The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1912-07-11

assembly was marked by strife and
bitterness. A prohibition law was
passed applicable to the whole state.
There was but one course for me to
pursue, and that was the one to which
was committed, and which my rea-
son approved. L vetoed the bill in
carefully prepared message, setting
forth the reasons in full
To have approved the measure, or
allowed it to become law without my
signature, which some advised, might
have brought more quietude to my
life and saved further wrangling in the
legislature; but | could not bring my
self to violate pledges made through
two campaigns or yield to convictions
fully matured and honestly enter
tained.
I was nominated third time for
governor but, to prevent threatened
disruption of the party, offering to
yield my nomination and enter any
kind of primary to be held at any time
and conducted in any fair way. Fail
ing in this, hearing and reading daily
statements that was the cause OF the
discord that no peace was possible with
out my retirement as candidate,
keenly sensitive to position in which
events had forced me, concluded TO
retire absolutely, to prevent, if possible
the endorsement of a republican and
to save the state what it has since en-
dured.
This was at time when l believed
my supporters constituted majority
of the democratic party, were more de-
voted than ever before in my public
career; and ! had no doubt of re-elec-
ton, if fusion with the republicans
was not accomplished.
My withdrawal was complete. The
regular organization was dissolved. A
new candidate was nominated and a
new platfoam made. In the canvass
which followed l bore reckless defram-
alton in silence and gave cordial sup
port to my successor-the lamented
Taylor, as the democratic nominee.
From the time of my retirement until
| went to Nashville to plead for har-
mony and reunited party, my voice
has not been raised in any gathering
or political council.
Some may yet say that my re-en-
trance into politics will be disturb
ing factor, and prejudice democratic
success. This is an unjust and mis-
taken view, for, as much as any man,
| have contributed to our present un-
derstanding, and, more than any other,
[ have already suffered disappoint-
ment and personel sacrifice.
If it will now destroy harmony fer
me to exercise the right to run for
office, which every American citizen
possesses, and others enjoy without
question-at what time and under
what conditions shall ever be eligi-
|
obtain? Must | be prescribed or sub
NIT to political ostracism because a
few may use my candidacy as an ex-
cuse to justify disloyalty, when, If i
were not living, they would still be
disloyal, if it suited their purpose?
There can be no genuine harmony
or efficient political organization with
out the rule of the majority. The DEM
ocratic party is pledged to the election
of U. S. senators by popular vote. Our
state executive committee has ordered
primary to make nomination, and
no candidate for the legislature is en-
titled to run as democrat or receive
democratic support who will not
pledge himself to carry out the ex-
pressed will of the people.
In this primary proposed and ex-
cepted in good faith and conceded tc
be fair, | will enter as a private citl-
zen having no advantage and seeking
no undue favor. With an open field
and a contest on equal terms it will be
a simple matter to test whether ! am
: the choice of the people.
| am not in alliance with any othel
candidate for any other office. l will
support all nominees of the party
. state and national, and contribute my
3 share to wrest the state from the grasI
, of republicanism.
My candidacy is not factional: no.
5 would / have its success or failure de
pend upon partisanship; but wish i
determined by the ordinary rules o
: good faith aud the just standards o
fitness and capacity to represent th'
| state and the country in the world
7 greatest deliberative body.
The office Of the United States sena
tor is one of responsible dignity, ant
offers large opportunities for usefu
] public service. Should it be my goo'
fortune to De elected | will go will
the purpose to represent not part
but all of the people of the state-serv
their interests and uphold their rights
1t will be my endeavor to accomplish
1 practical results and all legitimat
nublic projects will receive my atten
ton anu support.
l In common with the South, our owI
4 state has not received its just share c
1 federal appropriations for needful pull