Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-09-28
CAPT. RULE AT COAL CREEK,
Houk Plays Trick, but Loses Votes by 1t.
Nh EDITOR: According to appointment,

Houk Plays Trick, but Loses Votes by 1t.
Nh. EDITOR: According to appointment,
Capt Rule, the Republican candidate for
Congress, spoke here this evening to AN
audience composed of the best citizens of
the place, and for one hour was listened to
with that marked attention and dignity that
characterizes an audience of intelligent,
thinking, good men, wherever assembled.
! If the speaking here is a correct index to
the campaign waged by our standard bearer
in other parts of this Congressional district,
we can see nothing but one of the most
dignifed campaigns that has ever been con-
Quoted in our midst, upon the part of one
man, and one that is sure to score victory
for him in November
AS some of your readers are aware, Judge
Houk's appointment fell on the same date
at this place. Prior to the arrival of the
two candidates, the Baptist church had
been secured for Mr. Rules use. with the
distinct understanding that Judge Houk
could meet him there in joint discussion if
he wished if not then Mr.. Rule was to
have the exclusive right to the church.
Houk came down from Jacksboro in time
to crack his whip, and suggested to the
sub bosses that they could play very nice
trick on Mr.. Rule before his arrival on the
train. True to the mandates of their chief,
they proceeded to the church, put up their
boss, and, by their actions, proclaimed him
''boss of the situation"
When Capt. Rule arrived, in COM
pany with large number of his
fr5n 10 i.
interrogated as to whether he would be al
lowed division of time, and the question
was propounded to the Judge himself.
Houk positively refused to meet his com
petitor OR allow him any division of time in
joint discussion, as large majority of
the people had hoped for, and Mr.. Rule
was anxious for. Mr.. John Reed, of
| Camp ell County, then announced that Mr.
Rule would proceed to the depot and there
| address the citizens who had come out to
hear him. Rules friends quite q number
| of them at least), then withdrew, and left
Judge Houk, with the sub-bosses, his
drums, his satellites and male attendants
whom he had drummed up for the OCCASION
around Careyville and Jacksboro, and few
of the good citizens of Coal Greek, togeth-
er with great deal of noise, to have their
fun all to themselves. Some of Mr. Rules
| friends were indignant, and said that we
should have gone on into the
church and had our speaking there.
Others suggested that Houk's course would
make him no votes, while others gave vent
to their feelings in such expressions as this:
IF had been for Houk ever SO strong 1
would be against him now Houk has act
| ed very unwisely if not to say cowardly!
Houk's action tonight confirms my belief
that none of the charges against him are
false! He betrays himself some way on
every occasion! l would not have thought
that of Houk! 1t is the meanest trick
ever knew him to be guilty of" and great
many other similar CALCULATIONS. To this
latter, some witty person In the crowd sug-
gested that Houk had been guilty of worse
tricks than that in the capital of the State,
and even in the city of Wash
ington. This provoked general
smile on the faces of those who saw the
force of the argument.
RULE SPEECH.
Mr.. Rule said that he did not deem it
necessary for him to go into a lengthy dis
cission of political issues, as that would
occupy too much of his time He had been
engaged in journalism for several years
and his political views were well known to
his audience on grave questions, but he was
honest in his convictions, and was not here
to apologize for his past political record.
His object was to come face to face with the
people, and discuss the relative claims of
himself and those of man of his own party,
| for a seat in Congress. He said that this
being his object, he had right, not only a
| right, but he felt it to be his duty, to hold
| up the record of our present representa-
| tive it being public property-for the in
spection of the people and their approval
| or disapproval
MIR Rule then took up Houk's public
record and iealt with it in such way that
| the most fa,tldious of Houk's friends could
not find reason for being offended, while
| the more thoughtful ones of them must
have blushed that he was unwilling to meet
| SO fair an opponent on the stump to defend
his record The vituperations and vile
abuse SO frequently mentioned by the editor
of the Knoxville Republican and its CORES
pordents, was heard nowhere in Mr.. Rules
remarks. His speech was plain statement
of facts, based upon the records, and back
ed by good proof, delivered with elegance
and case, and was eloquent and convincing
| in its effect Mr.. Rules friends here are
highly pleased with his manner Of dealing
with his competitor on the stump, and feel
doubly assured that such course must en-
list the best men of the country In his sup
port. We are reliably informed that his
audience al Clinton to-day was likewise
composed of the best men of the county,
and like effect produced. Rules friends,
who have heretofore conceded Houk
a majority in this county, now feel sab.
| guine of nice majority for Rule May
the good work go on and thoughtful he
pubhcans continue to fall into line, is the
wish of many Republicans here
| Yours. etc, THEODORE BROWN
Coal Greek, Tenn, Sept. 26, 'S2.