The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-27
ARKANSAS POLITICS.
THE FIRST GUN OF THE CAMPAIGN
FIRED LAST NIGHT.
Hughes, Fletcher. Fishback, Eagle and
Rector Present Their Claims for tn
oubeYnatorial Chair-Their Individ-
ual Inducements.
Special Dispatch to The Appeal.

Special Dispatch to The Appeal.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, March 26.--The
Senate chamber OF the State-holse was to-
night literally packed with people who
had assembled there to hear the first gun
OF the coming campaign fired. The gal
lery was filed with ladies. Five guberna-
torial candidates materialized Hughes,
Fletcher, Fishback, Eagle and Rector.
Col. Sam w. Williams was called to the
chair and announced as the first speaker
Gov. s. p. Hughes. Mounting the ros-
trum he reviewed his record as Governor
for the past four years, dwelling largely
upon the part he had played in fore.
ing the equal taxation OF rail-
roads with other private property in
on coming into Office four years ago the
but little over $4,000, 900, while now IL
pays a yearly pro rata into the State treas
ury Of more than Sl5,OO0,000 He is one
OF the penitentiary commissioners, and
condemned in the strongest terms the
custom OF working our convicts outside
the walls Of the penitentiary. His refer
ence TO the recent Coal Hill butcheries
called forth earnest applause He says
there will be a change made in our convict
law by the next General Assembly. He
spoke an hour and fifteen minutes.
He lauded the advancement Arkansas
has made in her educational studies, and
drought down the house" in his condem-
nation Of the Blair bill.
col. JOHN q. FLETcHER,
OF Little Rock. read his speech, which was
short but full OF Democratic wisdom.
Mr.. Fletcher was wheedled out OF
The nomination for Governor by
Gov. Hughes four years ago and
accepted for one night the Wheeler nomi-
nation for the same position two years ago.
His talk was taken up in explaining away
the why's and wherefores thereof The large
audience showed its Partially by liberal
cheers.
COL. wM. FIsIIBACR.
Of Fort Smith, also read his argument, but
il was, as is all this learned gentlemans
documents, polished TO degree that was
pleasure TO hear him read IL. lie gave
his time TO the internal improvements
which the State needs, and which IL
elected governor, he hopes to be instri-
mental in helping 10 build up. He is in
favor OF more railroads.
THE REV. ). r. RAGLE
OF Lonoke, has "been before the people"
so long that he was able TO deliver his talk
off hand. He referred 10 the States pub
lie school system, and thought the State
should supply the means with which TO
educate her children. His speech was able
and earnest and received close attention.
lie Is n native Of the State, aud few ADLER
and better liked men are numbered among
her citizens.
DOL. "JoBE" RECTOR
Of Hot Springs. closed the entertainment
in one OF the floweriest N well M he ablest
speeches OF the evening He said, among
other truthful things, that the Blair hill
was Republican ruse TO defeat the fed
eral treasury la order 10 furnish AN excuse
to keep up the prcscn. system of high tariff
taxation.
Col. Rector Is n son OF the grand old
Arkansas gentleman" immortalizcd by
Col. Albert Pike, and while he Is the hoy
candidate Of the crowd, carries hat full
Of brains and knows just how and where
10 use them. This Is the third effort Of
Gov Hughes, and II he makes IL he will
score victory that no other Democrat hm
been able TO do since Arkansas was made
a State.