The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1917-19??, 1918-06-22
OPENING SPEECH OF HON. AUSTIN
PEAY CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR
Candidate For Governor in the Democratic
Primary August 1918.

ing patience the great issue of the
conflict, to the end that freedom and
civilization, through victory, might
forever endure to- humanity in every
land. No military chieftain who may
win success through foresight or val
or will emerge from this war with
more honor than the world will ac-
cord to the tired, but indomtable
man, who has direflected its destiny
through these monsntous years. When
the war is ended, Woodrow Wilson
will be greater in the esteem of his
tory and posterity than any general
who ever walked the earth. He has
concentrated his exalted office to
genuine service with a zeal and de-
votlon which will hereafter and every
where inspire to emulution all who
administer public trust.
Seeks to Serve
The opportunity for service is al
ways present, but the field was never
so abounding as now, and the person
who does not seek to serve when such
need is visible and The call is heard
on every hand is hopelessly immured
in life Of useless sloth. Each must
decide for himself where he can best
serve, unless the government eXercis-
es that choise for him. Having the
resolute man to proceed with yigor
and spirit to the performance of his
purpose. come ntgaaNlsa ago Z s-
nounced that | would be a candidate
for the democratic nomination for
governor, and outlined my views and
policies in public statement. 1t is
now opportune to discuss these in
more detail; but |, first, wish to
definitely impress one fact. My en-
trance into this contest was to crafty
no mere ambition. The governorship
of Tennessee is a high honor and
would be worthy elimination of the
political efforts of any man. 1t has
been occupied by illustrious Tennes
scans, whose statemanship has dec
GRATED the state with a new lustre.
However, the truth is that public Of
flee does not attract me; while |
have found pleasure in the arduous
pursuit of my profession, and in the
calm enjoyment of private life, it ap-
peared to me that an opportunity was
offered to do something for others,
and that Icould serve my state thru
a vigorous execution of the duties of
governor, and so | entered the con-
test without solicitation from friends
OF politicians. 1t may be that my
idea of duty was fatuous and mistaken
but this declaration is the simple
truth, and in such integrity of pur-
pose | found my message to the peo-
pie of Tennessee in this campaign.
Seeking neither exaltation nor emolu
ment, frankly say that unless benefit
can be accomplished through my cleo
ton, l prefer defeat at the polls.
Present Issues
What is needed in administration
or legislation when the situation is
anaIyzed? Our nation is engaged in
gigantic war. 1t is a union of states,
and it's war war is their war. The
Federal government is taking taxes
and contributions, as it never did be-
fore. These levies and demands will
increase as the war proceeds. It's
duration is uncertain, but all prepar-
ations indicate long and stubborn
struggle, at frightful cost. The pub
lie attention is centered on it, and lit
tie thought will be devoted to private
business. or domestic legislation while
it continues. All revenues and all
legislation, beyond CONSPICUOUS re-
quirements, should be deferred. Our
future in every respect, as state, is
inseparable associated with the sue
cess of the nation in this war. Bey-
ond definite obligations we should
subordinate all things to the needs of
the nation until this war is won.
Moreover, we need no radical action
in Tennessee.
Too Much Law
We have been surfeited with law in
recent years. Such is patent fact.
Much of it merely eneumbers and ben
efits nobody. The General Assembly
in its session of 1897 passed 329
statutes. This lacked much of being
a dearth of law. However, it is strait
ing to note that our General Assemb-
ly of 1917 passed 96s statutes Of all
kinds. Who can maintain familiarity