The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

being changed and the cities placed at
the mercy Of negro rule. When the Pop
ulist Congressional convention was call
ed. in 1898, it was dominated by Repub-
lican office holders and consequently
the means of defeating Hon. W.. r..
Stroud. for the simple reason that he
did all he could to defeat (the Republican
nomnee) deter G. Pritchard for the
United States Senate, which virtually
meant Il cooperation or fusion With the
Republican goldbug element of this dis
trict Mr. Atwater had always been
opposed TO a party fusing with a party
advocating principles antagonistic TO
Populism hence after the said conyen-
ton had adjourned. being solicited both
by letter and person to become Il candi-
date for Congress from the Metropolitan
or Fourth Congressional District, repre-
senting true Populism, free from the die
tation Of McKinleyism or gold-bugism.
free from the trusts and those seeking
to bind the people down, hence he en-
tered the campaign with his usual yigor,
calling upon all men who had supported
Hon William Jennings Bryan for the
Presidency and who were opposed to the
Gold Standard TO give him their support.
A few days before the election, he was
endorsed by the Democratic party and
after Il hot campaign defeated his OPP
p0nent Joseph j. jenkins. a fHsionist by
majority Of S3S votes, having reduced
a majority Of $500 votes, given two
years previous.
Congressman Atwatcr is i Populist.
Believing ardently that upon the uIti-
mate triumph of the principles of politi-
cal economy that form of true Demo
cratic faith depends the preservation of
truly Democratic government and the
protection of the rights, liberties and
happiness of all the people, he has re-
manned true TO those principles On the
question Of expansion he is totally OPP
posed and furthermore proposes in his
action as Il Congressman to defend the
principles of George Washington, father
of this great country. and Thomas JEFF
ferson. his exponent lie is member
Of the Methodist Episcopal church South,
has been Sunday School superinten-
dent for thirty years, class leader,
steward and has attended annual con
ferences as delegate.
His love for the true and beautiful in
man and nature has acquired an inten-
sity and depth unknown to those who
are strangers to this clear and fearless
east Of unshadowed. haunted thought.
CincinnatuS like lie was called from the
pillow to take up the government of the
people and to guard the rights of 100000
people that reside in the counties Of
Randolph, Chatham, Johnson, Wake,
Franklin, Nash and Vance, composing
his district, in the halls of Congress,
at Washington He resides at Rialto,
Chatham county where he is engaged
in farming and milling.
He is Il clear. concise speaker, uses
little OF, no unnecessary verbiage, and it
becomes Il pleasure to listen to him.
or studious nature, he carefully
weighs his points, and in tilt with his
adversary generally manages to come
out victor Congressman Atwater is
not Il politician in the sense of holding
office for pecuniaIy benefits. but has al
ways avoided mingling in that heterogen-
e0us mass AS a citizen of North Caro-
DINA. he is progressive and thoroughly
believes in building ap the State. He is
thoroughly acquainted with the needs
Of this section and his work in Com
gress will he devoted TO their fulflment.
Plain and outspoken in his views he
has made many friends among all par
ties. Who have the strongest faith in
his integrity as citizen and public
servant and who accordingly gave him
enthusiastic support in the late cam
paign.