The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-01-23

Who Seconded the Nomination of Mr..
Simmons.
fearless man. that wise, daring. dashing
son of North Carolina, the leader of our
great victories, Furnifold NJ. Simmons.
Loud applause).
Mr.. President, in presenting the name
of a candidate so worthy of this high
honor, / do so with all the greater pride,
because, as the humble representative OH
this floor of this grand old county of
Wake, offer you one of her adopted sons
of whom we are not only proud, but in
whose citizenship we feel most highly
hOnored.
This is a great city in which we are as
sembled. Mr.. President. Not great in its
area of territory; not great in its wealth;
not great in its multitude of population,
but better than either or all-great in the
men that have been called from our
midst to the most exalted positions within
our gift as a State.
Men, who. whether in the halls of Con-
gress, on the Supreme court bench, on the
field of battle or at the post of duty, or
in the private walks of life were the
peers of any in all this great nation.
But, Mr. President, while enjoying the
thought that Mr.. Simmons is a citizen or
this Metropolitan County of Wake and of
this city. l do not forget that he. like
the other of his predecessors belong to
all-that his great abilities, his love, his
untiring service has been given to the
people of the whole State
take pleasure also in nominating Mr..
Simmons FOR United States Senator. be-
cause in so doing l give you the voice Of
people more united than seldom falls to
the lot of man to enjoy.
Day before yesterday being January
2Oth 1901, Furnifold M. Simmons was AZ
years of age. He was born in 1854 in the
good county of Jones. His parents were
of that humble, royal stock that has given
us as q State such glory and honor. His
early boyhood was spent on the farm.
When ret a lad of only Is years he en-
tered the preparatory department of
Wake Forest college; he remained there a
year and then went to Trinity College in
order to be with a near relative and neigh
Dor boy. He graduated from this college
in 1873 with highest honors.
When only q years of age he was ad-
mitted TO the bar and became a partner
of the law firm of Manly g. Son in the
City of Newbern, where he met with
splendid success.
In 1886 he became the Democratic can
didate for Congress in what was then
known as the BLACK District" and to
the great astonishment of friend and foe
overcame all obstacles and was elected by
great majority.
Though a young man without experience
in the halls of Congress. he served his
term with such ability that it can be
ofoIry coiI
district more benefits in the same length
of time than did Mr. Simmons.
But to the people of North Carolina this
gentleman IS best known as leader of
the Democratic forces, as chairman of the
State Executive Committee. First in
1892 when he did such splendid service;
again in 1898 when by a campaign of edu-
cation and fearless exposure of the enemy
he aroused our people from mountain to
seashore end broke the ranks Of our OPP
ponents into such fragrents as to give us
Two thirds majority on joint ballot in
The remaining history is too fresh on
our minds for more than a glance in
these remarks. Called to lead the party
in the campaign of 1900 he closed its
never to be forgotten battles with State
swept and garnished-with every office
in its government and both branches of
It's General Assembly in complete control
of the Democratic party.
What glad day this, when, after six
years of humiliation we can lift up our
heads and feel that in the Nations Capt.
tol, in her highest court, the voice of the
people of North Carolina will again be
heard
1t may be true, Mr.. President, that he
will be of the minority in the United
states Senate but that he will be heard,
that his influence and his power will he
felt-that North Carolina will have son
in that body. not only able enough, but
brave enough 10 defend her honor and
demand her rights no man can ever doubt
who knows Il. NJ. Simmons. (Applause).
Continued on Fifth Pagc.)