Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-09-26
Tue Atkins Ratinoation Meeting.


The court house square last evening was
: le tcene Of the gathering together Of the
Atkins wing OF the Republican party, pur-
suant to 3 call OF the Executive Committee
o. that wing OF the party fer the purpose
OF ratifying the nomination Of James Atkins
as the Republican candidate to represent
the First Congressional district in the en-
suing National Legislature.
a stand had been erected in the square,
fronting on Bull street, which was adorned
BY Chinese lanterns; brass band was IN at
tendance to give enthusiasm to the gather
ing: and a large crowd, most Of whom, how
ever, were evidently not in sympathy wish
the cEuse, but were attracted by curiosity,
were present TO listen to the speeches.
The meeting was called to order by L. NJ.
Peasants, who read the call, and stated the
objects, snd moved that the meeting
organize by the election OF Charles u. De
LaMotta as President, and James A. Sykes
as Secretary, which motion was adopted,
and the meeting prepared for the speeehifY-
ing.
The first speaker was introduced in the
person Of J. W. Lyons, OF Richmond cOUu-
~, and a tall well-formed mulatto faced the
audience. His speech, which wss
a rambling harangue upon national
politics, was listened to without any mani
festation OF enthusiasm on the part
OF the audience. He devoted his at
tention to Colonel Clifford Anderson's late
speech, to the present chain gang system,
the poll tax Snd registration law, and 10
the necessity for q unanimous ratification OF
the nomination OF James Atkins as the Re-
publican candidate for the First Congress
siOnal district. He warned Mr.. johnson
that II he wished to maintain his Standing
in the Republican church he should
be very careful how he opposed the will OF
that party as expressed st the convention
that nominated Col. Atkins. The speech
was we'll delivered, but aroused no enthu-
slasm, and cries Of johnson. Johnson p'fre
Quently interrupted the speaker, who closed
6y saying that the election OF Atkins would
secure for Savannah at the next session Of
Congress large increase IN the harbOr ap-
preparation, and new post Office, which the
election OF q Democrat or OF johnson could
not effect.
The next speaker was l.. N. Peasants,
colored, who in a short speech spoke
in a somewhat similar strain, but was fire.
queutly interrupted by the outside crowd,
who repeated the cries of johnson! john
sonl" much to the merriment Of the greater
portion Of those present. be closed his
speech with evident disgust at his recep-
ton.
The Chsirman then introduced James A.
Sykes, and a young. rather spsre mulatto
came to the front and attempted to gather
the attention of the somewhat turbulent
crowd, but the cries OF "JOhnsOn! johnson"
were repeated, drowning his somewhat
lsbored effort, and he wound up his remarks
by drawing from his pocket preamble and
resolutions, which ne offered as the sense
OF the Republicans of Chatham county. The
resolutions were to the effect that the Re.
publicans Of Chatham county have selected
Col James Atkins IS their standard bearer
IN the coming election for Congress from
the First Congressional district, and that the
party in Chatham county hereby ratifY and
indOTse said nomination.
The Chairman put the motion, can who
favor the motion say aye" chorus Of
voices yelled "AyeT' and, without putting
the negative side to vote, declared the reso-
lutions unanimously carried, and so the
ratification meeting ended.