The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-02-05
AT THE GOVERNORS OFFICE
Eugene Y. Debs Meets the State
House People and Nick Chiles-

House People and Nick Chiles-
A crowd of eager callers preceded the
arrival Of Eugene V. Debs, president Of
the Social Democracy at the state
house Friday afternoon and the Offices
were filed with people when he ar
rived When the doors opened, and the
callers saw Mr. Debs, the hum of con-
versation ceased
7 am very glad to see all of you. .
said Mr.. Debs- Debs is a hrst-class
mixer" and he was at once on the
best of terms with all present.
Mr.. Debs followed Mr.. G. c. Clemens.
his escort into the Office After them
came Mrs. Clemens, in a fashionable
costume. Mr. Clemens said, addressing
those present:
Ladies and gentlemen: This is Mr..
Debs.''
This was the signal for applause, and
hearty handclapping by those assem-
bled.
F. w Elliott of the Troy Times was
the first to greet Mr.. Debs. Then came
a number of young men, who occupied
the attention of the visitor until Mr..
Clemens brought Mrs. Annie L. Diggs
from an adjoining room.
My dear sister" said Mr. Debs.
taking Mrs. Diggs' small hand into his
great palms, I am very glad to meet
you. I have heard of you; I feel that
I know you. and am exceedingly pleas
ed to talk with YOU"
Then came DR.. w NJ. Dowler, who
after greeting Debs, began in loud
voice:
You know me. I'm Dr. DowIer.
wrote you a letter when you were in
prison Hope you got it
''Yest yesl" replied Mr.. Debs, smiling
vaguely but cordially.
A series Of intrOductiOns followed, and
everybody smiled when Nick Chiles
walked into the room
Mr.. Debs was near the door by this
time, and some one said to him:
There's Nick Chiles-''
well Mr. ChiIeS - said Dabs az
tending his hand. and advancing to
meet him, I am glad to meet you"
Use good and glad to see you Mistah
Debs," said Nick as broad smile took
possession of his surprised counten-
ance.
Pm for you Mfstah Debs, becoz you
are one of a very few big men who has
done somethin' for the colOred peo-
ple.''
Chi1es refers to the plan advanced by
Mr.. Debs. advocating the placing of all
colored people under the protection of
the government of the United States.
A Republican friend asked Chiles if
he had Jumped the Republican game
and Joined the Socialist Democracy.
Any man who has got any sense
will endorse Debs. cause don't you
know continued Nick, -'he is our kind
Of people"
The state officers took the time to call
and shake hands with Debs.A Among the
callers We're many former members of
the A R. U, few railroad men, but
the majority were habitues of the state
house.
Charlie Ross was introduced as the
assistant secretary of state, and was
cordially greeted. A friend, who knows
Mr.. Ross quite well interrupted the ex-
change of courtesies by saying:
Mr. Debs, this is the genuine, lost
Charlie Ross"
We'll. well, shake again. said Mr..
Debs with a hearty laugh
H. McLallin, father of the late DR.. s.
McLallin, although IS years of age, still
stands fully six feet tall, was intro
duced to Mr.. Debs. He said, looking
up into the eyes of the visitor:
How tall are you Mr.. Debs2'
Il never knew until few years ago:
never had time to take my measure
but when I was sent to Jail they took
my measure and I found myself to be
six feet, one inch and a half in height