The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1912-06-28
Mr.. THOMAS R. PRESTON


JnattanOOga, lenu.s June I1.--hol'
lowing repeated and widespread impor-
tunities on the part Of Democrats 10 ell
sections Of Tennessee. Thomas r. Pres
ton, president Of the Hamilton National
Bank, in this city, late tonight decided
to enter the race for the Democratic
nomination for Governor. Mr.. Preston
has vast business interests and was loath
70 enter the race on this account, but So
insistent has boen the demand that he
ANNOUNCES that he finally capitulated.
His announcement in full is as follows,
To the People Of Tennessee:
There is widespread desire, moi
only in Tennessee but throughout this
country, to place public affairs on a
sound business basis. This is the ten
dency everywhere and in everything.
In Tennessee, il has been forty years
since we have had Governor who has
had any extensive business experience,
and for many years this State has had
few definite constructive policies. Our
opportunities have been wasted and our
energies dissipated along the lines OF
factionaI politics until the people Of this
State are now realizing the lamentable
fact that we are relatively declining in
both population and wealth. Some Of
the rich agricultural counties of this
State have actually lost in population for
over thirty years. Weare losing stand
ing as State both at home and abroad.
Much capital and many desirable citi-
zens are going elsewhere that should
come to Tennessee, Our population for
the ten-year period ending with 1910 in.
creased only 81 per cent-less than any
State i'd the South except one. The
expenses Of conducting the State gov
eminent during approximately the same
period actually increased oyer so per
cent.
Whether or NOT a majority Of the
people really desire a change in their ai-
fairs and care to put men Of business
experience 10 charge, no one can now
tell.
Our laws OF taxation need revising
from start to finish. Under our present
system, great harm Is being done to
both capital and labor.
We have no adequate system Of
auditing public records, either county
Of State. The people do not know how
their funds are collected Or expended,
except in most general way.
We have nearly 400 State banks,
with millions OF dollars in assets, and no
public system Of examination the larg-
est State III the Union Of which this is
true.
The cost OF criminal prosecutions in
Tennessee is said to exceed that OF any
other State in the Union. Thousands Of
dollars annually could be saved in Grim
inal costs alone besides a more effec-
tive administration for law and order,
which Il SO much needed here and else
where.
There seems to be desire 10 urge
some man who has had business expe-
rience to become candidate for Govern
Or. Many have suggested my name in
that connection. The emoIuments Of
the Office In no sense appeal to me-the
honors, Of course, do, but not sufficient
ly for this alone to cause me to sacrifice
my personal interests to become a can
didate. But that which does appeal To
me to make this sacrifice, is the fact
that I hope, II elected, 70 aid III doing
something for the general welfare Of
the State. ! believe know something
81 the wants and needs Of the people Of
Tennessee.
For this reason have decided to an
nounce as candidate for Governor,
subject to the Democratic primary,
Aug. 1. AT a later date, will set forth
my views more fully
i am candidate for this office and
no other: II elected, ! expect % serve
my full term.
! have not made and do not expect
To make single promise with regard to
appointments for Office. II elected,
such appointments as come under my
jurisdiction win be made solely and
alone III the interest 81 the public well
fare and with regard TO the fitness Of the
applicant Of the position.
I am, o. course, IN favor q good
roads, good schools, and pensioning
Confederate soldiers, for o. such quea-
tions there can be 40 two opinions,
have never held Office, have never
been candidate fol- office, but for
twenty-iouF years have assiduousIy de-
/.