The Asheville citizen. [volume] (Asheville, N.C.) 1885-1889, 1886-10-15
For the AsneViIle CITIZEN.
WONDERS NEVER CEASE.
JOHNSTON IN HENDERsoNvILLE.


Any one who was not an eye witness
to the discussion at this place between
Capt. Johnston and Maj. Mslene on the
|Sth inst. would infer from the Flop-
doodle's version (on the 9th) that nearly
everly in this county will vote for the
Major. If his reports from other places
have no moro foundation than the one
from here you need have no fears as to
the result in November His imagina-
tive powers must be wonderful. From
the time the editor of the Adrance lsnded
at the railroad station until he reached
the limits of the town every one hailed
him as the aFlopdoodle Editor" He did
mot wear the same cheerful smile as on
former visits. Wonder what's the mat
Ter? We.a also noticed that he did not go
inside the court house yhi4e the Hon.
Thos. D. Johnston was speaking He
should have done SO, in order to give an
accurate description of the speech. Per-
haps he has been inside during tire
debate at other places, and you know "a
burnt child will avoid the fire." Johnston
opened the discussion, and entertained
the audience for one hour with very
able speech. He dispensed with every
charge made by his opponent to the en-
tire satisfaction of all, quoting from the
official records to establish his points
while the Flopdoodle candidate had either
to rely upon extracts from sorehead
newspapers or draw upon his own imagi-
nation. If this is the best the 'Enoble
and patriotic statesman" can do, God
save the country" Johnston entirely
demolished the Majors Declaration of
Independence circular" showed by the
official records that the Major either
knew nothing about the finances of the
country, or stated in that circular what
he knew to be untrue. 1t is admitted
here that the Major is the most success
full dodger that has ever visited Hender-
sonville.ss HE even lodged stating to which
Political Party he belongs. Johnston
dared him to declare himself either a
Democrat or Republican. Johnston's
speech was received with great enthus-
iasm by his party and with profound
respect by the Republicans. AS to
enthusiasm over the Majors speech
heard of it over here, and presume it
must be solely in the imagination of the
correspondent. The Major made no
friends among the Democrats and lost
with the Republicans. His vote would
have been larger here if he had not
spoken at all. have talked with lead
ing Republicans since the speaking, men
who are honest in their belief, and do
not believe in hypocrisy, and they say
frankly that no man who is neither "pig
nor puppy" can get their support or
votes. As between the two, they will
choose the open enemy in preference to
the "bushwhacker." The Major may
'tgull" few ignorant Republicans and
sorehead Democrats into voting for him,
but the thinking masses can penetrate the
thin veil which covers his so o-called great
love for the "pocr farmer and working
Ensan.n In short he is only trying to find
an easy berth for the Major, and then it
will be farewell "poor oppressed laborer,' y
grieue for to Ieare yOu. Johnston will
get in this county ten Republican votes
for every sorehead Democrat that goes
to the Major.
The AdUance accuses you of endeavor.
ing to bolster up Mr.. Johnston by play.
ing game of brag, but says he the result
is going to surprise all, when the votes
shall have been counted oa the End +
November next, to which We add that
there will be no one more surprised than
the few readers of the AdCance who be-
lieve everything it states. The editor
nor the Major will not be included in
this number, yet they already see the
Handwriting upon the Wall" They
know full well that Johnston will be the
next Congressman from this district, but
have>not the moral courage to admit it.
You may depend that Johnston will
carry this county the correspondent Of
the AdUdnce to the contrary notwIth.
standing. Yours fraternally, x.