danger that
menaces, it is not necessary
nor is 1t safe to stop and
eye critically the one that warns. II
the danger impends, safety steps are
the first consideration.
For the purposes Of this controver-
sy Il is sufficient. If II be admitted. for
the sake Of the argument that all Nor
ris has said about me be true and all
that has been said about Morris I'm the
/ last year be true. If two such get to
| lighting IL at once becomes interest
| ing 10 the honest country folks, for
| II the adage is true they are near COM
| ing unto their portion. That is all they
/ really care about
Il like Norris comments upon turn
| ing states evidence though there Is
! nothing forceful In his application
| When a stink smells 10 the highest
| heavens, 50 as TO become a common
! nuisance, Il Is not turning states
/ evidence 20 make "a casual comment
! about n, even though II does stir up
4 trouble. am reasonably sure the
/ public VIII observe the first instance
/ Of turning states evidence, when Mr..
Morris gives up the inside OF his con-