The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-09-14

semblage which quite hlled the spacious
courtroom, to order. Some one stood
near the door and called out as the citi'
zens filed in Martin men to the left, "
80 that when the meeting was ready tC
proceed to business, the Martin and
Lee men were on one side Of the room
while the Tyler and Walker contingent
occupied the other.
Mr.. Asa 5. Rice was, on motion OF
Mr.. l.. Oockrell, unanimously elected
chairman. Several gentlemen wert
named for secretary aud declined, Mr..
Charles L. Warner being finally chosen
without protest and Mr.. W. Y Morgan
assistant.
THE STORM BREWING.
Mr.. Lloyd 7. Smith then arose and
said he desired % know the sense OF the
meeting with reference to the purpose
of some Republicans who intended tc
support Mr.. Lee. to take part in the
meeting. He said tho call had been Is
sued for a meeting of Democrats and
not Democrats and Republicans. lie
is always glad, he said, to have Re
publicans vote with the Democrats. but
when Democrats quarrel. Republicans
are not the proper ones to come in and
settle the difficulties. He objected to
Republicans coming into family
meeting to aid in selecting delegates
II these Republicans, who propose &c
be Democrats now, will affiliate with
the Democrats in future. they can par
ticipste Mr.. Smith concluded by Of
fering a motion providing that all pro-
nounced Democrats who have affiliate
in the past with the Democrats are cor
daily invited TO participate IN TINS
meeting. and only such rs have been
Democrats heretofore and expect & be
hereafter can take part
This speech melted discoId ard
wrangling. which eliminated IN a
storm Of disorder
REPUBLICAN TAXES \ HAND.
Mr.. W. A. Hudnall, a Republican,
inquired il he understood it to be
stated as fact. that Republican de-
sired TO take put in this Democratic
meeting II so. said he, in an excited
manner | desire that he shall be point
ed out, as he should be excommuni-
Gated. Mr.. Smith replied that he had
been informed that one of the candi-
dates for the Senatorial nomination
had been 10 Republican and request
cd him to participate in the meeting.
The Republican said he was afraid
he would be insulted The candidate
insisted that he had a right 10
take part, but, said Mr.. Smith, If
that man is still Republican he can
not participate in this meeting
Mr.. Hudnell said he was RepnblI-
can that he was there as spectator
and not to vote. he disclaimed any
right to take part IN the meeting but
am ready at all times. he exclaimed
in a loud voice, to defend the Republi-
can party against any imputations.
Mr. Smith retorted by saying that
there had been plenty to defend in the
Republican party in the past and there
would be plenty more in the future.
A STRIKE AT THE GOLD MEN.
Mr. L. Oockrell, who was the prin-
cipal leader Of the Lee forces, and a
quick, aggressive one he proved said
Mr.. Smith had created a great deal OF
disorder He said there were gentle
men present, who were former Demo
Gratis. but had voted the Republican
ticket in recent years. He wanted to
know If they were to be excluded. lie
cited Mr.. b. Chambers as an Instance
and said that be had announced public
ly since the last Presidential election
that he never expected to vote the
Democratic ticket again. This brought
Mr.. Chambers to his feet, who denied
that he had made such statement
Mr.. Oockrell said he could prove his
assertion, and, in a pugnacious man
ner, used bitter epithets towards Mr.
Chambers. It looked as If personal
encounter was imminent, but after
moment OF suspense the incident was
over. and Mr.. Cockrell then turned his
attention to Mr.. Smith. He said he
was not in favor Of Republicans t1king
part in the meeting. but he questioned
Mr.. Smiths motive in making the
motion. Mr.. Smith then stated that his
only motive was a consideration for tho
feelings of such Republicans as desired
to take part In the meeting, but had no
right to do so.
Mr.. LEE DEFENDS HIMSELF.
Mr.. W. Mcdonald Lee at this stage
eQQr6Sbbu bu6 CnhlIluhu huu dshcu lOI
two minutes time in which TO refute
the statement of Mr.. Smith. On mo-
ton Of Mr.. Oockrell the request was
granted.
Mr.. Lee thanked the meeting for the
courtesy. Said he would not intrude
upon il, but for the statements that
had been made and he claimed the
right to defend himself He said the
gentleman to whom Mr.. Smith referred
was a friend Of his. Mr. Lee asked the
gentleman, when he expressed q doubt
as to the propriety Of his taking part
in the meeting, if he had voted for W.
A. Jones for Congress and when an
swered in the affirmative. told him he
could participate. He stated that
the gentleman was present and
his name could be given. At
this point Mr. G. ID. Shirley
arose and announced. Here am, "
and was applauded Mr.. Smith
charged that Mr. Lee knew Shirley
was q Republican. This Lee denied.