The Springdale news., 1914-04-24
Clarke Declared Nominee
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Hand, F. F. Freeman of Rogers by State Treasurer John w Crockett, k. w. Wilson of Monticello by M k. Sanderscn, Lewis Barton of Marion by Troy Pace, c. R. Benson of Cam den by Judge c. w. Smith, and John w. Richardson of Warren by Rail- road Commissioner w. F. Mcknight.
 A resolution by J. D. Head, direct committee be put under oath, was adopted unanimously. Gardner Oli- phint, court reporter, who is making the record for the committee, was des ignated and deputized to swear the witnesses.
 Special Election Denied.
 A resolution offered by Mir. Head, directing a special primary election in Poinsett county to determine the vote for United States senator, was tabled by the committee by vote of 20 to ', Troy Pace, w. F. Coleman, J. M Courtney, J. D. Head, W. G. Hutton, N. F. Mcknight and NJ. E. Sanderson voting nay.
 Ex-Senator Harris Testifies
 Former State Senator Benjamin Harris, member of the Poinsett county convention s Canvassing Com mttee, WAS the first witness. He remained on the stand for nearly all hour, answering the questions of Judge Kirby and his attorneys and also those of members of the commit tee. As he was witness for Sena- tor Clarke, the latter conducted the direct examination. Mr Harris tes- timony concerned his knowledge Of the canYassing of the returns and the result obtained.
 On cross examination by =smead Powell and Frank Pace, with an oc- casional question by Judge Kirby and Mir Head. Mr Harris said that he knew nothing Of the reason for allow ing incorrect returns to be announc- ed as official He did hot concern himself about the matter, he said, and the only man with whom he talk ed of Che matter, lie sad. was ]. Lo- gan smith Of Harrisburg HeZsaid Mr SmithZtoldZ thathe.had heard Clarke majority Was 6if. Mr. Harris told the committee he made no effort Q correct Mr. Smiths in- formation Questions asked =by Sen ator Clarke developed that Smith was partly deaf and also WAS eonsid- cred contentious man, who had Fot ed for neither Clarke nor Kirby.
 Mr. Harris concluded his testi- mony with the declaration that he believed there had never been fairer election in Poinsett county, or a fairer county convention than was held for the recent primary.
 Going Second Witness.
 State Senator Clyde Going, member of the State Central Committee, who was chairman of the county con- ven ion in Poinselt county and who uellNSlSu AHe quCSl-oiSu eCi CieiiiS''S of the county's vote to Secretary Hut ton, was the second witness.
 He told the committee that he ar rived in Harrisburg from Memphis on Monday, March 30, the date of the county convention. Several members of the new County Central Committee he said, asked him if they should organize that day or awai' later time He testified that he told them that he knew of no reason why they should not organize at once, which they did. The subcommittee of the old County Central Committee, pre-. viously named, canvassed the returns and certified them to the county con. vention.
 Going said he supposed the boys Of Poinsett county honored him with the selection to preside over the county convention because he had not been at home very much of late.
 Senator Clarke informed the wit ness that Judge kirbys petition of contest charged that Going changed the returns.
 That charge" Senator Going as serted lis most emphaticalIy un- true. 7"
 Tt is also charged senator Clarke said, /" that the certificate given to the county convention show ed my majority to be only 671 votes. Is this true?"
 Again Going made an emphatic de nial
 Why did the new committee per form the functions of the old commit +ee?'' Mr. Powell asked.
 Il didn't know, nor do l know now, that it was necessary for the old committee to perform this work,