The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1898-07-09
4 WELCOME TO CATCHINGS

1t was hoped that Mr.. Catching
would appear in Greenville OF
Friday night, and, feeling that
some evidence of the high honor
in which he is held by the people
of this county would be appropri
ate, it was decided to welcome hin
with such a demonstration rs could
be made on such brief notice.
A torchlight procession, with
music and mounted escort to
accompany the distinguished yisi-
tor from the station was decided
upon, and the programme carried
out. AT s o'clock the procession,
carrying torches and n great num-
Der of transparencies inscribed
with clever and appropriate mot
toes, in which the now famous
chicken cock of Mr.. Henry figured
extensively, was formed on Wash
ington Avenue, stretching more
than two blocks in length, and ac-
companied by a cavalry guard and
a number of outriders on brilliant
ly lighted bicycles. Patriotic and
inspiring music filed the air I'M
ceasingly, and congressional candi-
date is seldom received with such
state as that which accompanied
the empty carriage in which Mr.
Catchings was to make his entry
into his loyal city of Greenville.
1t was hoped that, if Mr.. Catch
ings came, he would address the
crowd which thronged the blocks
about the intersection Washington
Avenue and Poplar Street, and
temporary rostrum had been cree
ted for the purpose. When It was
learned that the guest in whose
honor the preparations had been
made would not be present, Capt.
W. w. Stone addressed the as
semblage, and after speaking a
few strong and appropriate words
for Mr.. Catchings and his cause,
introduced Mr.. Joshua Skinner,
who made the Grafton of the even
ing. Mr.. Skinner is q speaker of !
great fuency and ability, and
his address was a forceful and CON
yincing argument for the mainten-
ance Of our levee system, and the |
necessity for returning to Con-
gress a representative who is bet
ter qualified to secure it than any |
other. He made telling point |
by referring to the total destruc-
ton that threatened Greenville in
1882 from caving, and Justly |
claimed that the city owed ITS
preservation and present prosperi-
ty to the Intervention of Mr..
and his success in saw
ING the town by means Of the re-
vetment and great sums Of money
obtained by him for the purpose Of
protecting us. He also, in strong
md umcontrovertible terms, eX-
planned why he, an earnest
advocate of free coinage, was an
ardent supporter Of Mr.. CatChings.
As the speaking did not begin I'M
il a late hour it was impossible to
orolong it, and Mr.. SINNERS
vas the only speech Of importance
made. Mr.. H. G.. Watson reques-
ed a division of time, but owing to
he lNteness Of the hour, and the
act that the demonstration was a
oure family affair, intended solely
IS complimentary greeting to
Ir. Catchings, the request was
cautiously denied. NJ. Eugene
3ogen followed MIR. Skinner in a
,rief but pointed address. 1t was
argely the untiring efforts of Mr..
}ogen that the affair was due, he
laving managed it from its IN
option. There was little or
10 excitement. The crowd includ
d a great number of ladies, and the
fair was too one sided for the zest
hat the opposition gives.