The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1905-06-08
As TO the Next Governor.

Hon Joseph E. Washington has vir-
tually started his campaign for govern
or of Tennessee.
1t is understood that Middle Tennes-
see, which claims Mr.. Washington as
its son, will, SO far as that section of
the state is concerned, give him an un-
! disputed Endorsement. At least pres
ent indications seem to point that way;
for though there are many able gentle
men living in that division Of the state
who have the governors bee in their
bonnets they have thus far centented
themselves with remaining quiet and
viewing Mr.. Washington's significant
tour of the state with spirit more of
satisfaction than CONSERVATION.
In East and West Tennessee, how
ever, the manifest good will turning
out to greet Mr.. Washington in these
school speeches he is delivering has
kindled a fame in higher political cir
cles. The present governor, John |.
Cox, is from the eastern division. Had
he been elected by the people instead
of stepping into Governor Frazier's
shoes on the occasion of the latter's ell
ovation to the United States Senate,
there is little doubt but that the people
would continne him for the second
term, as he is able, brilliant and re-
sourcefui.
Indeed, it is questionable if any in
fuential Democrat would have disputed
the Office with him if he occupied it for
the first term as the peoples choice.
Having received it by operation of law
others having an ambition in that di-
rection feel that there will be no breach
of precedent nor of political courtesy il
they make Governor Cox establish his
claim by gaining the votes of the peo-
pie. 1t is possible, too, that he will
have some opposition from his own sec
tion, as both Chattanooga and Knox
vile have had candidates in training
and are watching with jealous eye.
However, those whose predictions are
valuable claim that should any com
petitor for the office, other than Gov
ernor Cox, come out of the east he will
last just long enough to be sent back
home with an admonition to stay there
for an indefinite period.
The western division of the state il
training at least three candidates ant
probably more to go up against Coz
and Washington, The popular Mayor
Hugh Anderson of Jackson has of late
secured o following which though a
present is comparatively small, GER
tainly does not lack enthusiastic appre
citation of the man they would like t.
offer to Democracy,
Also in Jackson we find the Hon. b
A. Enloe, who is said to lean some to
:: wards the governors chair. Mr.. En-
loe is strong in every way, aud at pres
ent occupies position on the Tennes
see Railro d. Commission, which per
mits OF many opportunities of becom
ing acquainted with the people of th'
whole state aud gaining their goo>
will
Dire d n might present the CLAIMS 0
the affable and popular Joseph Jones
who laid splendid foundation fer
) campaign in his own behalf whil
: stumping the state last year for Fra
zier.
If West Tennessee expects any of it
citizens to win there is necessity 70
: consolidation on one strong man, bu
unless there is decided change in tn
: sentiment of the people in this seotiol
West Tennessee will follow its usua
: course and permit the governorship t
90 to one or the other divisions of th
! state.
This means that present condition
point to q battle between Washingto
and Cox. The former comprehends th
advantage Governor Cox has in bein
the occupant of the Office, SO he ha
started ont early, making himself use
E full to the schools and thereby winnin
a popularity and an appreciation froI