The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-04-08
SMITH AGAIN SUCCESSFUL.
CRISP COMES OUT SECOND BEST IN
THE DEBATE AT NEWMAN.

The ex-SDeRlSer no Match for the
Secretary in square Debate on the
Currency QucstiOn-Mr. Crisp's
Speech AbOut the Same as the One
lie Delivered at Augusta.
Atlanta, Ca. April 7.-Ex-Speaker Crisp
and Secretary of the Interior Smith re-
turned to Atlanta tonight from Newman,
the scene of their debate on the currency
question to-day.
A large number Of Atlanta people went
to hear the speeches, the event arousing
intense interest on account OF the lively
turn taken by the debate at the Atlanta
meeting last week. Both gentlemen were
known to be upon their mettle, and a
spicy setto was expected. The discus
sion, however, passed or in thorough
good humor. BY losing his temper at
the meeting here, Secretary Smith allowed
a splendid victory for sound money TO slip
through his fingers after he had already
fairly won 1t, and he had evidently made
up his mind that he would not be caught
in any such trap again. In square debate
on the currency the ex-speaker does not
begin to register with the secretary, and
with the consciousness OF this Secretary
Smith steered clear of the shallow places
to-day, and easily bore off the honors.
The crowd numbered about 1900 people
many Of the number being farmers and
visitors from the surrounding towns.
Gov. Atkinson, who was telegraphed to
at Tfton last night. arrived this morn
ing and presided over the meeting. His
presence was rather a surprise to the
crowd, and he was given a hearty re-
ception.
The speech Of ex-Speaker Crisp was
the same that he delivered at Augusta,
with variation meant to have more espe-
cial reference to the farmers. He played
upon the low prices of cotton recently
ana repeated his former argument Of un-
der consumption instead Of over produc-
tion as the cause of this depression.
Secretary Smith was given much
warmer reception than his friends had
any right to anticipate from the claims
OF the free silverites, who claim Cowetta
county as stronghold. Like ex-Speaker
Crisp, he was frequently applauded with
genuine enthusiasm, and there Is no doubt
that his argument had powerful effect
upon the whole audience.
Judge Crisp, defnding his acts as speak
er of the House. said that he had cast
the deciding vote and saved a silver bill
from being tabled while he was in the
committee on coinage, weights and meas
ures in 1898, he had selected q majority Of
free coinage men, Afterward. one OF these
who had spoken and voted for free silver
and was supposed to be strong In the
faith, changed his views for some reason.
But II Is popular in some localities for
cial question. A man may declare one
thing IN 1890, another in 1894 and in 1895
go directly contrary. Where he will be
in 1898 the Lord only knows"
Mr. Smith explained his 1894 speeches
from which Mr.. Crisp had quoted him as
SAYING The single gold standard viii
contract the currency, check industry and
turn honest men out of employment"
IF the gentleman had read you that
speech" he said, you would have seen
that / spoke of the single gold standard
in the common application Of the word,
in the way you understand, when only
gold is used as money" He was not
then and not now In favor of such a
plan, and his speech showed it then.
What argument. however" he contin-
ued did Judge Crisp give you to show
that the unlimited coinage of silver would
bring 10 to the value Of gold? He said in
Augusta, Atlanta and almost said here
that II 1t did not, he would not favor It,
hold him to that proposition. ] am for as
much gold and silver as anybody else, but
you cannot get either without working for
it and you might as well understand IT,"
said the secretary