The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1908-04-24
GARMACK WILL
CARRY HAMILTON
Erik IS BELIEVE DECLARATION
~ STATEWIDE PRoHI5l-
- TON TURNED TIDE.
GREATEST DEBATE IN ID CADES
vas That at Chattanooga And Both
sides Claim To Have Won
Advantage.
q. !. FINNEY.)
star Correspondence.

STAFF Correspondence.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, April IL
Nbt in The history Of the Democratic
party: certainly not since the days Of
Harris and Hatton, has there occurred
a greater debate upon the hustings of
this state than took place last night
at the Auditorium in this city. Parti-
sans Of both candidates, like partisan
politicians usually do, claim that it was
a one-sided affair. Patterson's office
holding brigade used from long prac-
tice TO shout his praises, with or with
out excuse, declared that he complete
lv demolished Carmack. On the other
hand some of the too enthusiastic
friends of the Senator expressed the
opinion that Patterson's effort was
complete failure. But as matter OF
fact both of the contestants IN this
great forensic encounter, conducted
themselves we'll and the debate re-
fleets credit upon them, upon the party
and upon 1euH6SSSS'
Nevertheless there is no denying the
fact that Carmack had decided al
vantage. His arraignment of Patter-
sons administration was powerful,
more than that it was convincing, and
further it's greatest force lay in the
fact that the Governor confessed him
self unable. without further prepara-
ton, to meet the issues, which 1t
raised Carmack demonstrated be-
yond question every proposition that
he stated, for none can deny that the
Governor made a very effective and
very plausible reply to this allega-
ton.
But upon the questions of the ma
chine: the power and patronage OF
the Governors office; Patterson's fail
ure to redeem his pledges to reform
the election laws and take from the
Governor all control over the election
machinery of the State; his absolute
indifference to his solemn pledge to
abolish back assessments and back
tax collectors, Carmack made out a
case that will challenge all of the re-
sources of the Governor to defend.
AS a matter of fact to not one of
these very damaging indictments OF
his administration did the Governor
pretend to enter any substantial plea.
More than to pay tribute to the class
OF men be had appointed as election
commissioners and to attempt to shift
responsibility to the legislature for
the enactment of a law, the very
terms of which he had outlined to that
body in a special message, the Cover
nor made no effort to defend the
charge that he had been false to his
pledge concerning reform of the cleo
ton laws. He did not deign to touch
the revenue act or attempt defense
of the auditors bill, perhaps because
that measure could not be defended
even before the most partisan audience
of the Governor.
The debate was conducted upon the
very highest plane, fact that should !
be gratifying to all lovers of the Dem |
ocratic party and all patriotic Tennes-
scans. At times the candidates were /
severe and caustic, but not once did |
either transgress one iota the law OF !
parliamentary debate between gentle
men. Both proved that they could
give and take and neither of them are
thin skinned. However. Carmack
showed less acrimony under the lash
lngs of his opponent than Patterson
displayed after the severe arraignment
tn which he had been subjected. But
this might not be a fair test. Car.
mack was altogether on the offensive
while Patterson had to defend every
act Of his administration, or at least
he. appeared to assume that acts which
had not even been attacked would be.
But the best feature of the occasion
was the audience. 1t was a magnlh-
cent and truly inspiring audience OF
5000 of the best manhood of this sec
tinn aud not less than two-thirdS or