The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-05-04
THE STATE CANDIDATES SPEAK
The Upper Cape Fear RousinR Re-
ception-The Boom OF Cannon M the
Tramp OF Red shirt Squadrons.

OF Inc McSSSuScE-I
Fayetteville, n. c., April 80.
"Zeb Vance" the artillery put in
place on Market square by Major W.
c. Troy to greet the candidates OF the
state democracy, doomed forth this
morning; and as the smoke Of its
silken folds Of the beautiful Aycock
banners waving proudly over the city
from its lofty STAFF, while the business
entire of the city was saluted by a
morning concert from the splendid
Dunn corne- band
The great interest in this opening
campaign, and the anxiety on the part
Of white men to hear the great issues
discussed by the state candidates, are
evinced by the great crowds, afoot, in
carriages and wagon and on horse
back. which have been flocking into
town from all quarters since early
morning. Large bodies of mounted red
shirts from Cumberland and adjacent
counties. especially Harnett, which has
a splendid representation, gathered
according to programme at the rem
devious on st. James uar whence
I a II. 4 AAANA ID 49,
column through Green street, Market
square and Hay street, hating for a
Few moments in front OF the Hotel
Lafayette, and hence making a tour
of the principal thoroughfares Of the
city.
At 1870 o'clock a line of carriages
the chariot furnished by Sheriff Burns
for the governor being very elegant
and beautiful-was drawn up to receive
the state candidates, and from that
point the immense ~concourSe Of peo-
pie, escorted by the Dunn band,
marched to the fair grounds. There an
artistically decorated stand had been
erected for the speakers. the faultless
taste of Miss Maggie Pemberton and
her assistants of the committee being
evinced in the adornment.
After prayer by Rev. w. L. Cunning
GIN, pastor of the Hay Street Metho-
dist church, introduced by Chairman
H. l.. Cook, a union choir led by NJ
B. c. Gorham, rendered with much
spirit Carolina" and Ion D. H. Nc
Lean then gracefully introduced Hon.
j. Bryan Grimes, candidate for sec
rotary of state, whose address was a
lucid and powerful resume of the evils
of negro rule, and the redemption OF
the state by the great efforts of politi-
cal wisdom and r craftsmanship in
the framing of the constitutional
amendment.
Mir. E. j. Kennedy, a representative
mechanic of this city, greatly esteem
ed by all, made a brief speech in most
excellent taste, introducing Hon. B. r.
Lacy, candidate for state treasurer,
who disclaimed any intention Of making
a lengthy address, but in his few
words was very pleasant and atten-
lively listened to. He is an admirable
story teller, and had the crowd uprO-
rious with laughter.
Mr.. Johnd Underwoo, in stirring
words, for which he received great ap-
plause, introduced Hon. w. D. Tur-
ner. candidate for lieutenant governor.
Mr.. Turner is deliberate in manner,
earnest in delivery, n very lucid in
the presentation of an argument. He
is no unworthy running mate Of the
eloquent Aycock-
Major E. J. Hale, editor of The Fay
etteville Observer, introduced General
7. F. Toon, and it is needless to say
that the introduction was worthy OF
the illuStriOuS visitor and of the august
occasion. General Toon made a very
fine impression.
Mr.. Med. Robinson presented Hon
Frank Mcneil, of whom it is need
less for a reporter to speak in words
Of praise 20 Wilmington readers. The
talented young lawyer, Mr.. D. F
Oates, very happily presented Hon. r
D. Gilmer. and this last speaker
charmed the crowd with his graceful
delivery and choice diction. Chairman
H. L. Cook did justice to himself as
the county democratic leader and the
next governor, in his. Introduction OF
Aycock, who, as this letter is made
up for the mail, is carrying the crow
in a whirl of unexampled enthusiasm
Wilmington will hear them all hi:
week, which makes a lenthy report o.
the speeches here unnecessary. Var
ner, Patterson and Dixon are absent.