The morning news., 1897-01-01
MUST KEEP UP THE HARB0R.
SENATOR-ELECT CLAY WILL LOOK
OUT FOR SAVANNAH.


should BE Taken Care Of-WOuld
Like to See Cuba Free, But Does
Not Want War-He Is Not Inclin atl
at Present to Talk on Public cues
tiOns-Visited MIR. duBignOn and
Was Given a Reception, a Trip
Down the River and an Oyster
Roast.
Senator-elect A. S. Clay OF Georgia, came
down from his Marietta home yesterday
for a days visit to Hon. Fleming G. du-
Bignon. who in his recent successful cam
paign before the Georgia Legislature was
Mr. Clay's ablest and strongest support
er.
Senator Clay was expected to come to
Savannah sometime ago, but on account
of business engagements was unable to do
so until now. He arrived by the Central
railroad from Atlanta in the morning, and
went to Mr.. duBignon's home on Perry
street.
The senator-elect spent the morning with
Mr. duBignon at his home, and at the Of
flee of Messrs. Erwin, duBignon and CHS
holm, and about noon went to the city ex-
change, where a public reception was ten
dered him. A large crowd of well-known
Savannahians gathered at the exchange
to shake hands with the senator-elect and
congratulate him upon his recent victory.
Senator Clay has many friends in Savan-
nah, but whether friends or acquaintances
all were glad to extend a greeting and
welcome to Savannah.
About 12:S0 O'Clock Mr.. Clay and Mr..
duBignon accompanied by party of ten
or twelve went aboard the tug Regis at
the exchange dock for trip along the
water front and down the river. A large
number of prominent gentlemen and Of
ficials were invited, and though several of
them found it impossible to attend, there
was still quite large party, and among
them were Mayor Myers, Aldermen Falli-
CANT, Gleason, Judge Robert Faliigant,
Col. B. w. Wrenn, passenger traffic mana
ger of the Plant system, Mr.. w. w. Starr,
Mr. W. w. Osborne, Mr.. ]. Ferris Cam
and others.
The party went first to the Ocean Steam
ship wharves, where it boarded the new
Plant steamship La Grande Duchesse. By
courtesy of Capt. Hanlon they were shown
through the magnificent steamer, and
given an interesting reception aboard. The
Regis then went down the river. giving
the party a view of the various points of
interest, and stopped at the quarantine
station, where a genuine Savannah oyster
roast was had, something that Senator
Clays mountain home does not furnish.
1t was nearly o'clock when the party
returned to the city. All regretted very
Il
sary to return home at once. trip to
Brunswick by the inside route and several
other interesting occasions We're in pros
pect during his stay here, but unfortu-
nately business called him away. The
circuit court meets Monday and heis COM
PEELED to be there a that time to look af
ter the business he has before it. 1t will
take him some time too. he says, to wind
up his business preparatory TO going to
Washington. The new Senate will be call
ed into executive session on March 4 for
the purpose Of acting on the appointments
made by the new President and such
other matters as come before it al that
time.
Senator Clay, when asked for an inter-
view on public questions, said he thought
it too early to talk yet. He wants to get
on the ground first, he said. and see how
the land lays before he says anything.
Il am very much interested though in
what you are doing down here" he said.
II know that 1t is essential that the Sa-
vannah harbor be maintained, and / am
going to do all l can to see that 1t is kept
up. Savannah is the principal CONNER
cial gateway on the South Atlantic sea-
board, and we must see that it's harbor is
kept in proper shape to handle the busi-
ness to which its natural advantages en-
title it,"
What about the Cuban question: was
asked.
Il must investigate the Cuban question
before l say anything about it," he replied.
81 would be glad to see Cuba free, but we
do not want to be involved in a war with
Spain or any other powers. ] will have to
look into the question before 1 will be pre-
pared to say anything with regard to It,"
What about the appeal for tariff that
is coming from the lumber, rice and sea
island cotton industries?" was asked
Il have received a large number of let
ters on the subject, and am still receiving
them especially from the lumber people
am not prepared to say anything on this
question either. l have never been much
of a high tariff man. 1t may be a good
thing for the lumber man to have pro-
lection on his product sc that he can get
a higher price for IT, but we must also
consider the man who wants to buiid
house. He would, of course, have to pay
L
must consider our home consumers as well
as our home industries. AS with regard
to the other questions, think / had bet
ter look more thoroughly into this one
also before l have anything to say about
it,"
Mr.. Clay was asked what he thought of
Bryan in his new role of lecturer and his
chances of running in 1900, to which he
replied that he did not wish 10 be quoted
in anV EXPRESSION on Mr. BrVan's 8 eff7pfeu-
cy as lecturer or the probability of his
securing the nomination in the next presi-
dental race. He said, however, that
while he did not hear the lecture deliv-
cred in Atlanta he did not consider it.
from the report he read in the papers, of
an exalted order. He regards Mr. Bryan
as an able man and one whom he person.
ally esteen,s. but believes that he is far
better sized for the hustngs and the po-
litical stump, a sphere in which he is
master, ,hap for the lecture platform.
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