The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1915-04-09

plause. In referring to his opponents he
avoided saying anything detrimental to
either of them, while at the same time he
differed very materially with them relative
to some matters of State policy.
He begun his splendid speech with a
strong and patriotic appeal to the people for
cleaner politics, a broader and better bust
ness administration of the affairs of the
masses, especially pleading for the elimina--
Gals in future, instead of being dictated to
by certain leaders who presume to control
their votes in elections from constable to u.
S. Senator.
mississippi is a leader in it's penal sys-
tenn" said Speaker Quin, land other states
are following it's lead in this as in other
matters of law and government" He ridi-
culed the idea of Judge Rely that the con-
victs should stop growing cotton and go to
work on the public roads, and said that the
1000 bales of cotton raised by the state
farmers, or in shaping the price of the staple.
He said the 'convicts-on-the-roads" idea
raised the question as to where the revenue
would be raised to take the place Of the
money made by the prison farms, etc. also,
where the roads are to be built, and whether
the people will be willing to have the con-
vict camps on their premises while they
were working the roads. He vigorously OPP
posed the Reilly convict plan.
Mr.. Quin was literally applauded when
he ridiculed Mr.. Bllbo's idea that a pardon
ing board should grant all pardons, in that
no political machine be built up by the gov
ernor with the pardoning power. He said
that Mr.. Bilbo's chief argument was cline
up boys, line up!
Mr.. Quin favored a part Of the earnings
of the ,~convicts being given to needy wives
aIld. children left by prisoners working for
thesH1te, and said that the present method
of making petitions to the governor for par
dons is at fault; that the petitioners should
be made to state under oath that the state
ments made in petitions. for pardon were the
truth and the whole truth.
"Elect men to the legislature who will
carry out my policies" was an appeal attri-
buted to Mr.. Bilbo that was ridiculed by Mr..
Quin, who said that the legislators should
not wear any boss collar, and should be free
to do their duty as they see it, without die
tation from any man."
Mr.. Quin thanked the large crowd Of
ladies and gentlemen for their attention, and
received enthusiastic applause at the con-
clusion of his splendid speech, which won
for him many new supporters here.
Mr.. Tally was then introduced, and,
while practically a stranger here, he was
most cordially received by the audience.
He is an able lawyer and eloquent
speaker, and held the closest attention of
his hearers throughout his we'll delivered
speech.
Mr.. Tally charged extravaganza against
the administration of State affairs, and
economy was the remedy he offered for most
of the ills of this time.
81 intend to show the people of this
state before it gets too late that Mississippi
will not be habitable in so years if they go
on at the present rate of Increase in taxes
and tax assessment" He blamed the bond
ing system as partly responsible.
Good roads were favored by Mr.. Tally,
but he opposed the issuance Of so many
bonds for road improvement and favored
the building of highways by convicts.
He opposed the present system which
places the pardoning power in the hands of
the governor. The ~pardoning board, in his
opinion, should be the attorney general, the
trial judge and the chief justice Of the Su-
preme Court.
Mr.. Tally told some good stories at the
expense OF his opponents, he paid the ladies
a handsome compliment, and was literally
applauded when he concluded his eloquent
speech.
Hon. Phil A. Rush, Of Senatobia, can
didate for State Revenue Agent, was present
n briefly told the audience that he would
appreciate their support.
John Sharp Williams announces that he
will be a candidate to succeed himself in the
United States Senate, but that he will not
begin q anvass Of the state until next year.
This IS good news. There's no necessity for