Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-09-16
DEMOCRATIC RALLY.
A STIRRING SPEECH FROM HON.
THOS. HARDEMAN, OF BIBB.
A Scathing Arraignment OF the Gar.
trell PartY-The Independents and
SOreheads Shaken Up.

The Savannah Theatre, last night, was
packed from ''pit to dome" by an intelli-
gent and cultured audience, one of the
most respectable assemblages at political
meeting we have ever seen in this city, the
occasion being an address from Hon. Thos
HardemsD, Of Bibbs county, in accordance
with an invitation extended by a committee
appointed Iat mass meeting of the Democ-
racy on the 9TH Of August last.
At quarter-past eight O'Clock the dis
tinguished visitor, escorted by Colonel
Lester, Chairman of the Democratic Execu-
tive Committee, the Committee of Re-
ception, and large number of citizens,
and preceded by the Guards Band, appeared
at the Theatre. The building was densely
packed, and punctually at half-past eight
O'Clock the committee, with Colonel Hsrde-
man, appeared on the stage, and were
received with enthusiasm.
As soon as the demonstration ceased Col.
Lester arose and addressed the assemblage
as follows:
FELLOW CITIZENs:-You have with you
tonight an eminent citizen of this State ,one
who is dist nguished on the field and in the
forum-one who has been faithful and true
to every trust confided to him; who has
fought nobly in every battle for Democracy
In this State since his manhood, and with
tardY justice Democracy has st last ad-
vsnced him to higher position in its
households; has placed its banner in his
hand and made him the representative Of the
States interest In the council Of the nation.
He has been nominated by the Democratic
Convention as Congressman for the State at
large. From his past eminent service we
have earnest that he will ably and efficiently
represent the State when you ratify this
nomination at the polls. l have now the
pleasure to introduce to you Hon. Thomas
Hardeman, of Blbb. Loud and enthusiastic
applause.
Colonel Hardeman advanced to the front
of the stage, and was received with an out
burst Of enthusiasm, attesting his popularity
10 Chatham. Gracefully bowling his ac-
acknowledgements, Colonel HardemaE said:
FELLOW CITIZENs-I should feel very much
fattered IL thought this demonstration was
in honor Of myself, but knowing that it is
given to me as the representative of the
| Democratic party 1t cheers me with
the belief that the Democracy Of
Chatham are fully organized. Applause.
have come among you to see II you are
marching to the music OF the old guard,
keeping step, elbow to elbow, upon the
breastworks Of the enemy. hope to find
/ that such is the case, so that after the battle
is over it may be said, as has been said In
| the past, Gas goes Chatham so goes the
State" Applausel. have said that l be-
| lieve the Democracy OF Chatham are organ
| lied. II they are not then success with
you is uncertain. Without organization
you are like an army without leader, and
are not prepared to go into fight. When
say that your enemies are thoroughly and
completely organized, you can readily ap-
| preciate the importance of the situation.
How is party to show that they are organ
| izedS By their primary meetings; their
county conventions. Therefore, when they
meet in Stare Convention 1t is proper
to assume that the people are
speaking. Such a convention has
has been held in Georgia. 1t has been said
that the convention was not properly con-
Quoted, and some have taken advantage OF
that charge to withhold their support from
the distinguished Georgian who received
the nomination for Governor. Applause.
1t is also said that the two-thirds rule, the
governing rule of the Democracy, was
not maintained. Now we will look
into that. The majority Of the
convention favored the majority rule, as
they had a perfect right to do. ANY con-
and when they adopted the majority rule,
the distinguished citizen of my own county,
whose name was before the convention as
candidate, withdrew his name Tapplausel,
leaving Mr.. Stephens in the field, and he re-
ceived 325 votes, almost an unanimous vote.
Applause. / ask, was there any chicanery,
any bOssisms any corruption in that 1t is
said that one delegation, instructed by
their county to vote for the twO~thirds
rule, disregsrded them, and voted
In favor of the majority. There Was also
delegation instructed to vote for the ma
iority rule, that voted in favor of the two
thirds, so there was a set-of. l submit
that they are responsible to their own con-
stituents, and that Mr.. Stephens is not to be
held accountable. ask If you are organ
lied Democrats? II you are, say that you
are pledged by your delegation and should
support Mr.. Stephens. Loud applause.
am free to say that Mr. Stephens was not
my choice, but when my county spoke, their
voice became my voice. Applause
The speaker here referred to various other
objections that had been urged against Mr..
Stephens, and rapidly presented his position
as set forth in his various speeches, and
lastly his Macon speech, in which he had so
clearly defined his policy and position as to
satisfy all.
In regard to the charge of Mr.. Stephens IA
voring Independentism, he said that the great
commoner had fully explained that to the
satisfaction of his friends. But, granting
that he was an Independent, when he
comes back into the fold and asserts that he
is a thoroughly organized Democrat, we
should receive him. Who does not remem-
Der the man spoken of in the Bible who had
hundred sheep and when one strayed from
the fold left the ninety and nine and went
into the mountains in search of it, and when
it was found there was more rejoicing over
its recovery than over the ninety and nine
that strsYed not. Applause. Who
does not remember the return
OF the prodigal son, the rejoicings
over the event, and the killing Of the fatted
calf. l say that we should welcome the
stray Democrats back to the house of their
fathers, and kill the fatted calf in honor
thereof. II there are any in this crowded
house ! will extend to him or them the
same welcome and will say that ''while the
lamp holds out to burn the vilest sinner
may return" Laughter and applause
There are only two parties In Georgia,
the Democratic and Republican party.
believe, however, there is little party called
the Liberal party, which originally consisted
of a President and Secretary, who issued
an address, and afterwards secured two
more, and their address reminds me OF the
prayer Of the old man
''Oh Lord, bless me and my wife.
My son John and his wife,
Us four and no more"
Laughter and applause.
That address stated they were in the party
of l776 / don't know where IL had been