The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-10-29
POLITICS RIFE in
OLD VIRGINIA
Montague Challenged by
IIoge, but No Discussion.
CANDIDATES WILLING
But the Committees in Charge Could
Not Come 10 Terms.
MONTAGUE RECEIVES OVATION
The Charge Made and Denied That Cleveland
Invited Fred Douglass 10 His. .Tahle-1he
Lynchburg Gun Clubs Invitation 10
Roosevelt Used BY Colonel
Ioge in the Presidents
Favor.
MONTAGUE RECEIVES OVATION
Especial Dispatch to The Times.)

(spcciaI Dispatch to The Times.)
ABINGDON, VA, Oct. 2S--''i am really
willing aid anxious to meet Colonei
11oge in joint discussion to-day and thus
PVT an end TO his repeated declaration
that he could not get q meeting Wlth me-
and IL he makes a challenge shall ac-
cent it." Attorney-General a ]. Monta-
gue thus related to The Times correspond
ent this forenoon how he felt upon the
subject of joint discussion
In his Introductory remarks, when he
spoke in the town hall this afternoon,
Colonel j. Hampton Hoge said that he had
come all the way from Eastern Virginia
with the hope of meeting Mr.. Montague
in jcint discussion to-day.
Notwithstanding that the STANDARD bear
crs of the two parties thus expressed their
desire for IL joint discussion, 1t did not
take place, and the several hundred peo-
pie who came here IN anticipation OF a
battc royal between the two champions,
both or whom have shown marked ability
upon the stump, were naturally disap-
poiated when, at The last moment, it was
announced that negotiations for such a
meeting had been unsuccessful.
BOTH SIDES WARY.
To tho impartial spectator was plain
that a sense of fear had taken possession
of both the Democratic and the Republic
can committee. Neither had any doubt
about the ability Of its champion to meet
successfully the emergency, but both were
very cautious about advantages. For
this reason the correspondence between
the two chairmen at ones assumed ar air
of doplimacy, each being anxious for the
discussion. but each wanting the close of
the argument for his champion.
The Democratic Committee felt that
Colonel Hoge's attitude with reference to
occasions, warranted the conclusion that
he should propose on this occasion.
The Republican chairman argued that
Col Hoge's original challenge was still in
effect, and that Mr.. Montague Should ac-
cept that challenge without further co1-
resrondcncc.
A DIRECT CHALLENGE.
However, after a conference with Chair
man Wyndham e. Robertson, of the
Democratic Committee. Chairman j. w.
McBroom, of the Republican COMMITTEE
addressed him note suggesting the nc-
Siral'ility Of arranging for joint dis
cussjon and requesting to know Mr. Mon
Iagues wish.
Mr.. Robertson replied to this note So
Letting from Chairman McBroom n ul-
rect request for joint discussion, ad, ns
that he would then suggest definite
terms.
Mr.. McBroom then replied for the Re
publican Committee, requesting 4 Joint
discussion upon fair and equa. terms.
Mr.. robertson then replied: Your le-
quest for a joint discussion is accepted
upon the following terms: Namely, that
Mr.. Montague open in a speech o. one
hour; that Col. Hoge reply in 4 speech of
one hour and thirty minutes, allowing
air. Montague thirty minutes for final
rejoinder.'
TERMS DECLINED.
Chairman McBroom declined this propo-
sition. then verbally, fifteen minutes 81
the hour for speaking to begin,
made a similar proposition. reducins: The
time for closing the argument to fifteen
allowing Mr.. Montague the priv
'lege to choose whether he you'd Ccen
or close the argument
This proposition was declined, Vh,re-
upon Mr. Montague proceeded to With
ers' Warehouse where a representative
audience of ladies and gentlemen, esti-
mated TO number 900. waited to greet him.
Meanwhile, Col. Hoge and his admirers
repaired TO the town hall.
The dividing of the crowt; proved cute
~ l..
Hoge addressed only about 800 persons,
oGe-third of whom were colored voters.
MONTAGUE AND RHEA.
Mr.. Montague was introduced % the
by Congressman Rhea, who, III
This connection, delivered a brief ard
nbIe sreech touching the issues of the
His effort put the crowd in hearty goo1
cheer and prepared them for the feast
NJ oratory which Mr.. Montague had in
store for me occasion.
1t was indeed banner day for the
Democracy of Washington county.
Mr.. Montague was in fine condition,
and made what is said to be the best
and most inspiring speech thus FAR de-
ivered in this part of the State. His
audience became thoroughly enthusiastic
Ind the demonstrations amounted to
quite an ovation.
Chairman Robertson and the commit
es are gratified and feel that to-day,s
meeting is an omen Of victory in the
county.
COLONEL HoGE.
Colonel Hoge was preceded at the
Town Hail by Mr.. ]. L. Gleaves, OF
Nytheville, who spoke for thirty min
ties.
Chairman McBroom then introduced
Colonel Hoge, who devoted most of an
lour and thirty minutes to discussion
If the Constitutional Convention in its
'elation to the elective franchise, apply
ng his usual arguments. His speech was
,uite well received. notwithstanding the
'act that he hardly felt physically able
'or the task. having suffered a serious
attack OF lumbaSo last night.
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kNnTHEN lccor,Atr