Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-09-18
BOLIVAR.
Old Hardeman County Ovsrwhelm-
ingly for Wilson.
Speaking by the Three Cam
didRtes.

BOLIVAR, September l6.-The ancient
capital of this good old county has inn
proved considerably since 1 wa here,
eight or nine years ago. If Mr.. Hayes
could visit this section, he would have to
confess that it has prospered and grown
apace, even without the aid Of emigration,
or the encouragement Of the government
or the great north. Soon after the war,
the young men of many towns like this
rushed off to Memphis or larger cities,
hoping to better their fortunes, which de-
pleted communities of their rising young
brain, muscle and enterprising spirits.
This seems to have changed. Those who
went away did not always make fortunes,
and some returned, 10 exercise a healthy
and restraining influence on the rising
generation. 1t seems to me that more
young men are to be seen on the farms
and about these little towns than
formerly. This is healthy sign Of the
times and a condition Of the country
which should be encouraged by all public
educators and molders of thought The
hope and glory of the south is her young
men, and it is not in the heat and din and
temptations of great cities that they usu
ally attain their highest development and
greatest usefulness or happiness. Crops
are not as good as last year in this section,
yet the people are generally hopeful and
in good condition. They are well in
formed upon the issues of the day, and
generally read the LEDGER and are for
Wilson for governor.
Hon. J. A. Manson, q low-tax demo-
crat, will be easily reelected to the legis
lature. This is something of a railroad
center in a small way-that it has long
been the residence of some railroad off
cials, and is yet. This influence, and that
Of a few lawyers and merchants, as well
as that of the county paper here, is az
exerted for Wright and high state
credit. This may be potent in a
so-called democratic convention at Mash
vile, but it amounts to very little here in
controlling the votes Of the people.
Hornsby, the one-eyed butcher, who once
lived in Memphis, took the stump in
1879, and confronted the whole of the
very able bar at this place against the 5O-4
measure, and it was defeated by over FIVE
to one. Wilson's strength is even greater
10 proportion to Wright than that. Every
part Of the county wa represented here
to-day. The people came from every
civil district. They came to listen, and
remained with the greatest patience. Be
fore the speaking began a great number
Of people called 10 pay their respects to
Mr.. Wilson at his stopping place. Ten Ia
one of them assured him of their hearty
support.
The speaking usually begins at half
past 10 o'clock, but when the candidates
repaired to the courthouse, they found it
occupied by a little meeting called
by a high-tax branch of the demo-
~ocratic party, in the interest of Judge
Wright. 1t happened, however, that
the Wright f~usionists present took part
and voted down every thing proposed but
a motion TO adjourn. Mr.. Wilson arose
and asked his friends to allow the meeting
to proceed for the purposes desired. After
tais the high credit party withdrew t
another room, where they could resolve
themselves into whole democratic party,
if necessary. There were just twelve OF
them, it is said, though they may have
numbered more, and harmony no doubt
prevailed. Afterthis little episode, which
did not really amount to much, the speak
ing commenced just after IL o'clock.
Judge Wright did not speak as we'll as al
Somervllle. The knowledge that q crowd
is against a man seems to make a differ:
ence in his feelings sometimes. He wal
listened to very %attentiyely, and made thu
same speech he has made every where
else. No new points were developed, and
he vas ~applauded but slightly throughout
the speech Of an hour and a half. 1t TO-
rather fiat, and lacked the sparkle anC
wit that sometimes add a charm TO hi
style. His few friends seemed disappoint
ed and crestfaIlen.
Mr.. Wilson was introduced by Mr.. A
NJ, Lambeth, who lives here, and is the
chairman of the low tax executive com
mittee Of West Tennessee. The cham
pion Of the peoples rights was receive,
with tremendous applause. He made {
grand speech. He Is truly one Of th,
great popular orators of the day. Hi
strongest characteristic is his great earn
estness and impressive manner. Beside
this he has a clear, ringing voice and a en-
presence, is exceedingly tenacious and az
gressiYe, and is utterly fearless. He wa
unusually forcible, determined and pos
tive to-day, and fully equal TO the grea
expectations Of his friends. Tim
and again he had 10 stOI
and wait until the applause q
the audience subsidized. The court
room was packed to its utmost capacit.
by an eager and attentive crowd. II wa
a grand triumph and yindication Of Oh
/, rights Of the people. When he took HI
seat, the entire audience, with a few o.
ceptions, sent up a cheer that fairly shoe
the building. l have rarely seen sue
| unanimity and enthusiasm. Judge Virgil
sat by and saw it all. In his mind he sa'
the handwriting on the wall, no doub
/ and looked ahead to the defeat that inev.
! tably awaits him, He stands about 1
, much chance Of being elected governC
! as the worthy old greenback candidate.
Colonel Edwards was also introduce
= by Mr.. Lambeth. The crowd did not a
S remain, but he held, entertained and j.
struc,ed, a fair proportion Of the thinkin
people Of all shades Of opinion. PERSONAL
he makes an excellent impression, an
talks like 0 sincere, good man.
No great crowd remained TO hear u
rejoinders. These passed off about
4 usual. Judge Wright initiated Wilson
. manner, and said chat he was not 70
hectored over, and that Of course Wise
did not mean TO do that, although some