Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1910-08-13
NOT TO ASPIRE
AS FACTIONAL LEADER
Assurances of Support
From Both Sides.
Sheppard Said to Have
Brilliant Chance to
Become President of
Senate.

Col ]. E Sheppard returned yes
terday from Buena Vista, to whic !
point he went Immediately upon his
arrival home from his legislative du-
ties
during the afternoon many staunch
supporters of Col. Sheppard in his SEN
aborial race called on him to discuss
the political situation and to assure
him in their active support in the
campaign now drawing to an end
Assurances of support from through
out of the county were waiting Col
Sheppard in the shape of letters from
prominent residents of the various
districts, anr verbal assurances Of
hearty support through mutual friends
Col. Sheppard, while thoroughly
worn out from his legislative duties
expressed himself as delighted with
the strong support that he is assuf-
ed in both the city and the various
country precincts.
In the matter of the working of the
convicts on the streets of Ameri-
GUS" said Col. Sheppard, when this
matter was brought to his attention, 81
desire to say that my positio.. has been
incorrectly given in this matter. l
was neither the drawer of tie bill in
question, nor was | in any way inter-
ested in it. 1t came to me as a COM
plete surprise. The bill was drawn
at the request of the City Council Of
Americus by the city attorney of
Americus, and was sent to atlanta
addressed to Messrs. Griffin and Shep-
pard, with the official request from the
City of Americus that it be introduced
in the house. 1t is always custom
ary to accede to such a request. No
receiving a bill from A
city government, of which he was the
duce a bill, although he would reser We
to himself the right to oppose its pas
sage This bill, as l have said. was
complete surprise to me. Mr. Griffin
was absent, so | introduced it, I'll
was referred to lthe committee on
county and county affairs, of which |
am vice chairman, and there - was
left undisturbed. 1t never came up
1or action, no attempt was made to pat
1t on passage through the house. and
ii it had come up | would have in
formed the house that | regardtE il
as most inopportune time for such
legislation, as the conVicts We're be-
ing utilized to excellent advantage on
the county roads. for the benefit OF
the entire county, and the existing
should not be disturbed
Every country road that is put into
fine shape is direct or indirect bene-
tit to Amercus as well as to the popn-
lation outside of the city, and l see no
reason f5r any change in the handling
of the working force at this time. Il
am satisfied that when my position is
made clear to the voters of both city
and country that they will all apprs-
ciate that | acted properly and with
sound judgment. / could not refuse
to introduce an official bill, sent Of
ficially by the Mayor and Aldermen Of
but that was tie extent of
my action with reference to this pro-
posed measure"
Col. Sheppard was asked for infor-
nation relative TO his prospective race
for the presidency of the senate, IN
the event of his election to that body
1T is true that l am an open can
didate for the presidency of the SEN
ate, replied Col. Sheppard, and with
every prospect of success. The honor
is one that | would appreciate as
much for Sumter county as for myself
1t IS no mean honor to a county to
have its senator presiding officer OF
the senate.
But it is mistake to say that | am
the race in any factional way
The reports sent out from Atlanta to
lthat effect are entirely misleading
am not factional candidate for tbe
presidency of the senate. / have as
surances of active support from prom
1nent Brown men as well as from
prominent Smith men all over the
state. Here in Southwest Georgia
some OF the staunchest Brown men
nave written me or spoken to me as.
surfing me that they will use their
influence in my interest. | have as
from many Brown and Smith
members of the legislature to the same
am not responsible for the
matter that newspape correspon-
dents IN Atlanta send out and desire
to remove any impression that I am
the candidate of faction. If Il am
elected president of the senate as
| confidently expect to be, | will ha
non-partisan presiding officer, keep,
ing in mind the high dignity and honor
OF the office and using it solely wita
The view of promoting the welfare of
the state We all love. That is my
position on that point"
Col. Sheppard expressed himself az
entirely confident that in the primary