The daily sentinel., 1909-03-19
IEy Associ1tod Press. /

COopeT-Sndil u hiidis Just com pleleu,
has been one OF the most remarkable
murder cases in the history of the
South, not only because of the promf-
nence of the principals in the tragedy,
but because of the reasons that led to
the killing.
Colonel Duncan b. Cooper, form
er officer in the Confederate army
under Forrest and a man very promi-
nent in democratic state politics, once
lived at Columbia, Tenn. In that
town also resided Edward Ward Car
mack, a young lawyer who also did
some newspaper work Cooper
bought the Nashville American and
induced Carmack to come to Nash
Vile as its editor. Whether the men
ever were in thorough accord, is a
disputed point. Carmack's friends
say not. Colonel Cooper swore on
the stand thai they we're close friends
until Governor Taylor opposed Car
mack for reelection to the senate.
This fight was long and bitter. A
feature of it was series Of joint de
bates and Carmack lost. Cooper sup
ported Taylor, but Robin, the boy
who killed the senator, supported the
latter.
Malcolm r. Patterson was COVER
nor of the state at the time of the
Carmack-Taylor fight, and he an
nounted his candidacy for reelection.
Carmack, just beaten for the senate,
was urged into the race for governor
against Patterson. This was last June
and the fight between the men for
the democratic nomination was the
most spectacular ever seen in Ten
nessee. Again, joint debates We're
arranged and again the feeling be
tween the factions grew very bitter.
In these debates, Cooper charged that
Carmac1 assailed the colonels good
name. Cooper was an ardent Patter-
son man--the governor on the stand
described him as my closest per-
sonal and political adviser" Again.
Carmack lost, and, a month before
the election, became editor of the
Nashville Tennessean. He had made
the race ON the prohibition platform,
and while he did not get the nomina-
ton. he did secure enough repre-
sentatives to assure the passage of
the so-called state wide liquor bill
In the meantime, Governor Pat
terson and former Governor Cox,
once deadly enemies. We're reconciled.
The Tennessean charged that Colonel
Cooper brought this reconciliation
about. and referred to it in a humor-
GUS and sarcastic vein in it's editorial
columns. Carmack also intimated
that, to save Governor Patterson, the
democratic leaders were preparing to
trade Bryan for the governorship.
Colonel Cooper was chatting under
the comment. and becoming more in-
censed every day. On Sunday. No
vember 8, the day before the killing,
the following editorial appeared in
the Tennessean;
Across. The Muddy CIasm."
I'VE trust there viii be no unseem-
ly ribaldry on the part OF the base
vulgar concerning the happy reunion
of long sundered hearts which was
accomplished in the joyous recon-
ciliation of His E,xcellency. Hon. NJ.
r. Patterson and His -Excellency,
Hon John Isaac Cox All honor to
mat noble spirit, Major Duncan
Brown Cooper who wrought this
happy reunion of congenial and con
fluxible spirits separated by evil fates
although both for each other. All
honor to Major Dune and may the
blessings of the Peacemaker be upon
him. May he be heir to all the
beatitudes and especially to the
blessing reserved for those who hun
ger and thirst after righteousness.
And there goes also a blessing to His
EXcellency--fo as he has been mer-
CIiul 10 COX, so snail ne OBTAIN mercy.
but the choicest blessings as is
right and proper, are for Governor
Cox himself. For if there be any re-
ward for meekness, and any for en-
during persecution for righteousness
sake. he shall inherit the earth and
his is the kingdom of heaven. Yet
such is the meekness of his spirit
that we doubt not that Governor Cox
would be entirely comforted with the
meek mans reward.
IF we pause here briefly to review
the unhappy differences that have
armed these valiant souls against
each other it is for no purpose of
renewing the strife, but rather Of
emphasizing by contract, the felicity
Of the present situation. II will
serve also, to bring ont in bold relief
the gracious spirit which enables
Governor Patterson to 'condescend to
men of low estate, lift up where he
has trampled down and lay poultice
of warm words upon the reputation
he has so fearfully bruised. 1t will
teach also those who most unjustly
have regarded Governor Cox as a man
of proud and naughty spirit, that he
Is in fact a man of modest stiffness
and humility. one who can forget
injuries the most grievous. forgive
insults the most fragrant, indure ev-
cry assault upon his honor and good
name without resentment, and, in