The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-08-05
LITTLE INTEREST
SHOWN BY COUNTY
IN TRIPLE BALLOT

Shelby county Thursday was in the
throes of a triple election, but there
was comparatively little Interest being
taken In any one of the three. The
Democrats and Republicans were stag
ing statewide primary for nomination
of candidates for governor, railroad
commissioner, congressman In some dis
tricts and lesser state officials. The
Democrats of Shelby county are holding
general election for the purpose Of
naming number OF county officials.
The polls opened In the city at 9
o'clock and were to close at o'clock,
while In the county precincts the polls
opened at 0 and were to close at q
o'clock. The voting places we're the
same for the three elections, but diff
ferent sets of election officers were In
attendance and different ballots were
used In each. -
In the Democratic primary interest
centered chiefly in the race for COVER
nor and railroad commissioner, Gov. A.
II. Roberts is opposed by w. r. Crab
tree, while George N. WEIGH. member
of the state railroad or public utilities
commission, from the Middle Tennes-
scS sos. district i opposed by Knox Bry-
Republicans of the state have no
candidate for utilities commissioner,
but the .gubernatorial candidates are
Jesse M. Littleton, Alf A. Taylor, Chas
r, Evans and j. Q. Eaton, OF Memphis.
Th first three waged active campaigns
throughout the state, but Mr.. Eaton
has done nothing but file his petition
The Democratic nominee selected will
be opposed at the general election in
November by the Republican nominee.
County Offices.
The general election for county Of
fices is to name a probate judge, sher-
ift. county trustee, county assessor,
members of the county obard of edu-
cation and constables in various dis
had no opposition and Oliver II. Perry,
the incumbent of the sheriffs office,
was also without opposition f. H.
trump, county trustee, is opposed by
Martin Boyd while W. T. Condor,
county assessor, was opposed by the
Democratic nominee, G. Dave Wells.
One state senator, and two members
OF the lower house Of the general as
sembIy for the special session of the
legislature We're to be named Frank
Rice. former state senator, is a candi-
date to succeed himself for the special
lower house at the 1919 Legislature is
also candidate for reelection. while
T. X. Riddick Is a candidate for the
ella.
The race for the Democratic nom
little interest in Shelby county. but
in Middle Tennessee the old factional
differences have been renewed and the
personal element has eDtered into the
contest. Accusations and counter ac-
cusatiOns haYe been made in the clos
ing hours Of the campaign.
Gov. Roberts has been attacked on
the various measures which he has
espoused during his Is months in the
governors office, and his enemies have
left no stone unturned to encompass
his defeat Organized labor throughout
the state is said to be bitterly opposed
TO Gov. Roberts, and their forces have
been organized to "a great or less de-
gree to throw the weight of their or
ganlzation against him.
Both Campaigned.
Both Gov, Roberts and Crabtreo have
,ampalgned the state. the governor eN-
planning the operation OF the tax laws
ana winning votes wherever he has
been heard while Crabtree and his sun
porters have declined to meet the gov
arnor for joint discussion Of the is
sues but have contented themselves
with attacks on these laws and prom
Ises Of their repeal II Crabtree is
elected. Gov. Roberts brought his cam
Daign to close in Shelby county on
Wednesday, delivering three speeches,
-Wo IN the county and one In Memphis
II TUG lASItC lntdtbi.
Crabtree has not seen fit TO sneak be-
fore Memphis audience. but his sup
)orters have perfected an organization
N Shelby county and have been active
n his behalf
The Nonpartisan club, composed OF
members OF organized labor. has held
meetings, at which plans
we're perfected for opposing GOV Rob
'rts at the polls.
George \. Welch. candidate for rail
road or public utilities commissioner,
1as waged very active campaign for
'e-electlon agairst Knox Bryson, Crab
rec supporter and commissioner OF
agriculture under Gov. Rye
In the county general election interest
'ehtCfed In the races for the office ot
county. trustee and county assessor
Boyd has predicted his election by a
arge majority, but friends Of Crump
predict that the reverse viii be true. |
That the county assesylrs race viii he |
fenced politician az veteran OF |
many campaigns. NJ ias defended the /
'harges OF incompet " and unfair as
statements to the ers
Wells is one of the most popular poll |
icianss in the county and has made a
pelndld record as a city official He, |
90 Is a veteran Of many political bat |
les, although he has never before "f- |
erred hlmSelt for election to a lucrative |
public office of consequence He has |
made thorough canvass Of the entire !
county and his friends are predicting a |
arge majority for him.
The Republicans OF the county, while |
lolding a primary, are divided among I
themselves. The Lily White faction Is /
understood to have declared that II /
viii not participate IN the election, bur
he Black and Tan faction. which met !
decisive defeat at the RenuhlcAn M |