The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1927-07-07

oAIice anu eNdulnB MS duty TO MS c0un-
try. He then showed his audience the
way that the press of the state felt
about this at the time by reading an
editorial from the Jackson Clarion
Ledger in which Conner, then Speaker
Of the Lower House, painting for
power was trying to undo the wise
work of the founders of the constitu-
tion in placing limit of age upon the
candidate for governor, not deeming it
desirable that a mere boy should control
the destinies of the State.
This letter and editorial created
profound impression. He said that
Conner has broadcasted letter over
the state almost demanding that the
people grant his absurd and illegal con-
tention and assist him in getting into
office. Murphree then read from pages
244, 245 and 246 of the House journal,
1920, showing just how the people felt
about it, 4,207 voting in favor of the
iniquituous proposition and 24,753
against. "This,' Murphree stated,
might be construed as Mr.. Conners
first race for governor and in this cam
ragn he lost his home county of Gov
ington by a vote of 271 for and 373
against The people of Mississippi" the
governor said. will never elect any
man governor who cannot carry his
home county and command the friend
ship of his home people. When Mr..
Conner ran for Governor in 1928, he lost
his home county by a majority of 423
votes against him, even Theodore G.
Rilbo, with his unsavory reputation, de-
feated Mike Conner in his home county
by a plurality of As votes. Even Bilbo
beat him in his home town by plural
ity of 100 votes
Conners Home Vote.
The governor continued saying "Mike
Conner will lose his home county in the
present election so long as he feels it
necessary to say, as he did at Como on
June %, 1927, that Is precincts in his
home county voted for Debs in the gen
eral election in 1915. These were the
same people, in the same election which
elevated Conner first to public office.
"These people whom Conner charges +
We're socialists even when they elected
fore they vote for man placing such
stigma upon them
Reviewing his opponents record as a
member of the legislature, Murphree
said that Mr.. Conner was not faithful
member of the legislature; that out of
1861 roll calls, the record shows that
he voted only 1900 times and is re-
corded absent and not voting 1861 times
during the eight years of his service as
a member of the House of Representa-
tives, not going on record upon many
measures, especially measures having
any political significance. "These," he
said, Conner studiously sidestepped."
He continued, "The people of Mississippi
want Governor who can be placed
upon all questions at all times
Conner and Whitfield.
Conner claims that he supported and
Gov. Whitfield during his term
Conner never set his foot in the Gov
ernor's office during his entire term,
nor ever conferred with him upon any
state matter of public policy, the only
time he ever visited Gov. Whitfield be-
ing shortly before his death, when he
visited him for the purpose of asking his
support as a candidate for the office of
Governor. The studied neglect and con-
tempt shown by Mr.. Conner wounded the
Governor and was such that close
friends and family of Gov. Whitfield re-
s.nted it keenly." Here Gov. Murphree
read letter from Mrs. Whitfield in
which the statement was made that Mr..
Conner was never in the Governors
office at any time during Gov Whit
fields term.
Conner Announced Early.
Gov. Murphree stated that Mr.. Conner
wilfully misrepresented him when ne
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