The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-09-13
WATSON ON HIS MUSCLE.
A PRELUDE TO THE MEETING NOT
ON TIE PROGRAMME.

Watson Takes OfSense at Remark
Made on the Georgia Railroad Train
by Frank Jordan of Hancock-The
Populist Calls Jordan a Liar and
Strikes Him Twics-A DisRraceful
q flair.
AUGUSTA, Ga, Sept. 12.-There was a
prelude to the Black Watson debate to-
night which was not down on the pro-
gramme, and which has been the talk OF
the town all the evening. It occurred on
the Georgia railroad train which reached
Augusta this afternoon at 4 o'clock. This
train. like all others reaching Augusta to-day
over every road, was packed with people
coming to so-night's meeting. There was
a big delegation from Sparta, and among
these was Frank Jordan, g member OF the
Hancock Democratic Club. Il was q demo-
cratic crowd, and cheers for Black were
given ct every station. Al Thomson, Mr..
Watson's home, many went out on the plat~
form to cheer for Black, while the train
stopped at the station. When the train
started of again they came back into
the coaches. As they passed down the aisle
OF the ladies' coach, Mr.. Jordon continued
his cheering for Black and declared he
would never vote for Watson. who had
sold Gus Co the republicans and deserted the
Democratic party. Jordan says he did not
know Watson was In the car, but suoh was
the case, he having gotten on with others as
Thomson.
WATSON ON HIS MUSCLE.
Jordan was right at Watsons side almost
and the latter sprang to his feet. excitedIy
exclaimlng, That is Hep and
striking Jordan back OF the head as he
passed. As Jordan turned Watson struck
him again in the left eye. In momens
other men interfered aud the difficulty was
quelied, but not before the greatest possible
excitement had been created and men were
crowding In the aisle from every quarter
and ruehing in from other oars Many OF
the ladies were greatly alarmed and one was
thrown into Mysteries. Believing that the
speaker knew of bis presence and was pur-
poSely insulting him before the crowd, ladies'
and all. 10 can't be denied that Mr.. Watson
had great cause for resentment, but 1t 10
unfortunate that he should have loss bis
self-oontrol entirely, and his use OF profane
language In a car full OF ladies is roundly
condemned. His action might have pre-
cipitsted serious difficulty but for the
prompt Interference of cooler heads.
DIsGRAcEFuL MEETING.
After trying from 8 O'Clock until past
midnight to carry out the programme of
the joint debate, the Black Watson meeting
ended as IL began, In overwhelming
and disgraceful disorder. The exposition
music hall was packed like sardines long
before the hour OF speaking. and many men
and boys were perched upon the rafters high
up In the roof OF the build
ing. Many ladies were. present, but
their presence did not suffice to stop the
noisy disorder. II was as bad as any meet
Ing held In Carolina In point of noise
and bowling down, but there were
no hostile demonstrations of any
kind. Hundreds of men seemed determined
that che speakers should not be heard. and
this disgraceful conduct was not
confined to either side. It was
half hour after time
before Maj. Black could proceed with his
opening speech, and then he could not be
heard by one-senth OF the people present.
He was constantly interrupted and howled
down. When at length be finished and
Watson began there were yeIls for twenty
minutes.
wALsH's APPEAL.
Finally Hon. Patrick Walsh gained the
ear of the crowd, and in a splendid
speech begged for order and quiet In
| respect for the fair name Of
Augusta abroad and the good ladies who
were present. This had a marked
effect on the crowd and Mr.. Wat
son proceeded, not without Interruptions
but with better success than Mai. Black
had enjoyed. When he concluded and Mai.
Black attempted to conclude there was
bedlam again, and nobody could
hear. There was nothing sensa-
tional in the speeches themselves.
Maj. Black criticised Mr.. Watson's
record again and Mr.. Watson discussed his.
but there was nothing new. The over
whelming portion Of the crowd was demo-
cratic, but both sides were disorderly and
the meeting was disgraceful throughous.