The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1907-11-21
70 the Editor of The American:

uCIO bAO many WuO WOuiu iAAo w
know why it is necessary, just now,
to create divisions of merely personal
character in the democratic party of
Tennessee. Slight reference to past
divisions will show that it is perilous
matter, even when there are questions
of grave Importance about which men
may honestly differ.
When, apparently, and as all men
can see, there is no overwhelming
question for Tennessee democrats to
differ about, it is next to criminal to
bring mere personal disputes and am
bitions into play, for the division OF a
party which has had, already, to con-
tend with the world, the flesh and the
devil, and certainly is not in condition
to be overloaded.
In 1896, Governor, now Senator Rob
ert l.. Taylor, was called back to Ten
nessee against his will, contrary to his
own views of his personal fortunes.
He was accumulating money by his
lectures. He yielded to an perative
call of his party friends. That he sac
riticed the "chief end of man," accord
ing to the prevailing place accorded
money in the current catechism every
bedy knows.
Ia 1898, Governor McMillin, ac-
knowledged leader of his party in
the United States House Of Represen-
tatives, against his will, contrary to
his own. views OF what was best for
himself and his career, allowed him
self to be dragged back to Tennessee,
as a candidate for governor. The vote
showed that it was well he did.
The public has allowed that Senator
Taylor was entitled to some considera'
ton for the patent and recognized sac
rifce he made II elected him senator
over the brilliant Carmack.
= 1t did not allow the same considera
ton in Governor McMilin's case, fol
reasons, at the time sufficient. The
brilliant Carmack came in with hi
went ch'dubbs" argument, which wai
sufficient; and it was right. No mar
should for one Office for the purpose O
having another. At least that is true
except that man may run for governor
with view to be ultimately senator
but he must serve out his proper tern
of service before he can have the gilt
tering prize beyond.
There are those who have not hearC
of any particular sacrifice Mr.. Carmacl
has made for party, whose history il
Tennessee is certainly one to commanC
respect.
Indeed, there are those who have no
heard ut all of Mr.. Carmack's service
to his party Iu the newspaper he in
ented the term "Taum" as applied t
poor cid Tom Baker; and the term "Je
hazy" as applied to poor old Nc Dow
ell, aud used both to the limit. II
made one great speech in the House, i
defense of his own seat i'll Congress
He made another stronge and abl
speech upon the tariff as proposed to b
applied in cuba.
= In the main, with abilities above an
beyond that, Mr. Carmack has used hi
brilliancy and ability to say bright
bitter, sarcastic things, which ever
mau applauds and few approve.
Brilliant Mr.. Carmack certainlG is
there are few men with whom on
would rather spend an hour. His recor
of service to his party is not more tina
has been stated.
Why should Mr.. Carmack come fol
ward Just at this time, when the Den
ocratic party of Tennessee and that
the whole country are certainly sin
> hard row of stumps," to put his merl
personal ambition ''in the pot" for O
up boiling that can neither do II
Y State, my good?
Worse tnan that, it is not even 70
warding his personal aims. Close il
= quiry has not developed that Mr.. Ga
~ mack's close friends have urged him
this rash step. Inquiry has made
certain that. at least, the wisest
them deeply regret the taking OF Il
step. The leaders of the defunct 9,
II faction, of the coterie of clark horse
aud their adherents, and of the Mel
phis faction which is opposed to Go
Patterson, went for months in unava
J. ing search of candidate. 1t to the
urgent and clamorous appeals for
paw, some paw, any paw, to"pull Z
chestnuts out of fire" that he has i
tened with too credent an ear. H
candidacy is not due to his friends.
that is true, and it can not be deni
that 1t Is true, he has maze mistai
which has been said to be worse thar
crime.
It can be understood that the Me
phis faction, or clique, needs an expo
ls' ent aud head. Itis vel! known Il
the curiosly Statewide Cox tactic
composed of the machine that Mr.. c
had built in a night, like the chou
IN, that Jack built" backed and streng
es ened by certain dark horses, sous
long and earnestly for head.
:. The surprising thing is that Mr.. O
mack, who has made National repu
ton for brilliant and sarcsstis speeC