The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1918-06-14

candidates for any particular office, a
mere plurality of one is sufficient to
nominate, there being no provision for
a run-off to secure q majority.
When the announcement was made
OF my purpose to become candidate
for the democratic nomination for
United States senator in the general
primary to be held on the first day Of
August, there was only one other an
nounced candidate for that office, and
if there had been no other candidates
than the then announced candidate and
myself, your nominee would be, as he
should be, chosen by majority of the
.democratic'v votes cast ia SAID election.
MY announcement was made under
the belief that there would be only
two candidates-the then announced
candidate and myself-in the race,
and may be permitted to say that it
was my opinion that under such condi-
tons the majority of the democratic
voters in Tennessee would approve my
candidacy.
However, since my announcement,
and since my qualification as a candi-
date there is a third candidate aspir-
ing to the high office and the changed
conditions arising therefrom impel me
to state candidly to you that l do not
deem it advisable to further prosecute
my candidacy, or to seek at your
hands commission to go before the
voters Of Tennessee as your candidate
for United States Senator under these
new and different conditions.
I'm taking this action it is my de-
sire to make it plain that it is not my
intention to complain about this new
situation or to reflect upon or criticise
any candidate. 1t is the right of any
Tennessee democrat, any full-blooded
American, to aspire to your suffrages
without having his patriotism ques-
toned or his motives impugned. In
view of sundry statements misreprc-
senting my position, it is my further
desire to st.-te emphatically that my
action heretofore stated, is not taken
in the interest of or to aid any candi- /
date. | became candidate as a free |
man, and as such archaeological |
to no one save my friends, and to them
my obligations are beyond measure.
ITO the thousands of loyal demo
Gratis who have generously honored me
with assurances Of their approval and
support of my candidacy, | desire in
this way to return my deep and sin
cere appreciation of their confidence,
and to say to them that to have and to
merit their esteem and confidence
means infinitely moro to me than the
possession Of any office within their
gift.
LET me sal that office away from
my profession has never been partic-
llarly attractive to me-that in an
nouncing my candidacy it was with the
iOPG VI EiNihS W Jul IOuiiJly bit Dtsb |
IN me during these times when every
American should give his best to the
/ know from the con-
,inued practice of my profession it
will be more comfortable and agreea-
Die to me than carrying the onerous
BURDENS and responsibilities of the
nigh office to which / aspired-that ]
IN content to retire from the contest,
holding myself ready at all times to
ierve my country in this hour of her
,eril in humber ways than in that
,reat office, yea, in any way for which
may be fitted, and to do my utmost
n any station to uphold the efforts of
iur great president to insure the safe
Y Of our people and the prosperity of
nr democratic institutions-and to |.
ave humanity and civilization from
'eing crushed end blotted out by the
infamous and barbarous Hun-for all
uture ages.
CHARLES T. Gates, JR.p 4