The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-12-05
MAJOR ]. F. CANN'S INAUGURAL
CITIZENS CLUBS NEW PRESIDENT
PUTS ON THE CLUB MANTLE.

His Opening Speech at Odd Fellows
HaII-His Line of Conduct as the
OmciaI Head of the Club Laid
DOwn-Partlsanship of officials,
Major MeIdrim's Charges and Col.
RusseIPs Claims in Connection
With the Citizens Club Dealt with
at Length-The Administration
and Commissions Endorsed.
The Citizens Club held its second meet
ing Of the campaign last night and receiv-
ed its new president, J. Ferris Cam, Esq.
The meeting was called to order by Vice
President r. M Hitch. Chairman Jos. M.
Dreyer of the committee appointed to no:i-
fy Mr.. Cam of his election as president,
reported that the committee was pleased to
report his acceptance of the office. The an
nouncement was received with applause,
and Messrs. Dreyer, John Juchter and w
F. Leopold were appointed to escort Mr..
Cam to the hall
The new president was enthusiastically
received. He was introduced by Vice
President Hitch as Maj. J. Ferris Cam,
Mr.. Cam being the major of the Pythian
battalion.
"My first political speech said Mr..
Cam, twas made five years ago at Pooler
for the organized democracy, against the
third party. This. my second political ef-
fort, is made to uphold the organized de-
mocracy, and l hope all my future
speeches may be made In the same be-
half"
Mr.. Cam said the position was not
sought by him. but he was deeply sensi.
BILE of the compliment Of being elected
president of such an organization. 1t Is
one. he said, not to be lightly considered
Mr.. Cam said he had no political ambi-
ton or aspiration, and he hoped he never
would have any. He asked nothing, and
stepped Into his otlce with oollgauonS &c
no man.
Opposing factions are necessary for the
| purpose of good government, he said, bu
| the battle between them should be fol
principle and for honest government. II
is to be regretted that so much bitterness
had been injected into the last campaign
and he said that so far as his influence
| extended. the coming campaign would moi
be one of vituperat.on. At the same time
he would uphold the standard of the clut
to the best Of his ability.
Mr.. Cam spoke of his love for Savan
nah. and the fact that his ancestors had
resided here since FIVE years after thu
landing of Oglethorpe. He said he Eel
that be could best serve the interests O.
the city by upholding the principles o.
/ the Citizens Club. Have these principles
been carried out? he asked. He men
| toned the stand Of the club In favor o.
primaries, and said that under the mas
meeting system cut and dried tickets ha'
been rushed through by the manipula
ton OF a clique and the clamor OF a few
ward heelers.
He dwelt upon the commissions and th'
J positions OF the two clubs toward them
1t is neither fair nor expedient, he said
! to impose Upon the aldermen the dutie
now performed by the commissioner o
1 public works and other commissioners
Either their private business or the city
business must suffer, he said, and It 4
usually the city's.
Mr. Cam alluded 70 President Meldrlmi
criticism OF Citizens Club office holder
because OF their visit to Atlanta in behal
Of Mr.. Osborne. He would endeavor t
place a looking glass before some Of thu
prominent and conspicuous workers o.
1 that club 50 that they might see them