Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-20

that II agreeable TO you, i shall ID
pleased 10 so arrange my engagements as
to make them conform TO yours ana
thereby give an opportunity for JOINT
discussion as often as possible.
with assurances Of my regard
VERY truly yours.
"HOKE SMITH.
"To Hon. Charles F. Crisp, House OF
Representatives"
blouse Of Representatives, United states
washington, March is, 1896.
'My Dear M smith,-Your note an
notincing your purpose Of speaking in
Georgia on the financial question during
a portion Of the next two months IN
wiling me to be present at each of your
appointments. and expressing a wiling
ness TO attend mine. in order that we
may have as often as possible joint
discussion, was handed me last evening
"You are doubtless aware that | have
announced myself candidate for the Sen
ate for the term beginning the 4th OF
March next.
''Aiy purpose has been, and still Is, to
make as tuoIouEu Il tdHNdSo VI t'' N''"'N
as engagements here will permit, and to
invite other aspirants TO the office TO meet
and discuss with me, in friendly way,
the pending political Issues.
Permit me to ask, as preliminary 10
any further correspondence looking 70
Joint discussion between us, whether you
desire TO be regarded az a candidate for
the Office Of senator.
II do not mean TO imply that in any
event / shall decline your proposition,
but you will readily see that before en-
terlng into final arrangements respecting
the matter. 1t is only right and proper
that should be advised as 10 the attitude
in which you will appear in the discus
sion.
with assurances OF regard,
Il am, sincerely yours,
CHARLES f. CRISP.
'oTo Hon. Hoke Smith, Interior Depart
ment"
To-day Secretary Smith sent the follow
ing letter TO Mr. Crisp:
'NIy Dear Slr-Yours of the 18th, reply
ing 10 mine Of the 18th instant, has been
received In it you call attention TO inc
fact that you have announced your can
didacy for the Senate, and expressed a
tflHngness TO meet aspirants for that
office ,.,
"You ask whether / desire 10 be regard
ed as a candidate for the Senate, but
state that you do not mean TO imply thaI
I'm any event, you will decline my pro
positlon. but WISH before entering into
final arrangements, TO be advised OF the
attitude In which / will appear In the
discussion.
"My purpose is to join you in financial
discussion. that / may contribute al
within my power TO prevent the Demo
Gratis of Georgia from committing them
selves TO the advocacy Of the Tree, IN
limited, and Independent coinage or Sill
yer at the ratio of l6 10 l. 1t is seven
months until the senatorial election VIII
take place In Georgia. l am not now
candidate and do not wish to become one
81 shall speak in Augusta on the 3lst
of March, and in Atlanta on the 20 OF
April AZ both places / Will be pleased
10 divide time with you.
IL will make no more appointments un-
I'll l hear from you"
Mr.. Crisp replied as follows:
washington, March 18Th.
"My Dear Mr.. Smith:
Your letter of this date was handed
me this morning. In IL you announce your
purpose TO Join me in financial discussion,
that YOU may contribute all within your
mower TO prevent the Democrats OF
Georgia from committing themselves 10
the advocacy of the free, unlimited, ana
independent coinage of silver, at the rato
of IL TO l.
"You answer my direct question as TO
whether you desire 10 be considered
candidate for the Senate by saying 1t
is seven months until the senatorial cleo
ton will take place in Georgia. i am not
now a candidate, and do not wish TO be-
come one
''You propose TO divide time with me
at your appointments at Augusta on the
% at Atlanta
"a of April. and say you will make no
further appointments until you hear from
me.
ct is quite true that the senatorial cleo
ton in Georgia will not take place for
seven months, but 1t is also true thar
under the arrangements for nomination
made by those authorized TO act, the
Democratic candidate for that office cam
and possibly, will be, practically deter
mined In less than three months.
"Of course. you well understand that
II is quite unusual for a candidate during
his canvass 10 engage In joint discus
sion with any one other than an aspirant
for the position he seeks. The reason OF
this rule is quite apparent, and you
cannot be ignorant of II. Again, a dis
tinguished Georgian. OF high character
and attachments. is now a candidate for
the office OF United States senator. II
agreeable TO him. / hope TO arrange for
some friendly joint discussions between
IS. and courtesy TO him demands that /
should not devote any considerable por-
ton OF the next two months 10 joint
discussions with one, however distin-
gulshed, who Is a stranger TO the contest.
Nevertheless. i cannot obtain my con-
sent 10 entirely decline your courteous
offer. Protesting that this departure on
my part from rule and precedent shall
not be drawn into precedent, j cheer
fully accept your Invitation to divide
time with you both at Augusta and At
lanta. on such terms as may be agreed
upon by mutual friends at those points.
] also express willingness TO engage
with you on such terms and at such
times and places as may be agreed upon
by mutual friends in. say, four or Ave
or six additional joint debates, provided
only that / shall not be thus detained
later than the middle Of April.
- SHOULD you az any time during the
canvass become candidate for the SEN
ate. / shall, after communication with
other aspirants. quite willingly arrange
with you further Joint discussions
throughout the State"
This evening. Secretary Smith sent the
following letter TO MIR. Crisp;
go My Dear Sir have Just received
yous very courteous note in which you
: agree that We shall hold a joint discus
sion at my appointments at Augusta on
\ March slSt and Atlanta on April "a, and
IN which you also express your willing
ness 70 engage with me- upon such Nrms
n and at such times and places as may be
agreed upon by mutual friends. in six
y. additional joint debates, provided you are
not detained later than the middle OF
- April.
Permit me 10 suggest that. whereas
the first two meetings are at appoint
ments made by myself YOU select tie