The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-04-19
THE RAIN BEATS VAINlY
Crowds Held Together by the Fire OF
Enthusiasm.
SPEECHES BY GRIMES, GILMER AND LACY
Lacy Tickles the Peoples Farcy and Dixon Sets
Them Shouting With Laughter. The
Audience Swept Away on Aycocks :.
Flood Of EIoquence.

Especial to The News and Observer
Hickory, n. c., April 1S.-The Dem
ocrats had the town today and whooo-
ed it up for the State ticket after the
true Catawba fashion. Everything
was Democratic, but the weather.
which for once went strongly fusion.
The rain fell, the wind blew and
floods descended, but the Democrats
were here, seven hundred strong in
numbers and still stronger in enthuS-
iasm. They manifested the interest.
fire, determination that presages vic
tory. The fact that so many brooked
the storm to be present argues well
for the election.
OF the candidates there were pres
ent Aycock, Gilmer, Warner, Grimes
and Lacy. The speaking was held in
Elliott's Opera House. Mr.. Grimes
candidate for Secretary of State
opened the ball. He was well re-
ceived in the beginning. and carried
the crowd with him as he, went. lie
gave a short but vivid picture of the
terrible condition of affairs in the
East. under fusion rule which was a
revelation to many present. He was
applauded to the echo. When speaking
for the white men of the East, he e.>-
claimed with great earnestness and
deep feeling, THE homes of our liv-
ing, and the graves of our dead. are
there; it is our country and the negro
shall not rule it."
Mr. B. r. Lacy followed III a short
speech, which ticllled the fancy of the
audience. He said the ticket was rep
resentative in professions. looks aud
intelligence. If the people wanted Il
good looking man, he referred them
to the handsome Aycock, and the
imposing Major Dixon.
Mr.. Gilmer came next and pleased
the people in every particular, EXCEPT
that his speech was short. He spoke
with great fervor, and Catawba coup-
ty Democrats are anxious to hear him
again. and at greater length.
Major Dixon made the witty speech
of the OCCASION: his telling thrusts
at the negro hosts were received with
shouts of laughter and loud cries of
approval.
At the mention of Aycock's name
there was a tumult of cheering: he
advanced to the centre of the stage.
but it was nearly q minute before
the uproarious applause died away
sufficiently for him 20 be heard. He
made powerful plea for the amend
ment and answered all the objections
of its opponents with arguments as
clear as sunlight His hearers were
swept away on the foodtide of en-
thusiasm, and cheer followed cheer
i'm unbroken succession throughout
the speech. He pledged himself to
work for the public schools. He de-
nounced the attempt of the fusionists
to take shelter. behind the name of
ance '''rhey could not rob us of his
splendid leadership in life he ex-
claimed with thrilling and dramatic
power" and they shall not rob us of
his mighty influence in DEATH
The meeting was decided success.
With this fresh impetus the campaign
i'm Catawba goes forward.
The itinerary of the speakers is now as
follows:
Asheville, Thursday, April 10Th.
Murphey, Saturday, April 21st
Bryson. City, Monday, April 23rd.
Waynesville, Tuesday, April oath.
Marion, Wednesday, April 25th.
Shelby, Thursday, April 26th.
Charlotte, Saturday, April 2Sth.
Fayetteville, Monday, April Goth.
Rocky Mount Tuesday, May LIST.
Wilmington, Wednesday, May End.
Newborn, Friday, May 4th.
Elizabeth City, Saturday, May 5th.
Washington. Tuesday, May Sth.