Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-25
sPO[T|CS WITH DEMOCRATS
Congressman Clarke Will Make
 a Struggle for Jefferson.
DISPLAY OF CONFIDENCE
Surprises Even Sanguine Young Sound Money Administration Pillars in Birmingham.
 Democrats Who lndorSe the Committee

If genuine politeness and magnanimous consideration alone could bear an aspi- rant to the goal of his ambition Hon. Richard H. Clarke of Mobile would be governor of Alabama, for great many Birmingham people, including Capt Jo- seph F. Johnston and a great many of that gentleman's paFtisans, called upon the distinguished congressman and gave him kindly greeting yesterday at his headquarters at Hotel Morris. There was a pleasant meeting between the rl- val candidates. Captain Johnston as- sured MT. Clarke that his formal answer to his proposition accepting it for joint debate would be forthcoming in good time, and would likely reach him by Monday next.
 Many of Captain Johnstons friends, by his request paid their respects to MT. Clarke.
 Before his departure last night for Montgomery he was assured by State Herald representative that the columns of this paper were open for any state ment he wished to make relative to his Intentions
 MT. Clarke expressed his thanks for the consideration and said he didn't wish to strain the reporter. The latter hSSured him he thought he could stand the strain, and the distinguished repre- sentative from the First district added: sI shall make brisk canvass, especially of Jefferson county. Our contest will be pne fir principles. I believe the demo- cratS of this county agree with me in Endorsing the administration and in re- Earding MT. Cleveland as entirely honest hnd that they will not support any man Who makes canvass based upon opposi- tion to the administration. I regard the Jefferson county delegation as good stake, and have every reason to believe that the thirty delegates who will rep resent this county in the state conven- fion will be for me. The time is short as short as 1t could possibly have been made, but believe I can accomplish great deal"
 Fcvote most of his attention to north Alabama, and replied that he would visit "a few north Alabama counties but would l4gve his main efforts to a campaign of pefferson county.
 Messrs. Walker Percy, R. c. Redus and !, Thad Weatherly, who were present at the little interview, listened with faces surcharged with unmistakable sympathy hnd profound purpose, especially when MT. Clarke expressed his confidence of fwinning in Jefferson county.
 MT. Clarke left for Montgomery this morning on an early train. He said be- fore his departure he would soon return do Birmingham but just what day he would begin his canvass in Jefferson county he was not yet prepared to say.
 All MT. Clarkes words as to his future carried a degree of confidence that was surprising even to his friends, many of whom had erstwhile worn the sombre mien and pathetic port of those who feel that a lofty moral emergency has been sprung upon them that required pres-' ently heroic sacrifices, however hapless might be the expression at the primaries Df the courage of their convictions. As one of them last night, while the throb- bing hours of MT. Clarke's stay in Bir- mingham pulsed their fevered flight along, said with the air of an ancient Roman campaigner. Tt must be done" That meant that opposition to the ad- ministration must be extirpated in Jeff ferson and the administration entirely upheld. Carthage est delenda" is the spirit of the young "sound money" dem- ocrats, as their bosoms are convulsed with indignation at the korrid front of opposition to the policies of President - Cleveland. And so MT. Clarke seems to Doe their ideal candidate.
 Indorses the State Committee.
 Commentator by democrats of the action of the state executive committee in it's progressive efforts to get all dem- pcrats together to act in harmony against the traditional enemy seems to grow in positive and unstinted indorsement as more time elapses for the consideration of the good days work for the party last Tuesday at Montgomery.
 Probate Judge M T. Porter said to a State Herald representative yesterday: much. Now don't let's talk of anybody about coming back into the party; let's not impute anybody's loyalty. but say to all who will support our party, sLets get together. Get together is the watchword, and we will certainly win"
 Alderman John McCartn said: 'I think the opening of the doors of the