Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-02
VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS.

MT. Nat Baxter. Jr., president of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway com- pany, arrived in the city yesterday from Charleston, $. C., where he went from New York. MT. Baxter was east when President Cleveland's two messages were given out, and says panicky condition was produced by them. In an interest ing conversation Mir. Baxter said to me last night that while the situation as to iron was dull, with little evidence of a revival of business, he believed that as
 soon as there was an issue of bonds, as was the understanding would be in a very few days, there would be decided improvement in all lines. This improve ment would be enhanced by the restored equilibrium of interests which were shak- en by the presidents Venezuelan meS- sage The impression that MT. Cleve- land tried his Monroe doctrine message as a coup to drive or stampede congress to issue bonds did not a all consist with the presidents style. There was no indi- recton in the man: indeed, he was so di- rect that he might be said to lack policy and diplomacy to an exceptional degree. MT. Baxter gave as his reason for be- lieving there would be no war over the boundary dispute the admission of the President that if Venezuela should be willing to cede any of her territory to Great Britain the United States would not interfere. This left the way open not only for Lord Salisbury to make deal with Venezuela, but to end the trouble without dishonor to anybody. Although the sharp and ominous tone of the mes- sage had injured business for time. MT Baxter said there were several important directions in which 1t would do good It would impress the world with the unanimity with which the American peo- pie are ready to respond to any just ap- peal to their patriotism, that they are proud. spirited people and fearless in the maintenance of what they conceive are their national rights. Again, it would undoubtedly increase the respect and add luster to the prestige of this great re- public among the countries of South America. which ought now soon to be- come well convinced that their highest hopes of preservation in the enjoyment of self-governmcnt, as well as in commer- cial progress. lay in the cultivation Of more intimate trade relations with the United States. The message would also do good at home. It had already given gratifying evidence of the readiness of our people to cast away all party consid- erations in the face of danger to our gov ernment as a common cause, and atten- tion was being stVkingly directed to the inadequate condition Of our coast de- lenses and the wisdom of increasing the army and navy so that it would be large enough at least for national nu- cleus for our fighting population in of war which we cant tell when might be thrust upon us "A few days will tell the tale as far as business is concerned" said MT. Baxter in conclusion
 George c. Hunt, Esq, of Scottshoro. one of north Alahama's most prominent lawyers, spent a few hours in Birming- ham yesterday stopping at the Morris hotel MT. Hunt Is a bell wether in the democratic fold
 
 leader in party councils of the state. asked him if there had been anything new developing in his neighborhood since the presidents two messages startled the rest of the country. No" he replied. there has been no change in Jackson politically. Our people are still for the free coinage of silver. and believe they are practically unanimous in their choice of Johnston for governor Mir. Hunt says that it is pretty much the same way in Madison and all the neighboring coun- ties, the Eighth congressional district being solid for nothing short of free coin age and favoring Captain Johnston as the best exponent of their views among those who have been mentioned for gov ernor. Very little. MT. Hunt said, was known in that part of north Alabama of Mir. Clarke.
 Mr. H. P. Brown of Austin, Tex, as- sistant attorney-general of the great Lone Star State, arrived here last even- ing and stopped at the Morris hotel MT. Brown is a young A1abamian of the gifted and gallant family of Browns. among whom are Messrs. Charles H. and David of Birmingham and Wilson R. of Sheffield.
 MT. J. P. Mudd bears his defeat for re- appointment as police commissioner with much more becoming grace than his friends. He was mingling with the gay est of the thrungs who were enjoying the social functions of New Years last