September 7, 1922
Editor’s Note: This is basically a poignant farewell from James
K. Vardaman. A few months later “JAMES K. VARDAMAN, Editor.” was dropped
from Vardaman’s Weekly. It is during this time that the Senator
moved to Birmingham. In 1923, “S.D. Burton, Editor and Owner” appeared on
the Weekly.
This paper ceased
publication in August 1923.
Statement from Senator Vardaman
TO THE PEOPLE OF
MISSISSIPPI:
Today I am
leaving for the West to enjoy a relaxation and rest for a few weeks after
the excitement and toil of the campaign through which we have just passed.
My time will be spent with my brother, John Vardaman, and while I am on
this vacation, I hope to be able to find a dentist who can relieve the
condition of my mouth which resulted from the removal of my teeth a year
ago
I shall not forget Mississippi and Mississippians in my wanderings through the West, and whatever may be my fortune I know that nothing can or will take the place in my heart and love for the good people of Mississippi. We have a great state and also great problems to solve. Our white people are free, honest, brave and patriotic, but "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," as much today as it was in the trying times of Patrick Henry when he fired the hearts of his compatriots with that dramatic statement, "Give me liberty or give me death." The freedom of our People will be preserved in the proportion that they are true to the ideals of the fathers and loyal to the principles of the commonwealth. The liberties of the people are within the keeping of the people, and they will be enjoyed so long as the people of Mississippi are vigilant ill the affairs of the government.
I shall be away probably two months and I hope in the meantime, to completely recover that vigorous health with which God has always blessed me, and upon my return to Mississippi I hope, by deep and continuous study, by occasional speeches, and by writing to help the people of Mississippi in the solution of the great economic and governmental questions which are upon us for treatment.
To those 85,000
courageous patriotic and unselfish friends who labored for and voted for
me in the recent
cam-
want to express my deep and heartfelt thanks. You have been good to me far beyond my deserts. I have endeavored to serve you with a single purpose, and that in the best interest of you and all the people of Mississippi.
Particularly am I indebted to the Campaign Committee, and Mrs. John Clark, Mrs. Virginia R. Price, Mrs. Ross Collins, Mrs. Lee M. Russell and Mrs. Mary Dinkins and the many gentlemen who made speeches for me and so bravely and loyally presented our cause to the people of this state from the platform.
My chief concern is the disappointment of my friends that I did not receive the nomination. My friends were so loyal, so faithful, so interested that I wish that a complete victory could have crowned their efforts, but I know that the principles of government which these friends represented will live and always be promulgated by the same loyal patriotic democratic citizens of Mississippi.
It is our duty now to support the nominee and uphold his hands in every laudable thing which he shall do in the interest of the people and this course I earnestly request my friends to observe.
Whatever fate may have in store for me in the future my devotion to the brave, loyal and honest men and women of Mississippi will grow and strengthen as the years go by.
God bless all of you.
Thanking the people of Mississippi for their unnumbered goodnesses and generous treatment, I am
Cordially and sincerely,
Your friend,
JAS. K. VARDAMAN.
September 9th, 1922.
