Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-10-20
DEBATE !

Last Saturday was great day in
the political history of Martiusburg.
The first of the series of joint discus.
siens between Hon. WI. Wilson,
candidate ior Congress from the
Second w. Va. District, and Hon.
Nathan Golf, momber of Congress
from the First District, and Republi.
can candidate for Governor, took
place in the Central Opera House,
and was listened to by thousands.
They are both noted speakers and
prominent leaders of their respective
parties and their issues. Mr.. Will
son, besides being an eloquent speak
er, is trained scholar in all the use
to which language can be put, and
appeals to his audience upon its
sympathy and credulity, by supposi.
ton and anticipation, and all the
science of oratorlcal display. Gen.
Golf is also eloquent and powerful
in debate appealing to facts and rea.
sou, aud dealing sledge hammer
blows.
Saturday was q rcusday in the
way of crowds. People came from
all sections of the county, from JEFF
ferson and Morgan and some from u
distance. The Opera House was
packed, and many IN the rear and
at the door were unable to hear.
The discussion opened about one.
Mr.. Wilson was introduced by the
Democratic Chairman, Mr.. Alex.
Parks, and spoke over an hour. Gen.
Golf followed, introduced by the Re.
publican Chairman, Mr.. Luther Mil
Ter.
The Wheeling papers had report
ers here, and we give full report
from the Intelligencer.
Mr.. Golf came Friday night aud
was met at the depot by the leading
Republicans and the Republican
Club, which escorted him to the res.
idence of Maj. j. II. Bristor, where
he received callers up to late hour.
After the debate b spent the
evening at the home of Hon. Geo.
M. Bowers, where many friends call
ed to pay their respects.
The friends of Messrs. Golf and
Wilson presented them through the
Chairmen of the respective Execu-
tive Committees with handsome bou
quets. That presented to Gen. Golf
by Mr.. Miller had the name of "Goff''
worked in white dahlias and made II
most attractive sight.
A great many people in the rear
of the hall we're annoyed and dis
gusted with the confusion, made
more obnoxious by yells and con-
slant racket. The applause, too,
was frequent and deafening, espec.
tally at the sight of Mr.. Golf and all
through his telling speech.
There is no reason why order
should not be maintained on such
occasions as well as at any religious
or social gathering. Many Republi
cans and Democrats, anxious to hear
what was said, were unable to get
the speakers voice. A little police
regulation on such occasions would
teach some much needed lesson,
irrespective of party.
In the evening the City Band SER
enaded Mr.. Golf at the residence of
Mr.. Geo. Bowers, to which the Gen
eral responded in short speech that
took the crowd for Golf. The Re.
publican Glee Club sang one of their
best songs, Goodbye Grover" that
was we'll received The Band then
proceeded to the st. CLAIR Hotel,
where they serenaded Mr.. Wilson,
who came to the front and made
pleasant address.
Everything passed off pleasantly
through the day, and the people
were pleased with their champions.
Mr.. Wilson having spoken here be.
fore was known on the public issues,
and most of the desire was centered
upon hearing Mr.. Golf, whose popu-
larity as Republican leader and
reputation as a powerful speaker
made him the attraction of the day.
In justice to all it may be safely
and fairly stated that Gen. Golf
made most favorable impression
upon the people in every way that
cannot help but make him a greater
favorite as representative OF West
Virginia, and add to his usefulness
and influence in every part he may
be called upon to take in the public
r. . -