The Starkville news., 1918-05-31

In the history of America that State
Convention has demanded the repeal of
the Fifteenth and the modification of the
Fourteenth Amendments. MY Enemies
are not justified in slandering me for
failing to accomplish thing which, they,
themselves, have never rendered any as
sistance to bring about, even though {
they are as much interested in it as
am.
l urged the last State Convention by
letters to reproduce the plank in the
platform Of 1912 on that subject, but my
enemies were too busy trying to destroy ,
me politically to give attention to a mat
ter of such vital Importance to the peo-
pie of the South. 1t will not be forgotten
also that j have been greatly hindered
about any sort Of reform because of the
war across the waters. All OF these
things you understand as well as I do.
No man with any idea OF decency or sense
Of right would criticise me for failing to
accomplish the repeal Of the obnoxious
especially when they have done every
thig to discredit me; every effort
their part has been to lessen my influ-
ence and defeat any purpose that / might
to my constituents.
1t is not out of place. / trust. for TO
the problem in the South will be
greatly intensified by reason Of the in n
fluence that will grow out of this war,
and it behooves the people Of the South
to look forward and make ready to meet
the issue when it comes. Z
Read the Record In the Light of Truth.
In conclusion, let me ask that yoH
read my record in the light Of trutff
with a clear eye, heart devoid of hf
tired and with an enlightened sense ~-
Justice Eyes that are taundiced With
haired or dimmed by the cruel spirit Of
unjust antagonism are incapable of see-
ing the truth in all It's symmetry and
beauty The bitterness Of my antago-
nists. the cruel, Shiny slander that they
utter against me, betokens d natred and
a perfidious spirit of antagonism which
would be discreditable to a savage, and
10 iTgc ia m /
have faults and shortcomings, but L
cannot find in my own heart anything
that approaches justification for their
conduct. In discussing my record they
lay their premises in bunch of false
hoods, and very naturally their conclu-
sion is lie. | know there are some
men in Mississippi who opposing mo
who really desire to do right Some or
them think l committed an unpardonable
sin when / declined to vote for war and
for conscription. have no objection TO
a man exercising intellectual independ-
ence, and having his ballot register his
conclusions. / think 1t is the duty Of
every Mississippian to vote against me
if he conscientiously believes that an
other will serve the Nation better than l.
But they should be honest with them
selves and just with me- l sincerely be-
ieve that there are men opposing me In
the employ of sinister interests who are
so warped with the spirit Of hate or re-
venge that they would rather see
DESTROYED than TO defeat the Kaiser.
want the people of Mississippi to know
profited by this war is my enemy, and
pelf, who has robbed the government in
such measures az the Hog Island in
fanny: every unscrupulous political para
site who wants promotion at the expense
of my defeat of course against me,
and taking the whole bunch together
they will not hesitate to contribute to
of newspapers, subsidize influences &c
be used against me in this contest. ! ars
not complaining. They are at liberty tH5s
Lay on, Macduff.
And damned be him that first ,eries.
Hold, enough ="
1 simply want the people to be on
guard. All l desire is that justice be
done. Charge me up with my mistakes,
credit me with my good deeds. aud let
US settle by the results.
1t is very unfortunate that there should
be any partisan or personal politics IN Z
the Nation at this time. America is en- e
gagged in conflict which will require :
the united strength of our hearts, our !
minds our bodies and our purses TO
bring victory TO our stainless nag: me
man who generates dissension in the
government, and the poor. pitiful, pusil- }
animouS creature who would take au-
vantage of abnormal conditions 10 pay
cheap politics, is too little and contempt-
:hla to excite any other feeling than pity
ana coTumiSera lS"..
<ow, my Counirymen, l put my rec.
sincere, honest men and women OF MIS-
sissippi to render their verdict. nave ,
faith in your courage. l have confidence
in your integrity. ! know your patriotism
is as stainless the stars that gllsten
in the blue canopy of Heaven
1 want ~ :.-s IN cCnc'dsinn, that
nope the people or AI1sslsS-ppl 49, 80
nothing undone to contribute TO the cause
for which our sons brothers and fathers
are dying in the trenches OF france:
Nav | be permitted 10 advise you To Duy
Liberty Bonds, contribute to the Red
Cross and the Y. NJ. c. A. Funds as your
means will allow. Do everything in your
power to strengthen our arms, and every
thing to weaken the common enemy
Stand erect. look Squarely at the Amerl-
can flag. and Spurn with contumely thtt
powsr which only bends the coward
knee and forces from the lips of fear
the lying praise. and make your ballot
register a patriotic freeman's will. rms
is your country, and 1t VIII Iast S,,l as loIIS
as you are brave, patriotic, intelligeht
and untiring. in the pertormahce OF tHs tHs
supreme function of citizenship II ~lh
perish when you surrender your man
hood You are giving your sons ana
your own lives in the defense OF the ,
flag and you have right to your opll-
ion about the conduct of your hired pup
lie servants. -
Do not forget that!
When one of these insolent patriotic
Pharisees-for perquisite or place-queS-
tons your loyalty. denounce hlm as
slanderer and coward ana then PACK T
ment strife. / would not denounce thesA
liar in the spirit of hatred, because n
hate no man or earth. He who hatesS
hurts himself If this world is to be-.
saved, it will be saved by the spirit OF
love. There can be no permanent peace
except that which is based upon mutual
respect confidence and love among the
masses of the people of the respective I
countries.
a spirit of hate, but rather in the spirit
Of the meek and lowly NaZarene, who, IN