The Brinkley argus., 1912-04-05

6Oly 0Uu CVA0C10AtkOu9ly MlJuuId II from the fight for a better condition of the states affairs. Attacks had been made on me before, but at this time they were renewed by a more solidly organized and a more deter mined opposition. This opposition was composed of men outside as well as inside, the legislature. They were bitter in their denunciation of every effort that I made for the relief of the states necessity. The conduct of the legislature is we'll known to all. It's closing hours scored a defeat of every measure for the best interests of the people. The states financial condition was materially worsted, instead of helped. In all in- stances, when the state was set back, the cause vas charged to me and her aided to the public with loud acclaim. The things that I wanted to do, and was elected to do, apparently were purposely defeated. As saw 1t then, there was nothing for me to do but become candidate for reelection. I announced on a platform of principles which I then believed, and still be- lieve, to be for the best interests of the people. Chief among these were the Turner-Jacobson bill, for the re- form of our taxing system, and the expulsion of the whiskey machine from the legislative halls of the state. These measures were the dominating issues. The opposition has made its whole fight on them. Of course other objections were alleged to my candi- dacy, and the third term proposition undoubtedly caused many votes to be cast against me. But all else was merely political garnish to give relish to the real meat.
 II have made the fight at a great personal sacrifice, but have not a sinele regret to offer. Under the same conditions would again pursue the saLie course. had advocated reme- dial measures for existing evils. They were attacked and had to defend them or else by my retreat acknowl- edge thom to be erroneous.
 ~The saloons of the state have been the active unit in the organization of my opposition. I exposed their meth ods of operation in the legislature, and they were forced to fight me in order to check any move on the part of the people for their destruction. This fight on me by the saloons, how ever, would have been checkmated by the voters, had 1t not been for the new revenue bill. The business inter- ests of the state are afraid to any move for readjustment of out tax ing system. They have not yet be- come familiar with true conditions of the states financial matters or the fault with its taxing system. Nor do they realize that 1t must be remedied.
 "Of the result of the primary, l wish to say that shall accept 1t without complaint. The principles l fought for are on high ground and will live and flourish. l merely ten dered my services to the people to carry out the all-important work in- itiated by myself. My services have not been accepted, and for that l con sider personally that l am the gainer. Sooner or later. however, this work must be done by someone. The peo- pie must pay severe penalty TOT every moments delay.
 "Mr Robinson has received the nomination at the hands of the Democ' racy of Arkansas, and he will have no more loyal supporter than George w. Donaghey.
 "T shall continue to do everything in my power for the upbuilding of the state and to this work the statess friends shall be my friends. In no case will there remain any bitterness in my heart or resentment on my part toward anyone for my defeat. In the life that I have lived 1 have in many instances experienced both the pride of victory and the sting of defeat In each instance I have beforehand pre- pared myself for the worst if 1t should come. I have an abiding faith in the philosophical view that whatever be- falls us is best for us. know that political victory is indeed sweet, but I also know that the labors of pup lie servant, faithfully performed, are sometimes trying almost beyond nu' man endurance.
 "To the friends who stood by me m this struggle, wish to express my appreciation for their support and con fidcnce. Everything considered, think ws made great showing. The move we have started for reform Will not be defeated. It may be. delayed, but 1t. will succeed in the end. Es- pecially do wish to express my ap- nreciation of the services and per sonal friendship of those who stood nearest me. My campaign manger' Mr. Eugene Williams. did noble work and am indeed grateful to him for the assistance he rendered me. 1T shall eyer remain profoundly u.