The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1891-10-01


COLUMBUS, Sept. 29.-with all his
boasted prowess Major Mckinley has
"hunked," and through his campaign
manager, Hon. W. M. Hahn, declines to
meet Campbell in series OF joint de-
bates.
Ever since the joint meeting at Ada
was arranged the Republican press has
teemed with insinuating references to a
discussion OF the issues by the leaders of
the two great parties, declaring that
Campbell was unable to cope with McKin-
ley in discussion of this character.
The Democracy, having full confidence
in its gallant leader, issued through Chair.
man Neal a challenge for series of eight
joint debates, offering to cancel Gov.
Campbelps engagements to accommodate
his political adversary.
Hahn and Mckinley back down, hiding
behind the subterfuge Of arrangements
previously made for meetings TO be adj
dressed by the Republican candidate and
want to crawl out by consenting to one
meeting in addition to that arranged for
Ada. The correspondence given below
shows the unwilliDgness of the Republic
can leader to meet Gov. Campbell in dis
cussing the issues OF the campaign.
On Sept. %, 1891, James L. Neal, chair.
man of the Democratic state executive
committee, writing to William N. Hahn,
chairman Of the Republican state execu-
tive committee, concerning the arrange
ments Of the debate between Gov. Camp
bell and Major Mckinley at Ada, said:
while on this subject, permit me to say
that II would be very agreeable to this
committee and Gov. Campbell to arrange
a series Of eight other joint discussions be-
tween Gov. Campbell and Major McKin-
ley in various parts OF Ohio; you to name
one-half OF the places, and to name the
other half, agreeing upon the time to be
occupied and alternating the opening and
closing; deciding the first opening and
closing by lot il we cannot agree among
ourselves. would suggest that at as early
a date as possible this matter should be
determined yourself, and can assure you
1t would meetwith our hearty appreciation
to arrange for series of debates. limit
it to eight, owing to other engagements Of
Gov. Campbell at places where it would
not be to the satisfaction of Major McKin-
ley to be present. Assuring you of my
personal regard, l am, very truly yours,
JAMES L. NEAL, Chairman
On the same date Mr.. Hahn, in answer
to the above concerning the joint debate,
said:
"The other portion of your letter will
receive consideration in day or two.n
MIR. Neal accordingly waited, and on
Sept. %, received the following letter from
Chairman Hahn:
"The suggestion contained in your late
favor for further joint discussion between
Gov. Campbell and Hon. William McKin-
ley, Jr., has been considered. In reply we
beg to say that the arrangements already
made for Hon. William Mckinley, Jr., are
such that the time necessary for
the number of meetings you
indicate cannot be taken from his
engagements. The demand for
him and the promises already given out
for meetings at different parts of the state
render 1t quite impossible. His own meet
ings are satisfactory, and IL Is not desired
on our part to interfere with the plans of
the campaign we have already arranged
for him.
"Major Mckinley is for the 9th of Octo-
Der unsigned and he will be glad to meet
Gov. Campbell for two meetings on that
day, one in the afternoon and the other in
the evening, at the points to be fixed by
us. These meetings should be arranged
for at once for the time is short.
I'VE will be glad IL in your reply you
Will indicate time and place that we can
meet and consummate the arrangement
for them. Very respectfully,
w. M. HAHN, Chairman.n
To the above Mr.. Neal replied Sept 20 as
follows:
III am receipt of your letter of the 28tb
inst in answer to mine of the 22d.
VI am very much surprised that you de-
cline to have Major Mckinley meet Gov,
Campbell in a series of eight joint debates
in various parts of Ohio. The surprise ia
all the greater on occount of the Republi-
can press OF Ohio with one accord for
several weeks past uniting in ssying that
Gov. Campbell was unable to cope with
Major Mckinley in JOINT debate and
afraid to meet him.
"The Democracy of Ohio have full conf.
dence In its gallant leader, and have moth
ing to fear from joint discussion with
your candidate. When l penned my let
to you proposing series of eight joint
debates was very we'll aware of the fact
that Major McKinley's appointments had
been made for some time in the future.
The same can be said of Gov. CampbeII's
although the official an.
nouncement OF them had not been made
yet they had long since been determined
upon. But did not propose that this fact
should interfere with the joint discussions
between these gentlemen.
III was perfectly willing to change Gov.
Campbell's appointments 80 as not to
connict with the eight debates proposed
and supposed that there would be no
hesitancy upon your part to do the same
with Major Mckinley. In this find that
l was mistaken. The reason assigned by
you for declining these debates Is not a
one; II, however, it meets your
appreciation, have nothing further to say
upon the subject.
the State are immense, enthusiastic and
perfectly satisfactory to us.
,hsrerring 70 y9ur proposition for joint
debate, to bs held the afternoon and even.
lng or Oct. ., have to say that Gov. Camp.
bell has an appointment on that afternoon
At Baltic to meet the Democracy of Tus-
sarawas, Coshocton and Holmes counties.
Ihis meeting cannot be changed and rem
iers II impossible for me to attempt to
agree upon place where Major McKin-
ey and Gov. Campbell can meet on Oct. o.
VI now formally make to you "a chal.
enge Tor Major Mckinley to meet Gov,
campbell in a series Of eight joint debates |
~ various places throughout Ohio, this be- |
ng renewal OF my former proposition to
Iou; you to name four of these points and |
the other four deciding the first opening
md closing by lot, and should Gov. Camp
lelPs appointments interfere with these |
iates this com mittee will cancel the same |
10 that he may attend at the places we |
lRree upon. Trusting you will find it in |
'our power to accept this challenge and |
o make Major McKinley's appointments |
'onform thereto, l await an answer
"As this Is matter of public concern l |
'iye to-day to the press all letters passing |
'etweon u' on tho suhjsc'. You have my |
onsent 20 DO tins same.