The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-09-21
HON. M. R. PATTERSON
OPENS HIS CAMPAIGN
Speaks To A Large Audience At The Ven
dome Theater In Nashville.

good. II elected I shall make no dis.
tinction between Democrats who were
for me or against me in the contest
Tor nomination. Any Democrat had
the right to oppose me then, no Demo
crat has the right to oppose me now.
There is not the semblance of unkind
thought no desire for retaliation, none
to prescribe those who did not sup
port me. My sincere desire is to har-
monte differences. to wage an aggres-
sive and effective warfare against Re-
publicanism, and to build up party
of high purpose and lofty ideals in
the State, which will stand for the
good Of all and the harm of none.
Conscious of my own purpose, l
would be less true to the party that
has honored me and who ought to con-
troll the destinies of this state, if I did
not say that it will control unless
! there be. treason in our own ranks.
Speaking now in my representative
capacity, | want the support of every
loyal Democrat in Tennessee, but if
any are disloyal, / ask them in the
name of the. party, to withhold the
stab in secret, and come from cover
to the open, where they may be seen
and known. They have. the right to
oppose me, but not in the guise of
Democrats.
The Democratic Platform.
THE platform of principles which
the Democratic party adopted in the
convention contains its solemn pledges
for better government. 1t is wise,
progressive, and meets the just ex-
pectations of the people. 1t contains
no idle platitude, no Wanting promise
made in insincerity, for it is the sol
emn obligation of a dominant party
which has been clothed with power by
the people, and expects in the future,
as in the past, to have the RESPONSE
bility of legislation.
IF abuses have existed in the state,
If there are evils to be corrected, and
these exist in some form and in every
state, the purpose of the Democratic
party is to undertake the task of COR
rection and bring relief to the people. !
If the Republican candidate for COVER
nor should undertake to comment on
criticisms ] made as candidate for
the nomination, upon abuses which
were attacked and reforms which were
urged, he will have the disconsolation
of knowing that the Democratic party I
has proposed to set its own household
in order, and has gone about 1t without
the aid of Mr.. Evans, and without the
consent of the party he represents.
He will further know that the Demo
cratic party of Tennessee is progress I,
sive and not subservient, that it en-
free thought and speech, that
it has virility and honesty, and that
the people who give 1t allegiance in
great part own the values, pay the
taxes, build the churches, maintain
The schools and represent thre-fourths
If the wealth and intelligence of the
state. And he will further understand
hat whatever mistakes have been
made, the Democratic masses do not
propose as an expiation of any sin of
or commission to make the
lnholy and vicarious sacrifice of elect
ng Mr.. Evans as the governor OF Ten
lessee. If it ever becomes necessary
or the party to repent, it will bring
orth fruit meet for repentace at it's
,wn altar, by it's own fireside, and the
services of the high priest of Republi-
,ans will neither be expected nor need
ID for complete absolution.
within the limits of reasonable
discussion can not do more than men,
ion with approval those declarations
# the platform relating to the reduc-
ion of useless Offices, game and forest
avs, insurance laws, and free trans
to public officials. They de-
erve and will receive consideration
t another time.
Tax Laws-5ack Assessments.
''The Democratic party in its plat
orm stands committed on another !
ubject of vast importance and a care
ully considered general tax law
hould be worked out with burdens
orne as nearly equal as it is possible
o impose them, and sufficient to meet
II the expenses of the state.
Such bill ought to be introduced
arly in the session of the next gen. |
raj assembly and not delayed until
he closing hours of the session, as
he practice has sometimes been in
be past.
Every taxpayer in the state should