The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1911-06-29
An Open Letter.
To the Voters Of Booster Parrish:

To the Voters of Booster Parrish:
Having been solicited by q number Of
the best citizens of Bossier Parish to make
the race for Sheriff, after close investiga-
ton and hope due consideration, have
decided to 60 into the contest.
While still skeptical made canvass of
the parish and found the spirit of the
people is largely to change political status.
Such spirit seems to be so prominent it in
vites the due consideration of every think
ing man.
BY way of explanation for having gone
into this contest, | wish to say number
of even, fair minded citizens came to me
some six weeks ago and urged me to make
the race. Such argument at that time
seemed almost an absurdity to me, as
felt that the stride from pillow boy to the
Office of Sheriff was too great. In spite OF
my Indifference, solicitations continued to
come, in person, as we'll as through the
mails. For this reason announce myself
a candidate for the office, subject to the
approval of the people at the coming pri-
mary election, to be held during January,
1919.
1t has already been rumored that would
be in the race for the gain of another.
Allow me to say such rumors are false and
without foundation. If cannot be elected
have no disposition to dictate to you who
shall be. Ny two opponents are friends of
mine, for whom / have kindly feeling,
assuring you they still will be after this
contest has ended, regardless of results.
Nothing indignant is the prompting spirit,
but rather a pure and simple business
proposition.
AS for qualifications, you are already
aware of this deficiency, for which feel
am not responsible. Many of you remem-
Der when l worked in J. H. Lotions
saloon Tin Bellevue) plowed his garden
and played "flunkey" in general way
(for which he gave me my board) for the
benefit of few school hours, while had
to work extra for the cash with which to
buy my few clothes and books. also
worked my way through one session of
school at Rocky Mount, under Prof.
Jos. E. Johnston. When reached the age
of twenty -one I could see nothing to keep
me from obtaining an education, so l left
my home with great determination to 60
to school, having brigth future, with
nothing, as thought, in the way. With
the 500 paid me by my father for forty
acres of land, left me by my mothers es-
tate, went to Homer and entered school
under Prof. S. D. Spann, being assured by
him could go to school as long as could
pay my board. Only six weeks had passed
when telegram came telling me of my
fathers death. came home, and came to
stay, as | was the only one left who could
earn support for my step mother and her
three little ones. She having filed the
place of mother, for her untiring kindness
toward me and on account of the love and
respect for kind father, felt it my duty
to support and protect them. So | began
again to farm, undergoing many difficult
!, ties and hardships, laboring hard from
early until late, with the determination al
heart to earn for them decent living and
for myself an honest, creditable rep
utation.
Such is my occupation to-day, and tc
what success have carried it you are the
Judge. But, however, by the help of .
most merciful God, have done the very
best I could by my family and myself
serving my fellow citizens to the best o.
my ability.
l expect to call on every voter at thu
E earliest date possible and will make known
to you my claim why think should have
3 this office of much honor. | would b,
pleased to meet my opponents on the po'
|, litical stump and there let US make know
why each individual should be supported
D in this campaign, as this would save mucl
. time and worry to us and our constituents
4 Feeling assured that the good peopf
q will consider we'll the interests of eacl
d candidate, together with the best interes
of. the parish, therefore / am before you
and shall heartily approve your action
= regardless of results. Respectfully yours
G. r. MAYS.