Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-24
HON RICHARD H. CLARK In Birmingham Today to Le
 Over the Ground.
 ~ ASKS FOR A J0l~-DEBATE. as.@a as5Et 4- And Although Danig It Not Conducive to Pasy Ha,monn
ASKS FOR A j0IpTDEBATE
bHNsToNsiAeCfPTs; THE CHALLENGE
The Dates of the Discussions to Cover the Period Between Now and the Day of the Primaries to Be Determined
 + Later.


 resentative in congress from the First district, arrived in Birmingham last night from Montgomery on the midnight train. He was unaccompanied save by MT. D. W. McIver of the Montgomery Advertiser. He was looking well and smiled suavely upon the gentlemen who greeted him in the Hotel Morris lobby last night.
 rumor had already preceded the dis tinguished gentleman that he had sent a challenge to Captain Johnston for se- ries of joint debates upon the differences between them, to cover as many dates as possible between now and the day of the primaries, April Il next.
 MT. Clarke was seen by State Herald representative as soon as he arrived, but not having heard from Captain John ston, prefo rred to refrain from saying anything for publication. He said to a friendly greeting at Hotel Morris that he was in Birmingham to Hook over the ground" 1a
 His coming to this city seems to have been unheralded. He was met at the passenger station by Messrs. Ben Carter and Ross Smith.
 
 city, his future plans to be determined meanwhile. s-4s.ss
 The special to the State Herald given below speaks for itself.
 Montgomery, Jan. 23.-(Special)-Cap tain Johnston today received a commupi- cation from MT. Clarke proposing that as they were rival cahdidates for the gubernatorial nomination and differed materially on important issues a series of joint debates be held by them in diff ferent portions of the state. Up to the time MT. Clarke left the city this after noon no reply had been received by him. but one had been. written, 1t is author itatively stated. which will reach him tomorrow, Captain. Johnston's reply will be to the effect that differences of opin- ion between. himself and MT. Clarke are on purely pationaf Issues, the agitation of which in the Approaching campaign within the party. in his judgment will not be conducive to harmony on, the healing of any wounds that may exist in the organiza ton, but as the gentle man from Mobile desires it he will take pleasure in meeting him on the stump at such times and places as may be de+ termined on later A redhot campaign within the party has been inaugurated.
 Text of MT. Clarke's Proposition. The following is the text of the letter addressed by Mr Clarke to Captain Johnston:
 Montgomery, Ala. Jan. 22, 1896. Hon. Joseph F. Johnston, Montgomery Ala :
 Dear Sir: The early date fixed for the primaries does not give me opportunity to visit many portions of the state, to fully discuss before the democratic vo- ters, whose nomination we seek, the prin- ciples and policies upon which we differ and upon which they are divided. As these differences are purely political and in no sense personal, it seems to me that discussion of them between us would enable larger numbers of the people to hear us than if our respective canvasses were conducted altogether alone. I, therefore, suggest that we have a series of joint discussions, places, dates and details to be agreedton hereafter. so as to secure entire fairness to each of us. As there are places which each of us will doubtless visit, whether the other goes or not, have not suggested that throughout the. entire campaign. but should you prefer that course I will en- deavor to meet your wishes.
 You and are alike interested in having the nominee at the primaries. elected, and am sure that fair and temperate discussion of our divergent views will in the end rebound to the good of the party. I shall remain in the city until tomor- row afternoon, and shall be glad to re ceive your reply before leaving. Yours truly, A R. H. CLARKE. 2 Death of Florida's Richest Man. Key West, Fla, Jan. 23.-Wiliiam Cur ry, aged 30 years, a leading citizen of