The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1899-09-13

the state Democrstic ticket. His speech +
here is the first, and properly so, for
this is his native home, whence he
went west little boy thirty years ago
to rise to the Governorship of one OF
the grandest states in the Union-his-
souri,. Like every true son of Madison,
he holds dearer than any spot on
earth the place where he was born,
and when he speaks of his Old Ken
lucky Home it is with a fervor that
none can resist. for his heart is chained
here to the living and the dead. Re
Numbering his speeches here in the
Presidential campaign of 1896, every
body was prepared fO- a speech such
as only Mr.. Stone can make, and we
were amply rewarded. AS the speak
ing closed yesterday afternoon only
shortly before the CLIMAX went to press
we could not execute our very earnest
wish to print his remarks entire. How
ever we present that portion of Gov
Stones speech bearing upon state is
sues which are most important now.
In this crisis ia the history of Demo
cracy in Kentucky, how proud and how
grateful should all loyal Democrats
be to this distinguished statesman for
joining his shoulder to theirs to rescue
the Democratic party from fits enemies
from within and without lie stands
perhaps as close to Mr.. Bryan as any
man in the Nation, and inasmuch as he
deems the result of this contest of such
great importance, let every Democrat
who wants to prevent a repetition Of
the FOLLY of 1895 and Sc, when Re-
publican Governor and President were
elected by disaffection and treachery in
the Democratic party, be on guard.
At ? O'Clock Governor McCreary in a
forcible, eloquent, eulogistic speech in
troduced Gov. Stone, who was received
with long and loud applause. He
launched at once into his speech,
which was throughout given the best
attention. On the stand sat Hon.
Robert j. Breckenridge, of Boyle, can
didate for Attorney General; ex-Gov-
ernor McCreary; Hon. Urey Woodson,
OF Owensboro' National Committee
man from Kentucky; AMI Mr.. John B.
Chenault, County Chairman. The
platform was crowded with listeners,
| the space within the bar was solid
mass of humanity, while in the court
room, in the windows, in the doors
sat, and crouched, and stood tremend-
Gus crowd, of all parties, of both races,
and both sexes, a number of ladies
grazing the occasion by their presence.
1t is futile to attempt to enumerate the
splendid points with which Mr.. Stones
speech bristled. Suffice to say it has
not been equaled here since last his
matchless voice was lifted here for
the peoples cause in 1896. On State
issues Gov. Stone said:
The situation in Kentucky is the cause
of great concern to Democrats through
out the country. If the political effect
of the approaching election should be
only temporary and could be confined
to Kentucky, although still anxious for
Democratic success, my interest in the
result would not be SO intense as it is.
But, knowing, as do, that the election
of Republican Governor in this State
would have terribly depressing effect
upon our party, indeed, would be a
staggering blow to the Democracy OF
the whole nation, and at the same time
would inspire Republicans everywhere
with new hope and greater courage,
cannot but feel, in common with Demo
Gratis throughout the Union, the pro-
foundest sOlicitude as to the outcome.
| have mingled so much with Demo
Gratis in other States, have heard Sc
many thousand expressions of anxiety
as to the result from both Democrats
and Republicans, and have read in the
press so many predictions as to the out
come and so many prophecies as to its
effect, that 1 am sure do not overesti-
mate the national significance of the
event. tell you, gentlemen, the De
mocracy of Kentucky is on trial before
the Democracy of the nation. Those OF
us who live in other States believe
Kentucky is a Democratic State, but il
the result Of this election shall prove il
to be Republican State, or doubtful
State, the effect of that verdict cannot
be computed.
bring you a message from Missouri
Not long ago Richard Bland, son OF
Kentucky, who became one of the
great men OF Missouri and the Union
died. A special election to choose his
successor was held on the 18th Of
August last. Every scheme which pc
litical cunning could invent, mendacity
exploit or corruption promote was at
tempted to carry the district foi the
Republican candidate. 1t was the first
battle of the year, and Republicans
everywhere believed with reason thai
il they could by hook or crook capture
the district SO long represented by Mr.
Band in the Democratic State Of Mis-
souri,. it would be taken as an assurances
OF easy victory in Kentucky and Ohio
and in the national contest of the sue
eeediug year. II was a battle royal We
had, with the eyes OF the nation watch
ing us. The Democrats of the district
were put to a supreme test, and, thrust
ing aside everything like local rsncol
and personal resentment, aud moved
wholly by high considerations Of ma
sional moment, they rallied to the par
ty and standard and won victory as
memorable as it was important-a vic
tory which filled the Democratic hearl
with the light Of hope, and at the same
time cast a long shadow over the Re
nnhlican halfway Sunnnse we had