The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-10-07
Harmony Convention Names
"0ur Bob For Governor
NOT AN ISSUE
Platform Asserts That Controlling Issue
Is Tint Tennessee Shall Not BE
Turned Over to a Boss
Ruled Machine

Nashville, Tenn, October 6.-United
States Senator Robert L. Taylor was
tonight nominated for governor by the
regular democratic convention, although
his senatorial term does not expire until
1912. No other name was presented to
the convention, the demand being for
Taylor, and no one else. Senator Taylor
at p. m. appeared In the convention
hall and, after an ovation, accepted the
nomination.
Several men were named for railroad
commissioner for west Tennessee, but all
declined, and final action as to this office
was deferred until after the candidate
for governor had been chosen.
In the main the convention, which was
largely attended, was harmonious
throughout though there was a little
breeze when Senator Toilet endeavored
to have the platform amended as to the
liquor question.
The Toilet amendment provided for a
reference of the liquor question to vote
of the people, but the amendment was
finally voted down, the platform being
adopted as originally drawn the temper
ance plank reading as follows:
The democratic party has at all times
been the consistent friend of temperance
reform In Tennessee and other southern
states. All progressive legislation on the
subject has been enacted by the demo-
cratic party. But it is an economic and
moral question. 1t cannot rightfully and
should not. as matter Of fact, be made
the football of political expediency. not
allowed to become a party question
There is no place in theory, as there Is
none in practice. for a division along
party lines on this question.
Men in all parties differ widely as to
the means to be adopted and the course
to be pursued In advancing this cause.
1t is a question which must and should
be settled by the members of the legis-
latures and by the voters of Tennessee
in their selection and election.
I'VE, therefore, declare that the tenn
perance question should not be an issue
in a gubernatorial campaign"
Continuing, the platform declares:
1.-THE great controlling issue In this
is whether Tennessee shall be
turned over to boss-rtled. republican
machine in bargain by which the pub
lie offices OF this state are sought to
be treated as merchandise for barter and
sale between politicians and party bosses.
The repudiation of this humiliating at
tempt to barter away the honor of the
state is the first duty of every patriotic
Tennessean.
I'VE favor and demand the enforce
ment of all laws that are, or may here
after be. placed upon the statute books
Of Tennessee on all questions.
Trusts are condemned; the declaration
of the republican state platform in favor
of Confederate pensions is declared an
acknowledgment that the republicans
thus confess that the Confederates were
not traitors, and that the war was not
a rebellion. A parole system for con-
victs Is favored. The platform Is mainly
devoted to state affairs.
NJ G. Robertson. former state chair
man, and w. o. Vertrees, chairman of
the recent independent state convention,
called the convention to order Jointly. and
Joe " Williams, who was chairman Of
the independent judicial convention in
May, was temporary chairman. K. d..
McKellar of Memphis was permanent
chairman.
new state committee of two from
each congressional district was selected
and 1t is understood headquarters will
be opened at once. Senator Taylor will
take the stump within the week.
j. W. Thomas of Weakley county was
nominated for railroad commissioners.