The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1912-03-08
THE HARMONY FARCE.


grave questions are involved the pro-
seedlings of the politicians at Nash
Vile for the past two days would
constitute about the most laughable
farce that the people Of Tennessee
have enjoyed these many moons. A
c0rterie of politicians. having an ex
agerated idea of their own import.
ance and of their influence with the
dear people" have been for some
time trying to weld the pewter
handle to the wooden spoon" In
Otner words they have in apparent
seriousness addressed themselves to
the task Of compromising the sup.
remacy of the law with anarchy; are
really trying to deceive themselves
with the hallucination that the peo-
pie, whom they pretend to represent.
will carry water on one shoulder and
liquor on the other merely because
certain self-constituted bosses have
20 decreed it.
If the harmony" advocates on
the so-called independent state demo
cratic committee represent anybody
but themselves that fact is not ap-
parent On the contrary since the
first bogus effort to force peace on
paper was inaugurated six weeks ago
tho people have spoken in thunder
tones. From one end of the state to
the other the so-called independent
democrats who made the contests of
two years ago ON principle and prin-
cipie alone, who hold no Office and
desire none, have condemned the eff
forts of their so-called leaders to
aMalgamate and fuse them with fac
ton that has been and is now in
open opposition to every principle
that has been held sacred by them.
And yet in spite of this voice of pro-
test, we'll nigh unanimous, the mai
GRITTY of the committee, pulled up
with little brief authority, are bent
upon further negotiations with the
enemy.
There is not now and there has not
been any demand upon the part OF
the masses OF the independent demo-
Il acy Of Tennessee for fusion with
the liquor faction of the party. That
fact Is apparent, aye, plain, to every
one but few politicians who seem
III ger their inspiration from certain
stockholders and others who desire
TO- hoh office. Harmony between the
elements Of the Demo-
c. attic PARTY OF Tennessee upon state
issues is, in the very nature of things,
Of accomplishment It 10
either right or it is wrong to legalize
the sale of liquor. 1t is either right
or it Is wrong, eternally wrong for
officials, sworn to execute the laws,
to permit and cennive at their open
and fragrant violation. The law is
supreme or it Is the football and play
hing of designing and ambitious
politicians. These are propositions
hat admit of no sort of compromise.
The veriest tyro in politics knows
nat this is the solemn, the plain
md the unvarnished truth.
1t ID admitted that all of the state
or committees that are
lot state, now in existence or that
ray be brought into being, cannot at
cct an adjustment of the differences
'xisting between the two democratic
actions without shameless sacri-
Ice Of principle. It is equally plain
hat ali the committees ever o,eat-
ID or that may be hereafter created,
sannat barter and traffic the fifty
thousand independent democrats of
tennessee who are independent from
incipie ami for NO other reason un-
Ter the sun. They are not the
lawns and the play things Of few
elf-constituted bosses.
The whole harmony negotiations
re discreditable and disgusting, they
ire miserable play for advantage
" gentlemen who ought to be hearth
y ashamed of themselves. The peo-
lie have lost confidence in the SINGER
ty and fidelity Of politicians who
hlnk that they can traffic In prin-
iples bought with martyrs blood.
md whatever may be the ultimate
esult of the so-called peace parieys
etween the factions the democrats
I Tennessee who voted for Hooper
nd independence in 1910 are going
o vote again In this good year az
heir consciences may dictate and
ot as these self-appointed guardians
nay decree. And woe be unto the
spring politician who does not
ave discernment enough to realize
"a