The Huttig news., 1910-01-08
To the Voters of Union County:

encouragement of perhaps too many partial friends, have decided to enter the race for county and probate judge. ! From 1865 to 1888 took an active part in public affairs, devoting the best of my life in an effort to defeat the pur- poses of the carpetbagger and the scalla- wag, and the maintainanee of white su- premacy. To accomplish this purpose. which was consumated for all time in l 1888, it was necessary to resort to po- litical methods. which existing conditions alone could justify. Not only the lives and property of the people were in volved, but the very existence Of South ern civilization was at stake There were some good men who didn't approve my course, but they did not realize the danger-others objected because the triumph of the Democratic party was fatal to their aspiration to office. No loyal Southerner ever admitted the moral right of the negro to the ballot nor of the carpetbagger or scallawag to hold office by virtue of negro votes, but the methods necessary to prevent such contingency would be wholly indefensible and inex- ousable under conditions exiting since 1888.
 I The foregoing statement of facts, known to every old citizen. is my only excuse or apology for any part l may have taken in the politics of this county.
 
 But in 1888 the triumph of Democracy was so complet and whit supremacy so firmly established that no other party or faction has had presumption to claim an existence here and every election since has been contest for office, between in dividuals each protesting loyalty to the Democratic party.
 In these contests, have taken no part, because there was no principle in volved- nothing to fight for; and I will say in all oandor that have no purpose or intention of again engaging in politics. The office l now ask at your hands is purely a business proposition and should be held far above politics The county judge is the business manager of the cor porate interests of the county, and his selection should be determined alone by the good old Jeffersonian test: '1s he capable; is he honest?'
 So much have thought it was just and fair to say of the past; now for my req sons for asking you to again honor me with office after living so long in retire ment
 We'll, it is largely matter of pride-I love these people with whom, or their an cestors, have been intimately associated since my earliest recollection, and their endorsement would be most gratifying and the crowning glory of a long life. Again, the whole South is taking on new life, and making start in the di- rection of progress and material develop ment, which hoped for and expected s5 like to share the glory and prosperity of my country, as did it's humiliation and distress.
 The agricultural interests, the basis of I all wealth and well being of any country is just entering upon new era. In di- versfcation of crops and the adoption of improved implements and methods of of farming. made necessary by the change in labor conditions, and made practicable by our transportation facilities, every in dustrious farmer can now succeed, where those who foresaw the future. but mis- judged the time, made failures. As am too old to take an active part in practi- cal demonstration of the possibilities of the impending prosperity of our country. want to keep in close touch with the till CTS of the soil, for with these have al ways been identified. and in full sym pathy. and there is no official position so inseparably associated with the interest and welfare of the masses, as that of county judge.
 Another reason. and my critics may say the controlling one, in making this announcement, is the salary involved.
 We'll, like the vast majority of those who attempted to raise cotton under con ditions which have existed since the war failed. Show me one that succeeded. We attempted the impossible. 1 am blessed with but scant supply of this worlds goods, but am not a pauper or an object of charity; l am rich beyond my years in vitality ard physical vigor, and in the disposition and ability to work, and am worth my board and clothes to any farmer: hence have no fear of starving and above all and the surest guarantee to the people of honest service, am un- der no obligation, whether pecuniary or political to any man or set of men in Union county, hence will be free from prejudice or selfish interest, however much my judgment may be at fault But think the salary would contrbuts large ly to my comfort, and must say without it, would not undertake the duties and