The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-02-16
THE FIRST GUN
OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1892 FIRED
At DOUGLASSVILLE.
Democracy Ably Eefended-A Ringing
Speech from Chairman w. Y. At
kinson of the State Committee.

cous circumstances. The enthusiasm which is
said to have attended the organization OF the
peoples party in this county must have been
small in comparison with this days exhibition
of loyalty to the old democracy, for it did not
move as many people to leave Their homes
ard come to town. Notwithstanding the en-
tire absence of anything like an advertisement,
and in spite Of the raw and disagreeabie
weather, n large crowd came out to hear the
democratic doctrine and pledge anew their
loyalty to the party. Several who saw both
crowds say the one of today was nearly twice
as large as that which started the third party
machinery. Two counts were made,
one showing 2G5 and one 270 people.
Hon. w. Y. Atkinson.
Hon. w. Y. Atkinson, chairman OF the state
democratic executive committee, was introduced
and received with applause.
He began by saying il was meet and proper that
the first democratic meeting should be held where
the peoples party was first organized III Georgia
The way to make the blow effective is to direct
it to the spot where you wanted it to hit. 1t IS
the best policy TO meet opposition. frankly and
bravey said he, and If you are right, victory VIII
perch upon your banner. If yon are wrong you
donot deserve 1t. There can be no question of
the wron~ that will be inflicted upon this people
If the democratic party is deserted by the friends
who have stood by it.
az 60 not regard this as serious division Ill
Georgia Some people think because their
neighbors think and talk in a certain way that all
the world thinks the same way. This world is
don't seem to think But do know that this
movement is one that must be met and crushed,
and it will be-
"But mark You this. There never has been
time since the war when the democratic party
could write one law on the Statute books of con-
gress. What is the result? 1t Is the present con
lton of affairs In 1860 the entire eXDcnse of the
government was 100000; now under renub-
jican administration it is Sll2 600 COO The repub-
lican party went from the walker tariff to the
Morrill, tariff, and from that to the Mckinley tariff
The republican party authorized the people who
No hnn is no
on them.
These bonds were held in the north. In the last
election the verdict OF the people was that the re-
publican party mad had its trial and WIGS con
congressional majority OF two to ore When that
verdict is written, near coming from away up
in the regions of Chicago, in Kansas, the cry,
You are i'll sight of victory, but desert, desert"
our boys WIN cry PACK 70 me mem: lush Ia you
country, and will go with that party
that will protect our wives and children. [Groat
applausel. Whom do yen reckon this talk OF di-
vision plcascs?''
"rhe victories of the democratic party have al
ways told in behalf OF The masses OF the people.
the democratic party. That ground has been gone
over by my distinguished friend The democratic
party has been controlled by q majority of the
white people If we stand on the principle chat
the majority should rule. ought not the minority
to acauicsce? Which is the safest policy to let
the matter be determined by a majority
of the AnGi0-SaXon race, or to divide the Anglo
Saxon race and let the other element come in?
ciate this fully, because you have little of that
element, but you must remember thatsyou cannot
build up third party w,tnont g0ns OUTSIDE ue, OF
submit 10 leave political questions TO the arbitra
ton OF the ignorant element IN the republican
Louisiana. There the white people have divided,
ynd each side is talking about counting the other
out. Now they have ordered shotguns to settle
the question. You will never see the time in this
state when the white race will assert its power by
dividing and giving away the balance OF power:
hat OLD nnnt hprA <Tifh I :
treated, but, by the Gods above, they
must be our wards and not our masters. lap
plause.l
.'If there is any man who has thought about
1nng the f pr ~hT has OF
which has battled for the right of the states and
of the individuals boys don't 20, we Will take you
back in full fellowship.
"If any Of you have said that you going with
the peoples party, just take it back like man
ides of November come, the democratic army will!
march to success, and the trail of that army VIII
shake the continent.
democratic party? What are their antecedonts?
Have they been democrats? VIII you stand and
listen to the name of a republican who SAYS, come
out of the democratic party and obey? viii you
listen to greenbacker or a republican ana obey?
Will you listen to those who make no sacrifice OF
principle themselves, yet ask you TO sacrifice your
principles? LOOK at the array OF talent In the
democratic party, of course executing present
company, and compare them to the gentleman
county. lLaugnter.l What has he at
stake If he should Grns abo o i 5Gcia
what has he at stake? lie would fold
his tent like the Arabs and silently steal away
Laughter If lie succeeds and gets an office, he
has wen the game. It's high, low, Jack and the
game; that's the whole business. II he loses, he
loses nothing, because he can follow his trade as
well in new country. [r.auGhter.l He can move
west and build up with the country and then
move and build again. But we cannot 90 that
We are engaged i'll different kind OF business
ilau0ntcrI-aHu
l.'Ihe democratic party in Georgia has given You
all you could ask. 1t has given you clean admin
istration for twenty years. and we are now on the
eve of a national victory that will bring us to an
era Of good government of pure government
when the principles of democracy shall prevail
and the rights of the people shall he secure.
ain the present condition of affairs $4,000 people
own half the property i'll the country-brought on
by the Ubiquitous riff; when we ace on the eve OF
Il victory which will remove this we are asked TO
desert and run after the jack Lantern. Your
platform demands q repeal oftke Mckinley tariff
your platform demands volume Of money
Sufficient to do the business of TIE country
so does the democratic party. We want justice;
want to be freed from the inqttous system
interested than the ladies of Georgia. am glad
that patriotic ladies here to attest their loyalty
TO the party which guards the sanctity and the
purity of their homes. They give to the men
helping hand and loyal heart Then let all unite
to keep Georgia in line and carry her on to that
greatness which awaits her if the Anglo-SaNon
blood rules the destiny of the state" [Great ap-
plause.l
wouldn't Endorse Cleveland.
The executive committee unanimously
elected, and then ensued q coed natured tilt be-
tween The Cleveland and Hill men. M Edge Of
fered resolution renewing the allegiance to the
party and to tariff reform and expressing the
belief that the party would win on these princi-
Pies. TO this added clause expressing pref
erencc for the nomination of Grover Cleveland.
Mr. Roberts was on his feet in an instant.
81 object to the last part Of that resolution
said he. II don't think it is proper to bring up
the matter of preference for candidate now, and
further don't think that represents the sentl-
ment of the county on that subject. move TO
amend by striking that OUT
Here Mr.. Atkinson beckoned Hon. Joe James to
him and said, "Harmony is what we want That
ought 20 be withdrawn"
This sentiment prevailed and Mr.. Edge with
drew the Cleveland clause. The expurgated res
olution was then unanimously adopted.
Mr.. Smith. OF Atlanta, also spoke.
Some Pointers on the County.
MI Atkinson says he is informed that the
peoples party in Douglas is largely due to the
presence Of an old element OF greenbackerS and
independents, who We're never strongly bound to
the democratic organization. Some of them
voted for Ben Butler when he ran for president
and spoon badges were worn by admirers OF the
spoon statesman. One of these was presented to
Mr.. Atkinson by Mr.. Hodnett this afternoon.
I.alA lE I'M