The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-09-05
Judgment is Entered Against
Russell by the Voters.
DEBATE IN RUTHERFORD
Watson and Guthrie There But
Russell Didn't Appear.
REPUBLICANS ASHAMED OF Him
The Gold Bug Candidate the Butt OF
Major Guthrie's Keen Satire and
the Laughing Stock of the
Whole Crowd.


Whole Crowd.
Rutherfordton, N c.. Sept. 4.--(Spe-
iaD-Judge Daniel L. Russell has been
called and failed. He was called out
here to-day, and Judgment duly and
solemnly entered against him. 1t was
one of the incidents of the first Wat
son-Guthrie joint debate, and was inn
mensely enjoyed by the great crowd
that heard Watson and Guthrie here
to-day.
Mr.. Watson made the first speech,
and after he had concluded, Mai. Uuth-
rie, in the beginning of his speech, said
that it would be in order then to hear
from Judge Daniel i. Russell, the Re
publican candidate for Governor.
''Is Judge Russell present? asked
Mai Guthrie.
There was no response except burst
of laughter and applause.
Judge Russell has been judge OF the
Superior court, continued Maj. Guth-
RE, "and he knows the penalty OF a
failure to appear where due notice has
been given. 1T becomes my solemn
duty now declared the Major, 'to do
as he has many times ordered done
against others-proceed to call him out.
Then in stentorian tones the Major
proclaimed as follows:
"Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, Daniel L.
Russell, Daniel j.. Russell, Daniel IL.
Russell, ex-Judge OF the Superior
Court. and Republican candidate for
Governor of North Carolina, come be-
fore this audience to-day, as you have
been invited to do, or your defeat Will
be recorded by the voters.
The incident was Y0ciferously cheer
ed bv every Populist and Democrat
present. and by a good number OF the
Republicans. who are greatly chagrined
at what they term the lack of courage
on the part of their candidate.
Major Guthrie then alluded to the
fact that both himself and Mr.. Watson
and their committees had done all they
could TO get Judge Russell TO meet
with them and discuss the political is
sues before the people, but without
success.
sAnd what is his excuse said the
Major. HE is afraid it will lead to
riotous proceedings and bloodshed
among the people, afraid that You peo-
ple cannot get together and listen to
a discussion of the great questions
upon which you are called TO vote with
ont shedding each Others blood. If
I thought that my coming among you
and discussing these questions would
lead to any such results, | would give
back the banner that my party placed
in my hands and go back to my home
never again to enter campaign.
wonld not be Governor of a people
among whom / could not go without
arousing them to riot and bloodshed!'
The audience cheered this last SEN
timent to the echo.
The joint debate here to-day was
listened to by nearly or quite 1000
people, and the occasion was full Of in
tense interest on the part Of every
man present. Both of the candidates
were in fine trim and in splendid
huInor. They had rested for a
day in the shadow of the majestic
hills that surround the little town,
had met and conversed with town peo-
pie and country people, and when
they went into the immense new Ruth
erford cotton factory building and
faced tine large crowd of sturdy men OF
Rutherford county, they we're each
encouraged and inspired to their best
efforts in defense of their cause.
Tt may Just as well be said right here
that these are both able campaigners.
Mr.. Watson is more profound, more
logical. perhaps, more effective and
more convincing ia his argument. Maj.
Guthrie is, perhaps, more humorous,
more enthusiastic and more
.demonstrative. They are both elo-
.ouent. quick and entertaining speak
ers.
= MR.. WATSON s SPEECH.
Rv snecial arrangement, Mr.. Watson
made the first speech to-day and spoke
for an hour and fifteen minutes. lie
was introduced by Mr.. M. FL. Justice,
who asked that the audience give each
speaker a patient and respectful hear
ing. .,, ;. so;d Mr.
Justice, "and are entitled TO the atteh.
ton of this or any othtr audience OF
North Carolina's iaw-loving ana law
abiding people .
Mr.. Watson began by calling atten--
tion of the people, first, TO the great
possibilities of their country, to its
natural wealth, its wonderful produc-
tiveness, it's great past, its thrifty and
industrious people, the best and brayest
upon whom the sun ever shone. He
reminded them that this country was
greater in the products of it's fields. its
forests, its mines and its men. than
any country on the face of the globe.
You have had thirty years of pro-
found peace, you have been as indus
trlous as you ever We're; you have been
as economical and perhaps more so,
and yet your own condition is getting
worse every year yoI live. The value
of your products have gone down and
down until to-day there is little hope
for the old farmer, and absolutely none
for the young farmer. It has been
necessary under these existing condi-
tions and in this time of profound