As Sheriff and Tax Collector of Marshall County,--one of the wealthiest counties in the State,--he had handled and disbursed many thousands of dollars, every dollar of which had been faithfully accounted for.

His honesty, integrity, ability, fitness, and capacity, everyone, regardless of race or party, unhesitatingly admitted.
The administration of Governor Ames was one of the best the State had ever had.

The judiciary was quite equal to that which had been appointed by Governor Alcorn.

The public revenues had been promptly collected, and honestly accounted for.

There had not only been no increase in the rate of taxation, but, to the contrary, there had been a material reduction.
Notwithstanding these things the Democrats, together with the radical element in charge of the party machinery, determined to seize the State Government _vi et armis_; not because it was at all necessary for any special reason, but simply because conditions at that time seemed to indicate that it could be safely done.
After the nominations had all been made, the campaign was opened in dead earnest.