The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-11
AND THE DOODLES ROAR
Craig Asks Him to Modify an 0ffen>
sive Ststement.
HE DOES so BUT WITH SHOW OF TlMpER
The Opera House at Hickory Is Jammed 10 the
Doors and Several Hundred Can OBJ
tain Neither Seats nor STAND
ing Room.
Especial to News and Observer )

Especial to News and Observer)
Hickory, n c., Oct. 10.-This has been
day replete with interest and political
excitement
The opposing hosts of Republicanism
and Democracy began to gather early in
the morning to witness the combat be-
tween the two heavyweight party de-
baters. Along the streets and sidewalks
flags ilapped in the breeze, while bunting
hung in festoons upon the store fronts
showing that Hickory Democracy has
lost no interest in the cause. The DEM
ocrats swarmed up in buggies, wagons
and carriages, while many came on
horse back. They were full of zeal and
enthusiasm and impatient to catch sight
Of the man who was to carry their stand
ard today.
The 'unterrified" from Newton showed
up strong, as they always DO when there
is anything Democratic on hand There
was also a good delegation from Nor
canton and Linconton. Among the dis
tinguished visitors we noted Judge W.
A. Hcke, who had come up TO hear one
of his competitors.
On the Republican side of the line,
revenue officers great and small. post
masters from far and near were in cvi-
dcnce. There was also a good delegation
of the rank and file with a number OF
Populists. Democrats were in very de.
cided majority.
At o'clock large crowd had collect
ed in front of the Hickory Inn to escort
Craig to the opera house. A parade had
been arranged by the Democrats, but
had to be abandoned as the train was
late and Senator Pritchard wished 20
begin promptly. A mounted escort of
gentlemen and ladies, the Southern Sym
phony Band. about seventy-five students
of Lenoir College and large crowd on
foot accompanied Craig to the opera
house. He was cheered heartily wher-
ever he was recognized.
The opera house was jammed to the
doors. there being at least 1000 inside.
Several hundred were unable to secure
either seats or standing room and failed
to hear the speeches.
Pritchard opened the debate. He was
introduced by Joel Mouser, Esq. Chair
man of the Republican Executive Com
mittee. who spoke of him as the ablest
living North Carolinian. Pritchard was
literally applauded. Owing to the dense
crowd in the house there was some con-
fusion at the start aSd PNtchard re-
quested the audience 10 be quiet. He
makes an imposing appearance and has
gained much in ease of delivery since he
went to the Senate. He sung the song
Of free trade and calamity under Cleve-
land. and of prosperity and happiness
under Mckinley. He said he would vote
the Democratic ticket If Mr.. Craig
would show him where the Democrats
had been compelled to pay any deficit
of the Harrison administration. Free
trade or rather the kind of protection
given under the Wilson German bill had
disseminated against Catawba county
lumber and in favor of Canadian lumber.
He went through the tariff schedule
in part, arguing that the Democrats had
depressed our home industries.
Touching upon the deserter bill he
secuted the idea that he was the enemy
of the old Confederate soldier. His
father was a Confederate soldier and
sleeps in an unknown grave His eldest
brother had died on the battlefield fight
ing the enemy. You'll find ten Pritch-
ards on the roll of Confederate soldiers
where you'll find one Craig" he said.
sentiment that was received with cheers
hv his followers
lie denied that trusts are the offspring
of protective tariff, but urged the stock
Republican argument that free trade Eng
land is the home of trusts. He complained
that Craig had violated his promise and
the Democratic pledge to abandon the
negro issue. In his first speech Pritch-
ard was cool and adroit, even in his
most spirited passages, never for mo-
ment losing control over himself. There
is no denying that the man has power.
He is shrewd debater and has stud
led the issues closely. He was heartily
applauded at the close OF his speech. ].
r Miller editor of the Press, came for
ward with two handsome bouquets which
he presented as the gifts of lady friends.
Thos. NJ. Hufham, Esq, then intro
duced Mr.. Craig in speech of three min
utes. Ho referred to Mr.. Craig as IAN
able leader, an eloquent orator and a
citizen above reproach."
The temper of the audience was soon
manifest. tremendous cheering went
up through which could be distinguish
ed Lenoir's college yell and the school
girls Shrill hurrah mingled with the
bass Of the Veterans. Craig. Craig.
rah for Craig" the school boys shouted