The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-03-27
EVANS LEADS At ROME.
Only 1000 Men Turn Out TO Hear
the Speeches.

the Majority to the Soldier Candi-
date-No New Points of a Striking
Nature in Either Of the Speeches.
Rome. Ca, March 26.-One thousand
peopIe crowded the superior court room
today to hear the joint debate between
Gen Evans and Mr.. Atkinson. A ma
7ority of those present were for the gen
eral. Some enthusiastic Evans men
claim the crowd by 2 to l and others to
/. The more enthusiastic followers of
Mr.. Atkinson claim that the crowd
was for their candidate, but a
conservative estimate certainly favors
the idea that majority favored his OPP
ponent 1t had been the intention to hold
the debate in Howell's warehouse, and
seats were put up for that purpose.
This morning early the thermometer
registered 20, and there being no way of
heating the warehouse and the cold keep
ing away many the court house was
adopted. The superior court room was
filed to overRowing, 200 or more standing
up.
John j. Black acted as chairman, and
at 1870 o'clock introduced Mr. Atkinson.
The applause was light.
ATKINSON's SPEECH.
Mr.. Atkinson opened by referring to a
speech made here two years ago by him
self as a democratic missionary, but was
glad 10 say he found little missionary
work to do. This time he was not speak
ing for himself alone, but hoped he and
his distinguished competitor would leave
the people here stronger in the faith OF
democracy. Both he and Gen. Evans,
he said, We're led by personal ambition to
become candidates for governor. He
spoke of Gen. Evans high character, and
there was cheering for the first
time. He referred TO the Democratic
party and the work, and proceeded to dis
Cuss National questions as in his other
speeches in the Joint debate.
He said that Gen. Evans had lodged
the question if he would take the stump
If Atkinson were nominated. Answer
today general" he cried, "Or get out of
the race"
THE THIRD PARTY.
They say" he continued, "That if
Gen Evans is nominated he will con
Ciiiate the third party people. Are there
any third party people hereof
a Noice-Iou bet they are!
"WeI, did you leave the Democratic
general to vote fOrfNN
When referring TO the Atlanta ring,
somebody asked bim about the legislative
ring. and if he voted for Colquitt.
Yes" he cried, II voted for Colquitt
because the Atlanta ring was fighting
him on account of his low tariff views"
The applause was not at all enthusi.
astic at any part of the speech, and al
this point it looked as if the crowd was
for Gen. Evans by tremendous ma
J0rity
EVANS TAKES THE STAND.
When Gen. Evans was introduced the
cheering was loud and long. Hats, hand
ker hIetS and canes were enthusiastically
waved and it was several minutes before
the general could begin. After referring
TO his gratitude for the demonstration he
touched upon his opponent. AT Griffin, ~
said he. he was wagon boy. In Athens
he was a college boy, and in Rome | find
him missionary boy. A missionary to
the heathens. 1 don't know what sort OF
boy he will be at Hawkinsville. The
solution of all athis, l suppose, is that
March IS a bOisterous month and this has
been bOisterous debate"
The national questions were touched
upon and he clearly stated his position
He took up MIR. Atkinson's Legislative
record and after disposing of that asked
Nov, what is leftln
Atkinson" shouted an Evansite.
THE CONFEDERATE HOME.
The general gave Atkinson 'The credit
II credit it be of assisting in the defeat oil
the soldiers home. His eulogium in this
connection of the confederates and his
references to his war service were greeted
with long and loud cheers. His idea OF
Mr. AtkinsOu's candidacy was given in a
M fn IL,
son, debtor: To one whole idea, con
eocted by me alone. To my services on
Inc oettermcnts question, out of which
made 81 900. To being a professional pol
luclan.' For this Mr.. Atkinson claimed
the goEernorship.
Gen Evans declared that he did vote
IN 1872, and yet only one opposing paper
had corrected the declaration that he
had not
Douglass Glessner. of the Griffin News
san he had, and the general thanked
PREACHERS IN POLITICS.
AS to his being a preacher he said Floyt
county had two in the legislature. He
declared that if Mr.. Atkinson were nomi
mated he would take the stump for him
ii requested by the executive committee
OF Mr.. Atkinson, But, gentlemen, how
Gan he speak for me if I am nominated
I'd ave W say, vote lOc MN, DQb ne
Knows nothing about government " lie
lho0ght MIR. Atkinson would make gooC
governor. He said he had organized nj
LFaus club, but that the whole Demo
IsAlc party would soon be an Evan;
Inc cheering was tremendous when he
concluded, and some fifty people left the
ATKGNsoN's REPLY.
air. Atkinson's reply was somewhat
oFohen into because of the cheering, some
ot JIG being Tor himself and some for Gen
Evans. Most of his talk was devoted tt
GeDarlng that Gen. Evans had done moth
~. ior the democracy While the cheering
WAS considerable during this talk it was
no greater than during Gen. Evans
e'ch, and the Evans men continued tC
vre1r' largely for the purpose of taking
up 'He speakers time.
a. humber of Atkinson supporters were
up rom down the Chattanooga Rome anc
lpus road, and cheered Justify.
fooaDly as many as fifty third part
rec. Ire were present
me meeting was undoubtedly for Gen