The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1900-07-26
AYCOCK AT AHOSKIE,
or. to The Commonwealth,

Cor. to The Commonwealth.
AHosKlE, N. c., July %, 1900.
To-day was gala day for Ahoskie
Over four thousand people heard Ay
cock end other speakers. The whole
town was beautifully decorated for tn
occasion. The Windsor naval reserve
were in attendance and presented ,
fine appearance. The Wilson bant
gave us delightful music.
Mounted marshals under the super
vision of chief H. HI. Newsome, con
Quoted the grand parade. The process
sion started from Hotel Copeland LEI
by the band wagon. Immediately fol
lowing was wagon containing severa
beautiful ladies dressed in pure white
with the motto, "Protect U.s." BEHIND
this was another wagon filled witt
gentlemen with their motto, 1--WE Viii
Protect YOU" Carriages containing
the speakers, Mr.. Aycock being escort
ed by Mr.. J. G. Williams, we're follow.
ed by the naval reserves and others on
foot.
The stand was erected in an oak
grove near the academy, large spread
ing beech tree affording ample shade
for all the speakers.
Mr.. S. L. Patterson, of Caldwell, in
troduced by Hoa. B. B. Winborne,
made the opening address with one OF
the best ten minute speeches ever
heard here.
Hon. F. D. Winston was introduced
at eleven O'Clock, and for one hour and
a half, interested the audience with bis
wit and clio luence as only good ora
tor can, and with his clear reasoning
did much to convince some that the
amendment is the only hope of North
Carolina.
Hon. B. B. Winborne introduced
Aycock as the second Zeb Vance and
the next Governor of the State.
This is the first time great many
here ever heard Mr.. Aycock speak and
they expected great speech. The re-
suit shows that they were not disap-
pointed.
All the business houses we're gaily
decorated with flags and the national
colors were literally used. The pas
senger station was also decorted with
flags and the national colors.
Every one seems to be pleased with
the arrangements here. There was
dinner to spare, and thanks are due to
Mr.. A. E. Garrett and others who as
sisted him.
Everything went on nicely until a
Populist who engaged in discussion
with some gentlemen called Capt
Smithwick, of the reserves, a id liar.
Capt. Smithwick promptly responded
by striking him In the face. The
Populist, Raynor, returned the blow
striking Capt. Smithwick IN the eye
with broken umbrella handle infllct.
ing painful wound. Raynor then
drew his knife and dared any one tc
touch him. His knife was knocked
from his hand and he was used very
roughly for a min ute then some COO
headed men interposed, giving Raynor
time to get start to run, which he
did, leaving town faster than some
trains do.
The Republicans also had political
meeting here same date, attended by
lot of negroes aud no whites. No par
ticulars could be learned of their pro-
ceedings.
It is an assured fact Hartford county
will come to the front on August End
ard prove to the rest OF the State that
it is is for white government regardless
of the croakings of a few disappointed
pie hunters.
We are glad to welcome to our town
this week Rev. II. T. Vann, president
of State Baptist University.
Mr.. Whit Bell, of Scotland Neck
spent Monday with his son Mr.. J. L.
Bell.
Mr.. j.. Crump who has been work
ing at Port Norfolk for the last two
weeks has returned. He will make
this his home in future.