The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1906-09-20
II. Clay Evans the Enemy of the Veteran
Pensioners of lS6l-65.

II. Clay Evans the Enemy of the Veteran
Pensioners of lS6l-65.
To the Commercial Appeal:
Having served three years in the
army under Gems. Grant and Sher-
man, feel l privileged to offer word Of
advice to the G. A. r. veterans of the
grand commonwealth of Tennessee at
this particular time.
Ex-Commissioner of Pensions H.
Clay Evans has been nominated by the
republican machine as their candidate
for governor, to be voted for at the ap.
preaching election.
H. Clay Evans, while commissioner
of pensions, formulated and put in
force precedents absolutely rendering
the liberal pension laws dead letter.
His administration was notorious for
the number of rejections that virtually
disbarred the applicants for all future
time. In fact, his official unfairness
became to be 80 notorious that the ma
tional G. A. r. during itssession at
Washington City demanded his re-
moval, which was complied with. AT
this juncture the president, to show
his contempt for the veterans of 1861
65, appointed H, Clay Evans TO one of
the most lucrative positions in the con-
sulate service.
II. Clay Evans, as a dispenser of fed
eral patronage, has proven a success,
but as a friend of the masses, never.
In his official capacity what did he ever
do to merit your respect, much less
your suffrage? But as an official he
has formulated rules that have de-
prived thousands of honorably dis
charged soldiers in Tennessee of their
rights under existing laws. He seemed
to give his entire attention to schemes
whereby he could turn down appli-
cants When did Ii. Clay Evans ever
promulgate precedent in the inter
ests of the private soldier? He is not
guilty. He is a sharp, shrewd politi-
clan and demagogue, in touch with the
present administration.
Comrades, you know that II. Clay
Evans is and always has been a repub-
lican for revenue only. Just pay par
ticular attention to the big 81" in his
speeches, and that autocratic shake of
the head when on the public rostrom.
Before voting for H. Clay Evans to
fill the governors Office of the grand
commonwealth of Tennessee thinks of
the hundreds of worthy comrades who
devoted their young manhood to the
service of their country, who are de-
prived of all pensionable rights,
through the premeditated preoedents
put in operation by this same Fl. Clay
Evans. Rather than honor such man
man with your suffrage sulk in your
tents, do not vote at all, or vote for
good man, if possible, on the demo
cratic ticket. Vote to drive such un.
scrupulpus, cold -blooded demagogues
from their imaginary thrones of power.
He was your enemy when pesion COM
missioner, nor will he be your friend
as the governor of your grand state.
H. Clay Evans rulings when com
missioner of pensions is the direct
cause of hundreds of your honorable
aud n eritorious old comrades spend
ing their last years upon earth in the
almshouses of their respective coun-
ties. This is not only true of Tennes-
see, but other southern states.
A vote for H. Clay Evans is a vote
against your best interests. Excepting
the present incumbent H. Clay Evans
is the bitterest enemy of the private
soldier that has ever ofliciated as com
missihner of pensions, as his record of
reflections will convince the most skep-
tical.
am against H. Clay Evans because
l believe him to be an enemy of the
common people. Point out one in
stance of where he, in all his career,
ever befriended the common people.
His mission in political life has been
for revenue only, as every citizen Of
Tennessee who cares to inform him
self knows. He is a stiff necked au
tocrat, ever ready to formulate rules
in defiance Of existing laws, whereby
the private citizen is worsted.
Comrades, when you go to the poll'
do your duty and relegate H. Clay
Evans to private life. Show your dis
gust of his questionable official meth
ods and stand up for your right
among men. The fact of Fl. Ola,
Evans being pet of the president doe