Birmingham age-herald., 1894-07-20
Delivers a Grand Democratic Speech
 in Marengo.
ALL FOR ALABAMA NOW.
A Plea for All That We Hold Dear and SaCred-Good
 Government.


 Especial. l-Hon. E. L. Russell of Mo- bile, peerless orator and wise democrat. spoke here today to large and enth usiastic audience of the voters of this section. The occasion was great barbecue and demo- cratic rally. The dinner was the biggest spread ever seen in this county, and demo- cratic enthusiasm in this section is rising high. MT. Russell made a grand speech and elicited applause all along the line and made profound impression on the large crowd who heard him with close and ap. proving attention.
 MT. Russell spoke as follows;
 Mir. Chairman, Ladies and Fellow Citizens:
 As look upon this vast audience, col 1ected for the purpose of hearing discussed the various questions involved In the pend- ing campaign, am depressed by sense of the responsibility that rests upon me as one of the speakers. Iu view of the vital interests involved in these issues, and which are to be determined on the 9th day of August next, l cannot, by anything might say, magnify the importance of the occasion.
 If l had the time 1 would like to point out to you by what principles of action, covering the past twenty years, we emerged from absolute bankruptcy and almost condition of slavery. would like to re- call the motives and influences that con- trolled us, and through what manner of life we have made model state out of Ala bama among the sisterhood of states. 1 will venture to say this much: It was through unfailing courage, patience, self abnegation and refusal to abandon prin- ciples on account of any conceived wrongs at the hands of some of our democratic comrades. Most of us have had our po- litica disappointments, and some of us, perhaps, have received unfair treatment from our comrades and party. But this, even if true, does not justify us, as patri- ots, in deserting that cause which has through all the past years preserved the honor of our state and the rights of our people.
 have no more and no less interest in- volved in this election than any other free citizen of Alab abama, as am not a candidate for any office. Therefore, what ben- efits you likewise benefits me. The truth is, all the citizens of this state are engaged in business of partnership, doing busi- ness under the firm name and style of "The State of Alabama.''
 Every citizen has an equal share in the partnership, and each is responsible to the other for the manner in which he dis charges his partnership obligations. As such, partners, and in accordance with the articles of partnership, we are to meet on August 6, next, to select our agents to con- duct our partership business for the next two ensuing years. And in order to guard against making any mistake, we must carefully and conscentiously in- vestigate the character and fitness of those applying for such employment. We must examine the past record and present sur roundings of the applicants. Above all things we must ascertain tn g character and motive of the men that exercise controlling influence over each of the applicants. You all know that we have two applying for the position of chief manager of our partner sake of argument, that both are good and well intentioned men, but if we find it true that one of them is subject to influences that would be hurtful to the estinterest of our partnership business, then it is our duty not to employ such applicant.
 In view of our mutual and reciprocal ln- terests, this is good time for us to have full, free and frank discussion. Most of you are farmers and on account of the con- dition of the farming interests you have my full sympathy. I frankly admit that you have cause of complaint. do not shut my eyes to your struggles and hardships, nor do turn deaf ear to your pleas. You are battling against wrongful legislation, and in your present condition you are ike men adrift in the flood, grasping at anything and everything that promises salvation.
 During the past fourteen months MT. Cleveland and the democratic senate and the democratic house have been earnestly striving to steer the good old democratic ship towards you, so that you may be res- cued from the waves, placed on board and carried to safe harbor. You must remem- Der this, that the high protective tariff, the ownership of the railroads by the fed eral government, and the other wild scheme of relief proposed by Captain Kob and his three allies, are mere bladders thrown out to you, which will not be of any avail in saving you. When men are drowning it is no time to abuse or ridicule them that is the time to save them.
 IcandidIy say to you, if the democratic administrations, both federal and state, are responsible for the prostration of trade, the low price of the products of the farm, of real estate and other property and the ap- precation of money, then the democratic party has forfeited its right to the conf dence of the voters of the country. On the undisputed facts deny that the democratic party and it's federal administration are re- sponsible for the present condition of af- fairs. Let us suppose that you are jury, and like jurors have laid your hand trem blipgly upon the Bible, which contains Gods revelation to man, and that yon have invoked the presence of your God to witness that you will return verdict in accordance with the facts submitted to you.
 Now will submit my proof. Is it not repu blican, went out of power on March {, 1893, and that MT. Cleveland assumed office as president on the same day? Bear in mind, 1t Is admitted that the panic oc- cured about the last of July thereafter and before there was any legislation pro- posed either by Mir. Cleveland or the dem- ocratic senate and house. Now in this connection want you to understand it is also admitted that such was the strain upon the federal government to meet its obligations near the close of