Daily Texarkana Democrat. (Texarkana, Ark.) 1890-1894, 1892-09-21
SENATOR RICHARD COKE
MAKES A STRONG SPEECH TO
A TEXARKANA AUDIENCE.
Knocks Out Clark and the Bolters.--
Plea for the Organized Democ-
racy and Good Government.

According to previous appointment
one of Texas most distinguished
statesmen and jurists, Senator Coke,
spoke at the opera house here last
night. Audience was not very large but
all were highly entertained and
pleased with the address made, 1t is
shame that large number ofBowie
voters did not turn out to hear this
able and noted gentlemen.
Senator Coke is Of large physique
stout and robust constitution; is appar-
emily about sixty years ofage. He is an
earnest, eloquent speaker-delivery
good, and has amusical and cultivated
voice. 1t is not remarkable that such
q man, learned and ofripe experience,
possessed of energy and strict integri-
ty of character, has won more than a
Statewide reputation.
We will not attempt an extended
report of the speech, but will give
some of the salient points or features
Of it. In opening he stated that he APP
peared in behalf of the organized De-
mocracy of Texas, and at once launch
ed out in lucid and full exposure of
the pretended reasons given by Clark
and his followers for separating there
from. Clark had made complete
canvass of the State, before the pri-
mary elections were held, and had
promised directly to abide by result
of same, but he and his friends bolted
because large majority would not
allow their small minority to run
things as they pleased.
Clark, in his Dallas speech, few
days since, gave five reasons for leav-
ing the Democratic party; 1st because
of silver plank, which opposes the
national platform; End, on account of
plank favoring graduated income tax
for Federal purposes; 3rd, on account
of plank favorable to the establish
ment of State banks; 4th, on account
of railroad commission plank. Show
ed the fallacy of the reasons, because
Clark and his friends had bolted
thirty-six hours before the platform,
Of which they now complain, had been
made. Said all of the four reasons
given are make-shifts, save the
last, opposing the railroad commits
sion, but answered in detail all of
them.
Made strong argument for free
coinage, and proved the harmony be-
tween the State and National plat
forms; depreciation, low prices and
hard times began with the demone-
tization of silver by the Republican
party. Amount of gold and silver in
the world is about equal now, total of
gold amounting to seven billions, four
hundred and forty-fve million dollars,
the total Of silver amounting to seven
billions two hundred million ofdollars.
Silver has not gone down; it is gold
that has gone up, on account of unjust
discrimination against silver.
Argument for an income tax and re-
moval of tax on State banks was clear
and convincing.
In discussing the railroad commits
sion, said the people of Texas were
determined upon bridling all corpora
tions--corporations or the people, one
or the other had to rule, and il would
be the people. Favored liberal treat
ment of railroads, but they should be
controlled by law the same as individ-
uals. If the present commission law
proved defective, it would be cor
rected. Clark and the corporations
can not and will not override the peo-
pie in this matter Made many strong
points for the commission.
Dealt some telling ticks against the
disorganizers and Third partyites, and
closed in strong appeal and admo-
milton to stand by Democracy.
The Senator spoke for about an
hour and a half, and in addition to
other issues discussed spoken of above,
incidentally touched upon the great
tariff question, and the record Of the
glorious Democracy, achievements Of
a hundred years existence. lie was
often heartily applauded, and after
wards received the congratulations Of
admiring friends.
Auspicious Opening.