The Columbus commercial. (Columbus, Miss.) 1893-1922, 1917-11-08
INTRODUCED BY
HON. G.. L. GARNETT
Introductory Remarks of Local
Lawyer Form Concrete Classic.
Several Columbians Accom-
panied Mr.. Harrison to Gale
donia Yesterday.

Congressman Pat Harrison, who is
seeking the seat in the United States
Senate now occupied by Hon. James
X. Vardaman, delivered campaign
speech at the court house in this city
Tuesday night, and was greeted by 2
large audience, composed of both Ia
dies and gentlemen, who gave the
speaker close attention and who
loudly applauded his numerous elo-
quent and patriotic utterances.
The audience, in fact, was one OF
the largest and most enthusiastic
that ever assembled in the Lowndes
county court house. Every seat was
occupied, while many were compell-
ed to stand, all the space in the rear
Of the auditorium having been occu-
pied by enthusiastic patriots who
willingly stood on their feet during
the whole time that the gifted states
man from South Mississippi was de-
livering his address.
One Of the salient developments OF
Congressman Harrison's visit to Co.
lumbus was the fact that he is eager
for a joint debate with Senator Var
daman, having stated in an interview
while here that he would meet the
Junior Senator at what ever time and
place he might select.
"While have issued no formal
challenge for a joint debate to Sen.
ator Vardaman," said Mr.. Harrison,
81 think that there are issues between
us in the pending campaign which
warrant public discussion, and am
willing to meet him at any place and
at ay time that he may designate"
For some time past there has been
current in local political circles a
rumor to the effect that Senator Var
daman had been invited to meet his
opponent form the Gulf Coast in
Joint debate here, but had declined
to accept the invitation. There was
however, little foundation to this ru-
NOR. 1t is true that series of joint
debates between the two distinguish
ed gentlemen has been freely discus
sed all over the state, and local sup
porters of both candidates were anx-
ious to have their first meeting take
place here; but the matter did not
60 beyond the discussive state, and
the "White Chief" was never formal.
" invited to meet Mr.. Harrison here
Mr.. HARRISON was introduced by
Hon. c. L. Garnett, one of the most
prominent members of the local bar
Mr.. Garnett is not only gifted ora,
tor, but profound student, and the
remarks which he uttered in intro
ucing the distinguished visitor form
ed concrete classic.
In the course of his address Con
gresham Harrison referred frequent
ly to the Junior Senator, having dwell
at some length on his course in oppos
ing numerous administration meas
ures at the last session of congress
He also questioned the sincerity Of
his opponent in his claim of patriot
ism.
"The Junior Senator is quoted,
declared Congressman Harrison, "a'
saying in his address to the Missis
sippi Legislature a few days ago
Statesmen can afford to disgrace
but patriots cannot
THAT is very lofty sentiment
and I have no doubt the Junior Sen
ator uttered it, because it has beer
widely quoted and commented upor
favorably by papers supporting hi
candidacy. But how long has he tax
en- this commendable stand with ref
erence to the need of unity among u
in the present critical period in tn,
life Of our nation? Did he fee
that way when, four months after III,
adoption of the war resolution. h,
gave out a carefully prepared state
ment in Washington in which he use,
this language: Now, personally,
think that the cause of the war wa
the interference on the part of Ger
many vith commerce between New
York and London. ! have alway
thought it was purely matter of pc