The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1912-02-02
NOT VERY SURE.

Milton, OF the Knoxville Sentinel, is
not very sure of his position as an ad-
vocate OF the harmony" primary. He
Is hopeful, but that is about all that
can he said after a careful perusal of
mis- editorial reply to recent opinion
expressed in these columns. He says
the leaders of the democracy may
propose nominees obnoxious to the in
dependents, but we do not look for
such course Editor Milton ought
to know the so-called leaders OF the
democracy" as well as we do but 1t is
perfectly manifest that he does not.
The lessons" which they have
taught in the past have not found in
Brother Milton a very apt student
But we leave the readers to judge
for themselves just how much conf
dence the Sentinel has in the 'har-
mony" professions, by reproducing be-
low >the entire editorial:
Editor Finney, Of The Columbia
Herald, Is still much disturbed over
the harmony primary and anlmad-
verts to the effect that in view of our
policies we ought also to be fearful
of the primary.
"As we suggested to our Columbia
contemporary in recent editorial, we
tnink he might we'll wait until there
is some more concrete evidence that
the other faction intends to run over
Inc independents. What the Nash
vile Democrat is saying is not indica-
tive of what the regulars are going to
10. That paper opposed the harmo-
ny proposition until it found itself
overwhelmed. The leaders of the de-
mocracy may act the fool and propose
nominees obnoxious to the independ-
ents, but we do not look for such a
course. AS we said the in former ed
itorial those of positive views like Ed
Aitor Finney may find 1t difficult to en-
ter lie primary, and we shall not
blame them. What we look for and
hope for is that there will be strong
evidences of good sense on the part
of leaders and masses and that be-
fore the time for the primary rolls
around 1t will become quite evident
that excellent nominations will be
made. Unless this occurs the harmo-
ny will be farce. Thousands of
democrats will remain out Of the pri-
mary and the evidence of their dis
pleasure will be shown later. We
are sincerely hopeful, however, that
the lessons OF the recent past will
Lave sunk deep and that conscien-
tious members of both factions will
have strong inducements offered to
participate in the primary. The liq-
uor question need not necessarily be
The rock on which a split occurs. All
those opposed to the traffic should ar
ray themselves on one side, and those
for the traffic on the other, If the de-
,nand for new legislation is so strong
as to induce the convention to take
action. let it be in the form of a
pledge that some fair, alternative
proposition shall be submitted to the
people of Tennessee.
I'VE think Editor Finney has taken
fright too soon. Let us test the sin
certify of those who have been oppos-
ed to us. Give them every opportunl-
ty to maintain harmony in the ranks.
If they have forgotten what has oc-
CURED in the recent past and are de-
,ermined to resort to road roller
methods, we will admit that we were
wrong and Editor Finney was right.
We shall know this in time TO be
warned, we feel sure.
1--WE feel confident, however, that
the most influential leaders of the de-
mocracy on both sides of the house
are determined that the bitter faction
al fighting Of the past snail be al an
end. They will no doubt confer with
each other and unite in movements
which will result in the promotion Of
candidates. which will be generally
acceptable.
IF unity in the state for the pro-
motion Of the principles Of the nation
al democracy actuate all, then reason
and moderation must prevail as to
local issues"