The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-08-14
THEY FAILED TO ENTHUSE.
ONLY A SMALL CROWD AT THE
ALPHABET PICNIC.

A disappointment 10 the Populists-
Tom watson on His Way 10 Ad-
dress His FoIIOvers-He VIII Not
TaIk-NegrOes say the PoPuiists
Are Not 10 BE Trusted-Ciay l.
Conhdent-Evans Enters the ser
vice of the Committee.
Atlanta. Ga. Aug. l3.-Tom Watson
passed through Atlanta this afternoon en-
route TO the popuist eucampment at Al
pharetta. where he speaks to-ulrr-W w.
He was Joined here hy judge J. * Hines,
who will also make a speech tomorrow
Mr.. Watson declined TO Doe Interviewed
on any subject saying THAI DE had no
statement TO make concerning his future
movements.
Owing 10 the absence Of Geographic IA
cilities and the remote distance OF the
town from a railroad very little has been
heard from the populist encampment
there. A gentleman who witnessed the
opening exercises Of the meeting, how
ever, describes il as disappointing as far
as the crowd is concerned. Ii was eX-
pected that there would be a regular at
tendance of eight or ten thousand, but
on the opening day there was not more
than one-fourth Of that number.
The opening speeches were made by
Capt Burket of Mississippi and J. +.
Brooks. a populist candidate for the state
Senate. The crowd was expected TO be
much larger to-day. as it was the formal
opening Of the campaign by seaborn
Wright.
Mr.. Watsons speech tomorrow Will
more than likely draw a satisfactory
crowd
It is rumored that he viii depart from
his stereotyped style in putting his side
OF the question tomorrow, and fire Off
sensational speech. II is known that he
favors a vigorous campaign, and he will
no doubt dip into the heart of state poll
tics with many salty remarks and allus-
ions.
Dr. Hendricks. the staunch democrat
from Terrell county, was in the city to-
day. and while at democratic headquar-
tiers, said that the negroes in his county
would support the democratic state tick
ct almost unanimously. lie says that the
negroes in Terrell know that Gov. Atkin-
son is their friend, he having proved this
all during his administration They are
not standing in with the populists, as the
leaders have given out the word that the
populists have broken faith with them and
cannot be trusted.
Tine negroes DR.. Hendricks said, will
vote almost solidly for Gov. Atkinson
and the rest OF the democratic state
ticket.
Like Tom Watson, Chairman Steve
Clay advocates an aggressive tight all
along the line by the democratic party.
He said this morning: Il feel confident
of the success of the party, as / have
heretofore. All we want Is for every legal
voter to register and cast his vote freely,
feeling that II viii be fairly counted. ana
We will have no fears as to the result. We
want a campaign free from personal
abuse, but the public record OF any candi-
date should be discussed in a legitimate
way. Let the people know the truth and
the democratic party that has controlled
the state for the last quarter of a cen
tury VIII remain in power"
Gen. Clement Evans has announced his
willingness to take the stump in the in
terest OF the democratic ticket, and his
proposition met with a hearty welcome
at democratic headquarters. He will be
assigned to work at once, and he will de-
liver a series OF interesting speeches
throughout the state.