The Caucasian., 1910-06-26
JUDGE MUREF'S ADDRESS
To the Democratic Voters of the Fourth
Congressional District.

My Dear Sirs Some months since l
issued a letter, which was published in
the papers, in which | charged Our pres
ent congressman, Mr.. Watkins, with
violating his party pledges and the
Democratic platform by voting with the
Republicans and for Republican meas
ures that were in direct conflict with
party instructions.
Believing that no good Democrat
could endorse his actions, I intimated
that would make the race against him,
provided the Democrats did not think
there was a more available candidate
for the place. Having waited for some
time and no other man having been sug-
gested and having received hearty en-
dorsement from many of the leading
citizens throughout the district, I have
decided to make the race.
I shall not boast of my virtues, but
leave you to judge me from my record,
for it is what we do ard not what we
say that measures the man.
[ represented the parishes of Bossier,
Webster and Bienville for eight years as
district attorney, and the Parish of Cad
do for three years as district judge.
[ shall not call upon outsiders to
vouch for my Democracy, but lay my
record at your feet, as my only witness,
and let you be my judges.
My platform, if elected, will be that
| of my party and my people, and if the
time ever comes when | can not carry
out the mandate of the Democratic
| party, I shall return it with my COM
+ mission, unsullied, to the people who
gave it. l shall not bedraggle it in the
dust and mire of Republicanism, nor
sacrifice its principles upon the altar Of
Special interests" l shall not tear
from it one single plank, or write in ii
one single policy antagonistic to Democ-
racy, nor shall I put up my own opinion
against the combined wisdom of the
party. If it be silent upon any principle
of governmental policy shall be guided
by the leading tenet of Democracy
equal rights to all and special privi
leges to none" | have no fight to make
against any man or class of men, sc
long as they recognize the rights of the
people, but will oppose with all my en-
ergy any measure that seeks to make
the masses of the people pay an unfair
| tribute to the special interest" class nc
matter under what pretext it is sough
to be done
It has been said that poor man car
not be elected to Congress unless the
special interest class are back of him
If this be true, it is SO because the peo
lple allow the special interest" class t.
control and dominate our politics. l be
lieve the time has come when the peopl,
must make strong fight for Democ
racy, which stands for a governmen
for and by the people
While I am poor man, and shal
dOubLISSo@ DC OppoScd dC every step D.
the special interest" class, I have still
an abiding faith in Democracy and tn,
people, and with their help can win.
| | have no private secretary, paid b,
the government, to keep the mails flood
ed with literature in my behalf, nor car
l send you that literature without post
age, but shall have to bear all this ex
pense myself. Therefore, | take thi
method of asking each and every Dem
Iocrat for his vote and support
Being nine parishes in the district,
shall not be able to see in person eacf
voter, but shall make public speeches ii
each parish before the campaign closes
where I hope all will come to hear MI
discuss with my opponent the issue
lof the campaign
/ Soliciting the vote and influence o
each and every Democrat, l am, witt
respect, A. J. MURFF..