The age-herald., 1901-11-04
Tries to Speak at the Same Time w C Davis is
 Speaking
AUDIENCE CALLS FOR DAVIS
The Governor Opposes the New Con- stitution-Davis Charges That He Is It's "Daddy"-Gover-
 nor Leaves Hall.

CarDon Hill, NovemDer o.-(Spec1al)- Governor Johnston had an appointment to speak here Friday. w. c. Davis had an appointment at the same time. A committee asked Governor Johnston to divide time with MT. Davis, but the Gov ernor declined A large crowd had as- sembled expecting to hear a joint discus ton. Governor Johnston spoke first, but the crowd remained to hear MT. Davis. During the latters speech Gov ernor Johnston arose and claimed the right to reply. MT. Davis would not agree to this, saying the Governor had declined a joint debate. The Governor attempted to speak, nevertheless, but the audience called for Davis, whereupon the Governor picked up his hat and left the hall.
 Governor Johnston spoke nearly two hours. He said that the registrars two hours. He said that the registrars could decline to register a man because he favored free silver; be cause he was a gold bug. He said he thought he was one of the most intelligent men in the state and sometimes he thought he was the most intelligent and they could de- cline to register him.
 He charged that the convention had put nothing In the constitution in favor of the laboring man and had declined to re- duce the rate of interest to 6 per cent. That there was no danger to white su- premacy and that the negroes had quit voting. He said he wanted no three men to pass on his right to vote but that he wanted it written in the constitution so that 1t would read the same way every day, in the year.
 At the conclusion of the Governors speech the audience called for Davis.
 Davis Replies.
 Mir. Davis responded and started to speak. Governor Johnston objected on the ground that it was his appointment and that he had been denied joint de- bate by speakers for ratification. MT. Davis answered that this was his ap- pointment also and so far as he knew or had ever heard that the speakers for ratification had sought joint debates that every circular issued for ratifica- tion speakings in Walker had offered to divide time with opposing speakers that
 
 not care to hear him could retire. Only a few left although the hour was late. Governor Johnston remained.
 MT. Davis began vigorous reply. He said that where a witness was put on tho stand to testify if 1t could be shown that he had made statements contra ry to his evidence that it went to the credihility of the witness and jurors paid no attention to the evidence of such a witness. He then read the Governors s message urging the calling of a constitu- al convention and asked the audience if they believed him then or believed him now. MT. Davis said the Governor was the daddy of the constitutional baby and that he was now trying to make bastard of 1t. He said that all quoted from by the Governor except Morgan were supporting the constitution and that it did not lie with decency in Johnstons mouth to quote Morgan. That it was too short time since Johnston was trying to convince the people that they should trust him and not Morgan and everybody knew the disastrous result He said the convention had followed al lthe Govern or's suggestions and that now his favor of restricted sufferage.' and his appeals to the prejudiece of his hearers was the rot of a demagogue.
 Governor Gets Restless.
 Governor Johnston got restless and when Davis had been speaking about forty minutes the Governor rose and said he wanted to reply to Davis then. Davis told him he had lost his opportunity and after trying to tire the crowd out he should wait in patience till he (Davis) finished.
 The Governor insisted on having few minutes then but Davis declined to yield. The Governor standing near Davis began to address the audience. Davis turned to him and told him he was neither the Governor nor the dictator of Alabama and that he would not be interrupted in that manner. The audience called for Davis no one called for Johnston.
 It looked for a time like there would be a rough house." Morgan Pearce took the Governor by the arm and ad- vised him to sit down. The Governor put his hat on and walked out followed by about twenty or twenty-five Republicans. Not a single Democrat left the house. Davis proceeded with his speech, saying Johnston could not stand to hear the truth and did not want his followers to zee the light turned on. Vigorous ap- pIause followed. The meeting continued for an hour and wound up in great demonstration. many cheered Davis who had cheered the Governor.
 Quite number of intelligent Republi- cans remained to hear Davis and some of them are for ratification.