Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1896-06-26
COXEY AT CHANUTE.

COXEY AT CHANUTE.
From the moment that the first poster decor
ated a window announcing that Coxey would be
with us OH the 22d Of June until the train bear
ing him away had left the depot Coxey was
uppermost in the minds of Our people. Even
Mckinley and the gold standard were forgotten.
1t would fill page to express the many and
varied EXPLANATIONS that the writer heard con-
corning this man-crank, fool, anarchist,
tramp, calamity bowler, honest Tut crazy, etc.,
etc., are fair examples. But everybody, with
the exception of a few old mossback antiquar-
ian relics of bossism gone to seed, wanted to
see or hear Coxey. Many of them went with
the same curiosity that ST Perkins exhibited
when he attended Barnum's show-to the
elephant. One thing is sure they got their
moneys worth and something to carry home in
their hats that will stay by them many long
day.
The morning of the ED was rainy, and rain
continued to fall until 1890 Nevertheless, at
least one hour before the time set for the
speech, every available seat was filled with
Jolly, good-natured crowd. Many of the old
party boys treated the whole affair as huge
joke. However, at precisely 2:3o, after few
Introductory remarks by Mr.. Dunsnore, the
show began by Coxey making his appearance.
H. was greeted by his vast audience with loud
cheers. Then, as one man, the people became
quiet and seemed to say, "Coxey, we are here;
you do the rest"
In clear calm, distinct tones, Mr.. Coxey
do n; cto an in foVO Of
a sound currency, I6 TO I, TO 100, I TO 70,
whether it be of silver, gold or paper" That
settled it. There was not foot, hand or voice
but what responded I6 to II to 10. For two
hours those people sat i'll that crowded, hot
room, and listened to the logic of man whom
they had, but few hours previous, pronounced
ga one-dea crank" His forceful argument,
evident fairness, sharp and pointed thrusts at
old ideas and notions carried his audience with
him. Coxey, the elephant, forgotten;
Coxey, the statesman, the orator, the friend of
the poor, was before them. Time after time he
was obliged to cease speaking, his voice being
completely drowned by the thunderous ap-
plause.
1t is not my object to write synopsis of his
speech. l wish it were. l am only giving
correct account of his reception and its effect.
After the speech, heard such remarks as
"Don't that beat the devl?" "Why, that man
is all right" "That was the best speech ever
heard on finance" "Coxey's plan is good"
An old Republican remarked, eve don't want
any more Coxeys this year." etc. l listened
closely, but did not hear single uncompli-
mentary remark. Coxey came to Chanute
''fake;" he left MAN.
He was received at the opera house with
good natured tolerance. Before he had spoken
thirty minutes, every man. woman and child
within hearing were his friends.
Such, dear reader, was Chanute's reception
of the man who dared displease King Grover,
and got twenty days for not keeping off the
grass. CITIZEN.
Cleveland will doubtless fill his contract to
issue $500, ooo, 900 of bonds before his term ex-
pires. He has made good every contract ever
entered into with Wall street.-Chcago EX-