The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-07-17
ABRAMS, DEFEAT.

It Seems the People of His District
Think They Can Get Along Without
Him.
Orlando, Fla, July 16.-The first def
mite result Of the controversy between
state senators Abrams and Marks was
announced here early yesterday morning
when the result of the Lake county pri-
maries came over the wires. 1t will be
remembered that Senator Abrams chal-
lenged his colleague. Senator Marks, to
resign mis- seat in the senate and 20 be-
fore the people of his district on the
record he had made for reelection, he
(Abrams) to do the same thing. 1t was
regarded as a bold bluff, and no one be-
lieyes for minute that the Lake county
senator thought that his challenge would
be accepted. But it was accepted with
promptuess and the result was that Gov.
Mitchell accepted both designations at
the same time. Then the Lake county
senator issued his circular letter to his
constituency, setting forth the facts and
confidently asking their support for re-
election. The Lake county primaries
were held on Saturday last, aud it was
late at night before the returns were re-
ported, so that count of noses could be
made. When the precincts had all re
ported, 1t was found that Senator
Abrams had secured twenty-six delegates
while there were thirty-seven of those
who had been elected who were opposed
TO him.
From this it would seem that the peo-
pie of Lake were not well pleased with
the course of their senator in the last
session. and as he asked them to pass
judgment upon his course, they expressed
their disapprobation in a manner not
easily misunderstood.
This defeat of Senator Abrams looks
also like blow at the reform" move
ment inaugurated in this state a few
months ago, of which the defeated sena-
tor was the mouthpiece and champion
1t is reported that Senator Abrams de-
clares that he does not care for his de-
feat He is fortunate man if he can
take the matter with as much philosophy.
The primaries have not yet been held in
this district, nor has the senatorial com
mittee issued its call for such meetings.
There is as yet no open opposition to the
reelection of Senator Marks, but it is I'M
derstood that work is being done. pledges
made and political barters INDUCED in,
not so much to defeat Mr.. Marks as to
use the opportunity to make trades
on other matters and to secure op-
tions on political futures. Just how
the schemes of the wire-workers may
affect his chances cannot yet be deter
mined. After the county convention in
this place, one week hence to nominate
county officers and members of the gen
eral assembly. one can form a more intel
ligent opinion of the situation, as 1t will
afford an opportunity of feeling the public
pulse. This county convention may also
prove test of strength between the peo-
pie and the wire working politicians who
have heretofore claimed the right to
| direct the affairs OF the Democratic party
of Orange county.
Hon. E. NJ. Hammond, formerly of At
lanta and at one time state senator from
this district, preached his maiden sermon
at the Methodist church in this place last
night. He was converted a week ago and
goes at once into church work Rumor
says that he will abandon law and poll
tics and devote himself TO the ministry
He is man OF brilliant mind, finished
orator, and has in his makeup every ele-
ment of personal popularity. More than
that he ought to be able to accomplish
! much among those who walk in slippery
places, for he knows how it is himself.
He is son of Judge D. NJ. Hammond, at
| one time mayor of Atlanta, and brother
of Judge William Hammond.