Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-28
Invites State Senate to Probe Calum.
MES Against Him.
WILLING FOR LEGAL ACTION
Expected That Governor Will Be
Called to Testify for Defense at
Trial-His Inaugural Address.

Malcolm X. Patterson, on the occasion
of his second inaugural yesterday, said
to the people that he stood at the throne
Of God asking for their faith and that
they should render judgment as TO
whether he directly or remotely econspired
to encompass the death of Senator Car
mack, for whose Staying three of his
friends are on trial for their lives.
Gov. Patterson has astounded the state
by referring to the Carmack tragedy
as he did. and it Is the opinion here
tina. he cannot help becoming witness
in the trial of Col. Duncan Cooper.
Robin Cooper and John d. Sharp, and
in their. defense. for 1t is known that
the prosecution will not subpoena him.
Before taking the oath that is neces-
sary to complete the will of the people,
said Gov. Patterson, II feel that the time
and duty is upon to take an account
of conditions in Tennessee, and without
rancor or bitterness set ourselves to the
task of Improvement and adjustment.
Dissension in Tennessee.
Our state is passing through the shad-
ows; her people are divided and we have
fallen into the habit of distrust suspicion
and accusation.
There is nothing proper / would not
do to relieve this situation; there is
nothing l have done to bring 1t about,
unless it has been my success ana the
honest, open service l have tried to rem
der in return for the commence Oh the
people.
But I am conscious that throughout
the state men have repeated ISLANDERS:
that some newspapers nave circulated
cruel and false charges. and have even
gone So far as to connect me with
;oh 7 than
many who have sought to make out OIL
it political asset, and to use 1T as a
motive and incentive for unWlse, un :
democratic and destructive legislation.
$50 far as the injustice of this re-
lates to me as an individual, or the pam
it ruthlessly and mercilessly inf1icts.
it is of no concern to the public. Dut
as governor the people of Tennessee
have right to have the office respected
and my service in an official capacity
not IMPAIRED by false and repeated ac-
cuSations.
But, beyond all else. they are en-
titled to know the truth
If as an official / have been guilty
of conscious delinquency. am un-
worthy of public trust, and the people
have given me an office which I should
not hold and of which I should be de-
prived.
IF in any way. directly or remotely,
l have sought to encompass the death
of fellowman. am deserving of every
stigma that gentlemen may place upon
me- of every indignity and punishment
which law and society can infiict, for l
| am the governor of the state clothed
with the power to pardon, and the
| charge therefore involves the basest
and blacklist turpitude.
Silence Misconstructed.
My silence under load of calumny
seems to have been misconstrued and
has been taken by some as an en-
couragement to further assaults.
| Il have believed these charges were
confined to a few whose obscurity was
their cover. and who could find a promi-
hence in attacking a public man to
which neither their hearts nor minds
| would ordinarily entitle them.
Il believe now that the ma jority of
| the people be they friend or foe, do not
| credit them but l am unwilling for ac-
cusations which are repeated and per-
sisted in to remain undenied and unchal-
| lenged.
My course is taken after reflection
and with firm conviction that I owe
| a duty to myself my family and the
state. make the issue in the only way
| / can, and / now invite any legal action
in the courts. or in the senate sitting as
| a court of impeachment. to determine
the truth or falsity of any charge that
would render me unfit to be the Gov
ernor Of Tennessee.
| If the charges are not preferred or.
| if they are and fail, I believe 1 am en-
titled to ask. for the peace and honor
OF the state and in the name Of de-
cency, that this reckless defama ton
shall cease.
Whether it does or not, as the Gov
| ernor Of Tennessee I will pursue the
even tenor of my way undismayed by
the froth Of passion. undeterred by the
assaults Of towards and calumniators.
| ITO the people alone / am responsible,
and their justice in this evil hour is the
anchor of hope. the refuge from danger.
! the FURNISHED shield which turns the
pointed arrows from their mark
ITO their service / dedicate the next
| two years of my life. and at the throne
| of God l ask for the faith which makes
men strong, for the consistency which
| makeh them true. for the love which
brings charity for all and healing on
the wings of peace"