Marshall County Republican

For the Marshall County Republican.

Mr. Editor—

Sir: I saw in a call upon the democratic candidates, for an expression of their sentiments upon several questions involving the best interest of the State, and likewise touching the great political questions now dividing the parties of this nation.

I acknowledge the right to demand of me my political opinions upon all subjects connected with the duties of the office to which I aspire. I cheerfully and frankly proceed to answer the questions propounded in your paper of the 24th ult.

To the first, second, and third questions. I answer in the affirmative, and the fourth in the negative. I am in favor of the re-election of our distinguished fellow-citizen, R. J. Walker who has, in my humble opinion, represented our state with most signal ability. I feel willing to give him the preference, but, if it is thought advisable to unite upon another sound and unwavering supporter of the leading measures of the present administration. I will give up my preference for Mr. Walker and go for the man.

The fifth question is one, which, in my humble opinion, is not connected with the duties properly pertaining to the office of representative, but as I feel no inclination to conceal my own individual opinions of, or preferences for men, I shall with much pleasure give my vote to A. G. McNutt for governor; I am not personally acquainted with the other nominees, but expect however to support the ticket.

6th. The policy pursued by the managers of the bank has been reprehensible in many respects, I consider that it transcended its charter by the issuance of post notes. There was however more apology for its first issue than its last, as all the banks were then in a state of suspension, and the holders of post notes were receiving five per centum interest for the delay of payment when otherwise they would have had no compensation. Its last issue was not only impolitic, but a more palpable infraction of the spirit of its charter than the first. as it was in my opinion tantamount to a second suspension of specie payments, and had a tendency to lead and give tone to the other banks to follow the example, which, in fact, they have done.

I am not sufficiently informed as to its unequal distribution of loans, and failure to establish its branches, to condemn, but I should be in favor of a rigid scrutiny upon these and all other charges preferred against it, and if found true shall exercise all my influence to have abuses corrected. As the state is one third owner of its stock, and as it began operations in a time of unusual, and extraordinary embarrassment; I would be in favor of using as much lenity toward it as duty and the best interest of the state required. To the seventh question I answer:

I am utterly opposed to the course that many, if not all of the banks of this state are pursuing. I believe the time has arrived when this community will put up no longer with the high handed and illegal means used by them. I shall, if honored with a seat, commence an unceasing warfare against the unlawful acts of these violators of chartered privileges. If they are stronger than the arm of the law, joined to the disregarded and insulted rights of the people of this State, it should be known as early a day as possible, that the planting and farming interest may be aroused from their lethargy and brought to combat this great enemy of their rights.

To the eighth and last question, I answer in the negative.

Respectfully,

D. S. GEER.