The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1917-19??, 1918-06-22

The speech which follows, the open
ing address of Mr. Peay in his cam
paign for Governor, was deliverer last
week at Trenton, Gibson County. It's
reading is commended to all thought
full democrats Of Washington county
Mr.. Peay's friends are proud of their
candidates masterful presentation OF
the issues Which have prompted his
candidacy, have provided this space
in The Comet for the reproduction Of
the complete text:
My Fellow Citizens:
The hour has arrived in the progres
of events when may with becoming
regard for the extraordinary condi-
tions that surround us and without
violence TO any concept of patriotism
submit to the democratic electors of
the State in open discussion the reas-
ons which impelled my candidacy for
governor and ~the prcise grounds on
which | am seeking their suffrage in
the approaching primary. Tense i'm
terest in the great war in which our
nation is now a leading factor and in
the prosecution Of its vital activities
which summond for the moment the
undivided attention of the people, has
delayed this privilege, which may
now properly avail, without apology
and with enthusiasm.
Citizenship During War
Our comprehension system OF self
government, as devised by its found
ers, is adequate to every emergency
in human affairs, and the functions
of citizenship on which its structiye
rests develope in war as in peace.
Any inattention or Indifference dur
ing the war to the necessary admin
istration of the civil government is
violative of the fundamental spirit of
our institution, and must result in
harm and disaster. Our republic UNI
der the leadership of the first states
man of modern time, is now on trial
before the world. Self-Goyernment is
being tested under the supreme strain
of the ages. 1t is to be seen II 1t
shall survive the travail, and exist as
the dominant form of human govern
ment on earth, to preserve the bless
ings of liberty to men, or if it shall
fail and leave the world for a long
period under the dominance of hate
ful autocracy. This issue, in its full
import, has been accepted by the
American people. They have rallied
with unanimity to every demand OF
the hour. The wonderful resources
of the nation have been marshalled
with diligence and precision. There
has been no civil or complaint from
any quarter. On every hand it is rec
ognized that government by consent
of the governed in our own country
and throughout the world is involved,
and that the issue must be won at any
cost. The citizen has proven his 10y
atty to his liberty, and the reliability
of his patriotism. Our country inHts
first year of this war has met the test
with marvellous efficiency in every mil
itary way. 1t is now to be seen II
the citizen under these conditions OF
peril can also administer the civil
government in its various and import
ant functions. Such success is vital
to the maintenance of organized So
ciety. The manifold and imperative
demands of war vastly increase the
duties and powers of the state and
constantly bring its authority In dr.
ect contact with the people. The
army in the field would soon weaken
and disispate without the admins
trative forces which supply and re-
new il. The Indispensable works OF
industry in all branches must proceed
under the orderly administration Oh
law and justice. The stress of war,
no less than the placidity of peace,
demands strict attention to the gov
ernment, and any argument TO the
contrary is fallacious and unsound.
CIVIL HEROES
When the history of the clossal
struggle now in progress is finally
written, its heroes viii not be con-
fined to those who dared and fought
in the clash and shock of battle
where death hurtled in all the air.
Among its greatest viii be those VINO
planned and toiied in still chambers
through long and silent hours; who
supplied the men and material OF war
who grappled and directed with untir-