The Harrison times., 1911-08-12
Little Rock Letter.

The VeStlge OF doubt Whlch mas
hung over the senatorial and CUB
ernatorial races since the legislature
adjourned and the talk OF politics
was resumed. has almost been re-
moved, and it is obvious that
George Washington Donaghey will
be a candidate for governor for a
third term. All the Irish in the ma
tive son has been stirred over the
recent onslaughts brought against
him, and unless some very hne pO-
ltical prognosticators are very
wrong, an announcement is soon to
come from honest Gawge. Close
friends of Gov, Donaghey admit
that he seriousl " contemplated re-
tirement at the end of his term, and
would have done so had the legis-
lature passed the measures he asked
for
The unfriendly legislature, striving
to drive Donaghey from politics;
was the originator of a determina-
tion on the part of the business gov
ernor to remain where he is.
He achieved a victory over the
Big Four of the Senate in certain
measures. but they did not cease
the fight. During the time since the
legislature adjourned, this element,
with the following of the Senatorial
and other candidates opposed to
Donaghey, has kept up running
fight. Senator Davis wanted Don
aghey in the race for governor. The
candidates for the place now occu-
pied by Gov. Donaghey, wanted him
in the race for the Senate. Friends
of both sides wrote letters by the
bushel and made personal visits,
all advising him to get in the other
race.
1t was amusing to Gov. Donaghey,
who in spite of his blunt way and
apparent lack of political knowl-
edge, is very plain to see the hand
writing on the wall, He sat still
and said nothing. Then came the
fight made against him in the an
nual convention of the Arkansas
Farmers Union, convened in Rus
sellville, where there are some
shrewd politicians who are assist
ing in the anti-Donaghev campaigns.
The result of the infusion of politics
in the farmers organization is ques-
tionable. 1t depends entirely upon
who is telling it, as to which side
won the victory.
Now comes the referendum petit
ton on the Turner-J Jacobson bill,
which is a pet of Gov. Donaghey,
conceived with the idea of making
taxation equal The opposition to
this bill is in Little Rock, even
though State Senator, in another
portion is taking credit for the cir.
culation of the petitions. Should
the signers Of this petition reach the
number of 5000, thus requiring a
reference to the state, the bill will
become inactive for two years.
The state will lose this tax money,
and the corporation interests, which
are causing the petitions to be cir
circulated, endeavor to show that
the poor man and the farmer will
have to bear the burden of the tax
alton and are thus securing a few
signatures here and there under false
representation. Gov. Donaghey is
at the present time making a quiet
investigation along this line and will
probably, before the end of the week,
issue a statement showing where
the taxation will be most effective,
and give the names of the Little
Rock corporation attorneys, and
politicians who are d'traying the
expenses of the petitions being circu-
lated, and showing how they will be
benefited by escaping the taxation
for two years. 1t is not a question
Of the people of Arkansas not want
ing the Turner Jacobson bill, for it is
conceded by the enemies of the meas
ure that the people of Arkansas will
vote almost unanimously for it, but
question of the enemies of the bill
postponing its effect for two years,
The few hundred dollars spent by
the corporations to secure the 5000
names, would mean a saving Of
many thousands to them in Taxes,
If fcommon rumor is to be credited,
there will be some sick politicians in
Arkansas before the close OF the
coming campaign, 1t is known that
the head of the Burns Detective
Agency was several times in Arkan-
sas during the legislative session.
n 1 /.