The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1910-04-19
Vardarnan Calls
Percy's Bluff.

Senator Percy got mad all Of a sud
den the other day and came tearing
down to Mississippi in manner that
resembled a baby cyclone. 1t was
really exciting to note the Percy We
locity on this occasion. No sooner had
he landed in Jackson and let off his
steam before the legislature than he
said in quite an audible tone that he
wanted to take his case before the
people for ''vindication." He said fur
Their that Vardaman had TO either meet
him in joint debate over the state or
else he would camp on the ex-govern-
ors trail and twit him for his cow
ardice.
It seems that Barkis was willin'
The primary will be held in Novem-
Der, and Vardaman appears dee-lighted
at the opportunity to meet Leroy, as
the handsome ex-governor was quick
to pick up the glove thrown at his
feet by his adversary.
Senator Percy was no doubt set
back few links at the suddenness
with which his every bluff was called.
He probably misjudged his man. He
insisted On the very thing that Varda-
man has wanted all the time. But
when Vardaman made a few sugges-
tons as to the date of the primary,
Percy baked. Varlaman thought that
August was late enough for the event
inasmuch as the congressional pri-
maries were to be held in that month.
He thought it useless to have two ex-
pensive primaries when one would do
as well.
Percy insisted that he wouldn't have
time enough to get his maddening
messages before the people in the
short lapse of time between now and
August SO he prayed for November
and his prayer was answered.
When Senator Percy called for that
vote of confidence from the legislature
and subsequently the primary, he evil
IDENTIFY thought that his ruse would
stampede the people into believing
that after all. that fellow Percy must
be on the level, else he wouldn't be So
bold in his attitude" But the trick
didn't work. He bit, and now it is up
to him to unlock himself.
Senator Percy will not agree to re-
sign, in the event of an adverse de-
cision Of the people, until the regular
session Of the legislature following
his defeat. Vardaman told him that
he could see no reason why the SEN
ator should not resign Immediately
following his defeat at the polls, If de-
feated he should be. Percy made an
other blunder when he declined to ac-
cept that condition.
This leaves Mississippians free to
register their choice for senator. They
were swindled out. of this choice by
the late legislature and we may ex-
pect one Of the warmest political cam
paigns in the history Of that state dur
ing the approaching summer. Partisan
lines are drawn tight. OF course all
OF Vardaman's old time strength will
rally to his support, but in addition
there will no doubt be a large per
centage Of voters who have not here
tofore adhered to the Vardaman faith
who will realize that only continued
pressure forced Percy to submit to the
primary plan and these men, we be-
lieve, will vote for Vardaman. This
means, it appears at this distance.
that the ex-governor will be elected
senator by an overwhelming majority
So. here's to you, Jim Vardaman!
We are doting on your clarion voice
to wake the owls in every swamp OF
Mississippi from one end OF your great
state to the other.