The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-07-05
BIG RALLY AT CHIPLEY.
ANNEXATION TO ALABAMA UN-
DER DISCUSSION.

The Crowd in Attendance Estimated
at from 200 to Speeches on
Both Sides of the Question Listened
to with Close Attention-A Painting
Fit Breaks Up the Speaking.
CHIPLEY, FLA, July 4.-Owing to the
inclemency of the weather and the general
threatening aspects of the clouds yesterday
and to-day, the annexation convention in
this city was not so well attended as it
would otherwise have been. During the
early morning a slight drizzling rain fell
and had the effect of making everything
generally disagreeable, but no rain could
dampen the ardor of those annexationists
who did attend. The morning train which
arrived at 6 o'clock was comfortably filed
with people friendly to the movement
They were met at the depot by delegation
of citizens headed by the Chipley Cornet
Band.
GATHERING OF THE CLANS.
As the day wore on people were seen
fockiug in from every direction in wagons,
on horseback, and on foot, each bent on
lending what feeble assistance lay in his
power TO promote the great cause of annex
ing that part of Florida lying west Of the
Chattahoochee and Apalachicola rivers TO
Alabama. BY IL o'clock the clouds, which
had been deeply overcast since morning,
began to clear up and everybody wore
more cheerful aspect. The crowd by this
time began to assemble i'll the large and
commodious Baptist church, which had
been secured for the occasion, and by noon
the spacious structure was filled to over
flowing.
CALLED TO ORDER.
Precisely at that hour, A. q. Chandlee
called the meeting TO order and nominated
Col d. H. Horne of Orange Hill as chair
man. The gentleman was chosen by accla-
nation, and in few well-chosen remarks,
stated that the purport of the meeting was
the prOpriety Of annexing west Florida to
Alabama. He was greeted by round of
applause.
THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
Councilman McLane of Chipley, In the
absence of the mayor delivered the well
coming address. He was followed bv Rev
A. Richards of High Hill, Fla, who made
a ringing speech in favor of the scheme.
He said that West Florida properly be-
longed to Alabama by all the laws of longi-
tudinal and latitudinal lines, and that the
time was near at hand when this section of
the state would be transferred to its right
full owner and natural mother, Alabama
He was greeted with several rounds of APP
plause. after which DR.. l.. McKennon of
Mariana mounted the platform and re-
piled to the former gentleman, making a
short address against annexation.
AN AUGMENT IN FAVOR.
Following him came Maj w. w. Screws
of Montgomery, who made an argument in
favor of the project. Mai. Screws dilated
somewhat extensively upon the public in
stitutions of Alabama; her fine system of
schools, and the landed endowment of her
universities. He said that Alabama was
ready and willing to adopt this portion of
Florida, and thought the time about ripe
for some definite action. Maj. Screws was
followed by Editor BLIZZARD of Geneva and
S. S. Booth of Henry county, Alabama,
both Of whom brought out some strong
points in favor of annexation, and were
frequently applauded.
THE CLOSE IN OPPOSITION.
Mr.. Kennon Of Mariana again took
the floor, and made the closing argument
against annexation. He was listened to
with marked attention by tie audience, and
was more than once applauded on some spe-
cal points advanced, and as he brought out
the words "Florida, as she stands, is of some
political Importance"
A Mr.. Keiter of Boniface tainted, and
had to be carried from the church This
created commotion, and before the speaker
had fairly concluded the meeting adjourned
to the Forester building across the railroad,
where bountiful supply of food had been
prepared and was heartily enjoyed by all.
NO RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
No resolutions were offered, the managers
of the affair deemIng it unadvisable at
present, although seven-eighths Of the Wis
itors present are in favor of annexation.
The speaking was interspersed with music
by the Chipley Cornet Band, and every
thing passed off smoothly. The number
participating is variously estimated at
from !, 200 to 1,800.