The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-08-15
The Meeting in Detail.

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The Meeting in Detail.
Among those on the Sstage were
knight OF the Purple Pencil" John t.
McGraw, OF Grafton; x-united States
Marshal Charles z. Wells, OF Gloyer's
Gap: County Chairman A.. H. Weide-
busch, who acted as master OF cere-
monies; Sam Hartman, the Eighth
ward Original free silver man.
Charles H. fancy and number Of the
other local lights OF the Popocracy.
The band was brought into frequent
requisltion, and at $3.50 when r, S. Kin
cheloe called the meeting to order the
Casino was little over half filled.
Colonel August Rolf. OF the park,
was introduced as chairman, and said
few pleasant words to the accompani-
ment Of a request to speak louder
The colonel talked about battles OF
the, ballot box" duty as American
citizens" and such like, without much
point to his remarks. Mr.. Davis had
'.left the Republican party and come
oversto the Democracy" but the an
nouncement did not Induce a single
handicap. "He has come over to help
our leader, w. J. Bryan" brought
forth some applause, which was fol-
lowed By. modest little demonstra-
ton when the speaker OF the evening,
Hon. Webster Davis. OF Missouri, was
introduced.
MIR. Davis Introduced.
Mr.. Davis appreciated this friendly
greeting. He had been Republican, 1t
was true, but this was free country.
thank God. as long as British agents
are not running It, figure Of speech
that evoked applause. Now the Re-
publican party had left the speaker; he
stood where he stood before-the Re-
publican party Is now the party OF
Hanna and John Bull. He was great
man until recently. but now he was
mo good" in the estimation of the
Republican managers. You're all
right" said n spectator. Mr.. Davis
said he expected soon to be accused
OF horse stealing by the Republicans.
Speaking OF the Republican press, he
said 1t had been bought up by British
gold. Say what you please. don't
care, Mr.. Newspaper Man. Wallow in
all the mud; don't care"
The statement t.af lie Ind been
compelled to leave the Mckinley adj
ministration. he branded as false, also
the statement that he had received
gold for joining the Democratic party.
He was for liberty In spite of all the
British gold In the world. The speaker
then proceeded to give reasons why he
was a Democrat, to the enjoyment of
the spectators. He denounced the
British attack. on the South African
Republics.
A "secret UNDERSTANDING"
Speaking OF the South African war,
Mr.. Davis told OF General Cron1e's he
roic resistance against overwhelming
odds: When Cronje surrendered. the
United States flag was flung to the
breeze in celebration Of the event.
The speaker claimed there was an
understanding between the British and
American governments. Chamberlain
asserts 1t, and 1t has not been denied.
Speaking OF the Visit OF the. Boer, en-
voys, the speaker said their purpose
was to demonstrate II posuIble, that |
there Is not a secret understanding be- |
tween the British and American gov
ernments. But there was such se-
cret understanding. The ENJOYS went |
to the white house. and the President
OF the greatest republic In the world |
took them to the green room and show |
ed them the beautiful scenery. the
monument of Washington-and that
was all. Then they went to the sec
rotary Of state (who Is so beloved by |
the English people, and before they |
could say word. he took paper from
attitude OF the United States toward
the Republics" and in another room
sat Sir Julian Pauncefote the British
ambassador. Is It any wonder they
were disguised? inquired the speaker.
The speaker at that time made up his
mind that there was something the
matter with the administration. At |
Philadelphia be had talked with nearly |
three hundred delegates to the Repub-
lican national convention regarding en-
dorsemcnt OF the Beers. but they had |
replied, I'm afraid Mr.. Hanna doesn't |
want anything like that In the plat
form" There It was that the speaker
determined to sever his connection |
with the Republican PARTY.
Pretty Word Pictures.
Proceeding, Mr.. Davis told stories OF |
the Beers sufrerrgs. THE spirit OF
10 In this republic was the same rs the
spirit in the Transvnat in 1900" 4 very |
pretty word picture was drawn OF an |
Incident that came to tha notice OF the |
speaker. He was against all parties
and all newspapers that were In favor
OF crushing such liberty loving peoples. |
This administration has much blood |
mt Its doors TO answer for" said Mr..
Davis. THE Porto Rcnn people have
been treated shGmefully. 1t was a holy
war, bu, when the war was over, this
administration. following the example
OF the British government, began to
wnver from It's first and pure purpose
to n sordid policy"
1.-THE soldier boys" said the speaker.
will tell You that the Fillpinos arc as
capable OF scif-governmcnt as the