Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1909-09-12
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tween Judge Jones and myself I be- lieve l would have been the victor. and since a large per cent of those sup porting Judge Jones two years ago tell. me HOW that they believe eight successive years i'll one of the best paying offices n the State. an office that during that time has paid him nearly one hundred thousand dollars, ought to satisfy him. and that if he runs at this time they will give me their support, feel that can en- ter this contest with every assurance of success.
 l believe that I can concede every thing good that might be said of Judge Jones or urged by his friends in his behalf without taking from myself one single reason why I should not be elected.
 If am unworthy or incompetent, then why not let some other young man who has struggled hard to do something for himself be elected.
 Is Judge Jones the only man in this district that is honest and competent enough to fill this office? Don't you know there are great many lawyers in this district that are just as honest, deserving and competent as either he or I, that would like to have it? Men who need it, men who would serve you just as we'll as he or [; bright, noble and worthy young men who would give you the full service of their life d. ring their term of office.
 But. says some friend of his, they are not running. Do you know why? For two years it has been conceded that ought to and would be candidate again at this time. For months several different lawyers have figured on making the race against me but Judge Jones steps in and says he pro- poses to save the country by keeping an honest man there two years longer (thereby giving him a chance to add to his already accumulated fortune RHom the proceeds of this office twenty or $2o,O0O mOreD of course no third man would enter the race under those elected, so you can see why the race is left up to the two of us unless a third man should be put in the race with the view of dividing the vote so Judge Jones could use the power of his off, ce and be elected by minority of all the votes cast
 was born in this district where I have lived all my life except about ten years during which time I lived in Grant county, tWenty-three miles west of Pine Bluff. I was raised on al farm in the western part of Jefferson county by poor parents. I never had the opportunity to attend college or law school. I have worked hard to obtain for myself what little education have. When I begun the practice of law in Pine Bluff eight years ago I was like any other poor country boy who undertakes to start in any pre- fession, without dollar, without prestige, unknown and without any one to help me except the prayers of a good old Christian mother who pray ed that her boy might succeed.
 How we'll I have succeeded I leave it for those who know me best ard the record of the courts where l have practiced to say. I do not believe any man seriously questions my hoh- esty integrity sobriety or ability to make you good prosecuting attof- ney.
 It has become the practice of pres ent day politics for mans friends to denounce his opponets and circulate all kind of stories upon him, but ' sm seeking this office upon my own mer- it's, if have any, and not upon the demerits of those who oppose me so if the woods should swarm with the cam paign liar, hope my friends will not be found among the number.
 In conclusion I want to say that, if l am elected, I pledge you my sacred word of honor that I will not be a persecutOr, my office will not be run on the basis of making fees only, but that I will give you a conservative, honest and faithful administration. No honest man can ask more. No dis honest man need expect less.
 Again thanking my friends who sup ported me two years ago, and thank ing you in advance for anything you may do or feel disposed to say for me in this race, I ask you to think of this matter seriously, and if you can conscientiously support me I assure | mill ko nc