The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-11
AN INDIGNATION MEETING
NEWBERN PEOPLE AROUSED
OVER CONDUCT OF CLARK.
They Condemn His Action in Going
Over to the Republicans in Ringing
Resolutions--Mr. Clark's Plea.

Over to the Republicans in Ringing
ResoIutions--Mr. Clark's Plea.
Newbern, N. c., June 10.-(Special.)-
An indignation meeting was held at the
court house here last night called to de-
nounce the action of Councilman J. #.
Clark of the Second ward, in going over
to the Republicans. 1t was called by the
voters of the Second ward and nearly
every voter in the ward attended, besides
citizens of other wards of the city.
After the chairman had stated the pur-
pose of the meeting, Clark arose and
asked for hearing, which was granted.
He commenced his plea by quoting his
tory back before the Revolution and
citing incidents of compromise and nom
partisan legislation in municipalities.
With trembling form, he talked quite a
while, at times talking humble as a child,
declaring that he had made a mistake in
not calling the voters of mis- ward togeth-
err and getting their views Of the stu.
alton and the course for him to pursue
He stated that he did not know what
the courts might do in deciding the legal
ity Of the Governors appointees and
thought compromise government would
be sure and best for the city. He repeated
over and over again that he had made a
terrible mistake and was there to make
an humble confession of the same.
Mr.. Clark was open in his remarks, re-
lating facts that some who attended to
see the fun wished he had rescinded from.
He told the details of all transactions
since his election.
Mr.. Clark is a man about So years of
age, and study of his expressions and
physical form last night while he was
making the pitiful surrender, convinced
your correspondent that the man is under
terrible state of mental as well as phys.
ical disability, due to the censure Of the
people and the press, which his actions
justly deserved.
The best thing Clark can do for his
own good is to tender his resignation to
the Democratic Board and get out of pol
itics, for it will not take much more to
drive him into some sensational act. The
man is showing by his conversation and
movements that something is wrong
Several speeches were made denouncing
his action. The leading speaker was Hon.
j. a. Bryan who is an able speaker and
stands on political plank that all true
Democracy uphold. To his voice is due
the light tone of the resolution adopted.
As Clark put himself at the disposition
of the ward, it is thought that he will
abide by the resolution, which lis as fol-
lows, and, seeing the error of his ways,
return to the fold"
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved. That we, the Democrats of
the Second ward in mass meeting assem-
bled, do most earnestly condemn the ac-
ton of ]. F. Clark, who was nominated
by the Democrats, and elected as Coun-
Gilman from this ward, in refusing to
serve with the Councilmen from the
First and Third wards, the only other
Democrats elected from the city of New
bern.
Resolved. That we denounce the ac-
ton of J. f. Clark in combining with the
Republican Councilmen from the Fourth
Fifth and Sixth wards and the appoint
ees of the Governor thus strengthening
aiding and assisting the Republicans in
their struggle for the city government.
Resolved. That, whereas, the said J.
+. Clark has come before this meeting
like an honest man and acknowledged his
mistake, it is the sense Of this meeting
that the said j. Il. Clark, under the cir
cumstances, can only benefit his ward
and the city of Newbern by at once re-
turning and acting with the Councilmen
of the First and Third wards, together
with those whom they have elected.
+. III. PELLETIER,
JOHN DUNN,
III. G. WHITEHURST,
Committee.