davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

selected to fill the position of cashier in
the National Bank of Ashevillc, the du-
ties of which he discharged with entire
satisfaction to the officials and with
credit to himself.
In 1896 the Democratic party realizing
that the approaching municipal election
in Asheville was attcnde d with great
doubt, began to look around for ito
strongest man to make the race against
Mr.. H. s. Harkins, the present Collector
OF Internal Revenue, and at that time the
most influential Republican in the city
Mr.. Cooke received the nomination, and
after one of the most desperate and bitter
campaigns ever waged, succeeded in de-
feating his opponent and bringing the
city back under Democratic control. The
administration of Mr.. Cooke was all that
could be desired; he formulated and car
ried through several important reform
measures and indisputably demonstrated
his aptitude both for executive work and
leadership.
Again in 1898 when his Senatorial dis
trict was in the hands of the Rcpubli
cans, Maj. w. w Rollins and Mr.. Geo
II. Smathers, having two years before
been elected by about seven hundred ma
jority-the party standard was again
placed in the hands of Mr.. Cooke. who
after a most thorough and exciting cam
vass of the district, came out of the con-
flict triumphant with a majority Of over
six hundred, having made a gain for the
party of over thirteen hundred votes.
Mr.. Cookies record in the Senate is two
well and favorably known to require any
extended notice here. He served as
chairman of the Committee on Counties
Cities and Towns, and was also mem
Der of the Committees on Railroads and
Railroad Commission Banks and Cur
rency Federal Relations, Mines and Min
ing and others. He introduced and sue
ccssfully carried through the Senate, the
Joint resolution to elect United States
Senators by the people; the joint resolu-
ton to have Congress pay the claims of
the State, growing out of the Spanish
American war and also bills to extend
the Jurisdiction of magistrates; to
abolish the Western Criminal Court: to
establish the Western Criminal Circuit
Court; for the better protection of
Iaborers and mechanics, and TO regulate
the law of divorce.
Since his admission to the bar, Mr..
Cooke has been steadily going to the
front, and is today of counsel in some of
the most important suits on the dockets
of this and coterminOus counties, and is
recognized BY all as one of the rising
lawyers of the West. He is easily one
of the most logical and eloquent speak
ers in the State and has twice wrested
victory from what appeared to be in
evitable defeat
In July last Mr. Cooke was honored by
his party with the nomination for Soil
citor of the Fifteenth District, and has
already begun characterically ag-
eressive campaign. That he will be
elected, no one who knows his power
before the people will doubt.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

wise and safe legislator.
In 1890 Judge Hoke was elected Su-
perior Court Judge, qualifying on the first
of January, 1891. He was reelected for
a term of eight years in 1898. He was the
choice of the large majority of the peo-
pie for Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court, and would have been nominated
by the Greensboro convention for that
high position if he had not written a card
declining the use of his name
Judge Hoke' was happily married to
Miss McBee, of LincolntOn
The name Hoke in North Carolina is
synonymous with sterling character, the
highest chivalry and courage, ability and
devotion to Democratic doctrine Judge
Hoke wears the name worthily and by his
public and private career has added new
lLstre to the honored name He is clear
headed, pure hearted, conscience con-
trolled, able, patriotic North Carolinian,
worthy of the high place he holds in the
affection and esteem of the people of
North Carolina He would make an able
and useful Senator.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. j. E. SPAINHoUR.
Democratic Candidate For Solicitor
In Fourteenth District.

Hon. Joseph f. Spainhour was born on
q farm in Burke county in 1856, and OBJ
tanned his education in the public schools
of the county and at Wake Forest Col
lege. He obtained his college education
through his own exertions. He taught
school for a time and then read law I'M
der the late Col. George N. Folk He
began the practice of law at Boone Wa
tauga county, and at the same time
edited the Watauga Democrat. In 1894
he was elected Solicitor of the Tenth
Judicial District. In 1898 he was nomi-
mated by the Democrats but was defeated
by nine votes. Shortly thereafter he
moved to Burke county, and III 1900 was
unanimously nominated for the General
Assembly and elected by 400 majority. He
took a high stand in the Legislature and
was q member of the Board of Managers
in the Impeachment Proceedings.
In the spring of 1901 he was appointed
Fourteenth Judicial District. He gave
such universal satisfaction in that high
office that he was unanimously nominat-
ed, and will be elected by a good MAORI
ty. Mr.. Spainhour is an honorable and
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

to become lawyer and commenced read
ing law in 1867. In 1869 he received his
license and began the practice of the law
in Winston, where he still resides in the
enjoyment of the affection of his country
men and a commanding practice. He was in
the army when the time for going to col
Iege arrived, ard he entered upon his
professional career without the advantage
of a college education. But he has learn
ed of books and men and is master in
law and political doctrine.
Mr.. Watson has never been candidate
for office except when twice elected to
the House of Representatives and once to
the Senate He has never asked for an
appointment to any office, and was never
a candidate for a nomination at the hands
of his party. And he has never received
a nomination except when his party was
in trouble, with the prospects of defeat
In 1872 he was nominated by unanimous
vote in the county for the General AS
sembly to defend the Greeley ticket in
Forsyth county. He ran against Dr.
Wheeler and was defeated by Sc votes at
the August election. At the November
election following General Grant carried
Forsyth county by ATS. In 1882 he was
nominated by the unanimous vote of
Stokes and Forsyth in the Senatorial
convention, and canvassed the two coun-
ties in opposition to the movement in
augurated to divide the Democratic party
on the Prohibition question. Was elected
by over 1900 majority. In 1892, ten years
thereafter, he received the unanimous
nomination for the House, canvassed the
county and was elected by plurality of
about 500, there being a Republican and
Populist ticket in the field. When nomi-
mated the Democratic party had no hope
of carrying the county. In 1896 he was
nominated for Governor when the party
had no hope or expectation of electing
the ticket.
He canvassed the State until severely
injured during q night ride from Able
marie, in Stanley county to Monroe in
Union county, the result of which injury
was that he was confined to his room
until long after the election. He made
that canvass with the sole object of trying
to discover a way for good men who had
left the Democratic party to honorably
return and .elp the party serve the State,
and with no hope of being elected. He
made a magnificent campaign, winning
votes wherever he spoke, under circum-
stances that would have depressed any
ordinary man. 1t was a noble and un-
selfish fight waged for the spread of
Democratic doctrine, and the seed sown
then had more than any other one thing
to do with the great Democratic victory
Of 1898 and 1900. True Democrats acknowl-
edge the great service rendered by Mr..
Watson in that campaign and will never
forget that he jeopardizcd his life to lead
a hopeless cause.
Mr.. Watson ranks with the greatest
lawyers in the State. He is an eloquent
advocate. His speech closing the argu-
ment for the impeachment of Judges
Furches and Douglas was a masterpiece.
He is unselfish, patriotic, true, honorable
always champiOning the Democratic doc
trine of equal rights to all and special
privileges to none" In the Senate he
would reflect credit upon his State and
eloquently defend Democratic principles
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

progress as we'll as in politics. He is the
father of the Mecklenburg Road Law and
has done more for public road improve
mrnt than any man in North Carolina.
Capt. Alexander has five times represent
Cd Mecklenburg in the State Senate. It
is not too much to say that no man
living has done more as legislator for
The growth of the State along progressive
lines.
Capt. Alexander received the second
highest vote for United States Senator
in 1883 when General Ransom was elect
Cd. He had a big support for Governor
wnen Fowle was nominated. In 1890 he
Was elected TO Congress from the Sixth
district and served six years, taking
high rank as wise and able legislator.
lie is broad minded, well read, and we'll
equipped to serve his native State in the
United States Senate.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
TO FILL VANCE'S SEAT
The Democrats Have Able and popular Candidates
For That High Office.

The selection of n United States
Senator will devo1ve upon the next
General Assembly. The man
chosen will be expected to succeed
to the seat and represent the same
views and policy so long and SO
ably represented by the 1amented
Vance. For eight years that seat
has bcen held by Senator Pritch-
ard, who has voted every time ex-
actly opposite FROM the way Vance
voted.
The Democratic State Convention
took no action as to the Senator
ship. The Legislature will name
the man. Fortunately the party
has abundance of good material.
Below will he found sketches and
pictures of the candidates For this
high Office:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

a boy he clerkd in a general store. lie
was prepared for college under j. j..
Spainhour and p. l.. Patton at Globe,
graduated at Wake Forest College in 1890,
obtained license to practice law in 1892,
and has since practiced his profession OF
Boone. He comes from strong and in
Huential Democratic family, has twice
been chairman of the County Democratic
Executive Committee, and has also served
on the Congressional and judicial COM
mttees. In 1900 he was the Democratic
candidate for the Legislature, and though
defeated he led the Democratic ticket.
Mr.. Coffey was unanimously nominated
for Solicitor of the Thirteenth Judicial
District at the convention held in Lenoir
in July. He is a well-furnished and
growing lawyer, and would make an eff
fcient officer.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
JUDGE w. A. HOKE,
Candidate of Lincoln County for
the United States Senate.

William Alexander Hoke was born in
Lincolnton in October, 1851. He was edu-
Gated at the schools in his native town,
enjoying the instruction of two such emil
nent teachers as Rev. DR.. Wetmore and
Prof Smith father of Hon. Hoke Smith.
He read law under Judge Pearson in Yad-
kin county and was licensed to practice
in June, 1872, and commenced the prac-
tice at Shelby, where he lived until 1881,
when he moved to Lincolnton, where he
became associated in the practice of law
with his father, the late Col. John F.
Hoke. He had a large practice in cir
cult composed of Lincoln, Catawba Gas
ton Cleveland and Rutherford counties.
In 1883 he was elected to the Legislature
and no member of the 1889 session of the
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
rHAD. D. BRYsoN,
Democratic Nominee for Solicitor
of the Sixteenth District.

Thad D. Bryson, the nominee OF the
Democratic party for Solicitor Of the
Sixteenth Judicial District, is resident
of Bryson City, N. c., and is the senior
member of the law firm of Bryson &
Black of that place.
Mr.. Bryson was born in ,Bryson City,
October 4th. 1873. He is the son of the
late Col. T. D. Bryson, who served his
county in the Legislature for number
of years and was a well known figure in
politics in the western part of the State.
Mr.. Bryson completed his education at
the University of North Carolina and
studied law at that place, being admitted
to the bar in February, 1895, and imme-
diately opened an office in his native
town where he has since made his home.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

been the only recipients of his bounty.
other denominations have received liberal
donations from his generous hand, and
there are scores of boys and girls
throughout the State who have been aid
ed by him in securing an education.
Cars gifts to the State University have
Been very liberal, and in fact, scarcely
an institution of learning in the State
has not felt the impress of his benevo-
tent character.
The old veterans who wore the gray0
have no better friend within the borders
of the State than Julian S. Carr, and
they have honored him for many years
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. L. S. ovERMAN.
Candidate of Rowan County for
United States Senator.

Hon. Lee S. Overman was born in Sails
bury. January Bird, 1854. In 1874 he en-
tered Trinity College, Randolph county
and graduated in 1876. Upon the redemp-
tion of the State by Governor Vance in
1876, MIR. Overman, a brilliant young man,
just out of college. was made private
secretary by the great War Governor. In
that position Mr.. Oyerman made a friend
of every man who called at the Executive
office, and formed many strong friend
ships He devoted his nights to the study
of the law and in 1878 was licensed to
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. CYRUS 3. WATSON,
Candidate of Forsyth County for
the United States Senate.

Hon. Cyrus b. Watson, who is now in
his 5Sth year, is a native of Forsyth
county. and is easily it's first and great
est son. He was reared on a farm where
he was at work when the call came for
troops, and early in 1862 he LETT his nome
as a mere boy and entered the Conted-
crate army. He served between two and
three years as a private and non-com-
missioned officer He bears upon his
body the honorable scars of three wounds,
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. S. b. ALEXANDER,
Candidate OF Mecklenburg County
for United States Senator.

Hon. Sydenham b. Alexander is ma
tive of Mccklenburg county, and worthily
hears name long distinguished in
North Carolina He is a farmer and is
a successful one. He was a brave sol
der in war: useful and leading citizen
in neacc He has served his State well
and for twenty years been a leader in
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

1896 he was elector for the State at-large
and led the electoral ticket. In 1898 he
was elected to the Legislature, heating
Col. Y. S. Lusk and overcoming large
Republican majority, and was reelected
again in 1900.
Mr.. Craig though comparatively a
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. LOCKE CRAIG,
Candidate of Buncombe for the
United States Senate.

Locke Craig was born in the county OF
BERTHE on the 18th day of August, 1860
He graduated at the University of North
Carolina in 1880 and obtained his license
To practice law in 1882 In June, 1888,
he located in Asheyille. where he has
resided ever since.
In 1892 he was Presidential elector OF
The Ninth Congressional district. In
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
10 Democratic Solicitors.
Continued from Fourth page.)

trict is a young man, whose advance
ment has been phenomenal, both in poll
teal and commercial life, and is perhaps
without a parallel in the State
Although but tWenty-nine years of age,
MIR. Cooke has been honored with some
of the most important positions of trust
and profit. Shortly after his graduation
at Wofford College, in South Carolina,
at which institution he received the
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

He was married in 1895 to Miss Annabei
Black, of Bridgeport, III. In the short
space of time he has been engaged in the
practice Of law he has built up an extern
sive practice both at home and in the adj
joining counties of his district, and has
established reputation for reliability
and trustworthiness on all legal matters.
which easily places him in the front rack
Of members of his profession in Western
North Carolina The hattering vote
which Mr. Bryson received in the con-
vention illustrates his popularity among
the members of his own party in the
Sixteenth Judicial District, and owing to
his wide acquaintance and ability as q
campaigner there is little doubt but he
will run a winning race in his district.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21
HON. E. s. COFFEY,
Nominated by the Democrats for
Solicitor of Thirteenth District.

Hon. e. S. Coffey was born in Watauga
county in 1867 and has lived in that coun-
ty all his life When not in school as
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

efficient solicitor, a gentleman of char
acter and patriotism, and enjoys the
esteem and confidence of his constitu-
ents. He was married in 1888 to Miss
Sue PARKS of Virginia.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

General Assembly eXerted more or better
influence than Judge HOke. He grew
rapidly into leadership and showed that
he possessed ability of the highest order.
1t is not too much to say that no man in
North Carolina has made greater or more
solid reputation in a single session as a
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

highest honors, Mr.. Cooke entered Har-
ward University and further equipped
himself for the duties of life by taking
post graduate course. Upon his return
home he was, at the age of twenty-five.
The National tribune., 1902-02-06
The Won Moh Co., 74 B, Cincinnati p. S TSrs us ng. a
THE SHOW AT WESTMINSTER.
Ludicrous Significance OF Ancient Fictions
of Pomp and Power.
(RoStOn Post

What strange contrast with the condi-
pageant and spectacle accompanying the
| opening of Parliament by King Edward
| VII. The medieval fummery with which
| this function is surrounded is absurdly
| incongruous with the practical realities VI
today. So, at least, it seems to citizens
of a republic. Is it any more impressive
to Englishmen? Do the ancient fictioHs
Of pomp and power carry other than a
ludicrous significance in this age, even to
a people with whom they are traditional?
King Edward is more insistent upon
these things than was his mother, and he
has a marvellous acuteness of sense Of
what is popular. Far be it from us TO say
that he mistakes the likings or misjudges
the foihles OF the people over whom he
holds a nominal sway. But even during
the life of the present King the English
people have advanced by long strides to-
ward practical democracy. The throne
retains only the sembance of power. The
speech which the King read yesterday be-
fore the assembled Parliament was the
address of the ministers who hold their
office only at the will of the representa-
tives of the people in the House of Com
mons. 1t was the voice of the represen-
tatives of the people, not Of the King.
1t is not conceivable that the English
people can fail to observe the incongruity.
Insistence upon the outward signs of
power under existing conditions must lead
TO a revulsiOn of feeling even among the
loyal subjects of Edward VII. 1t may not
manifest openly, but it all counts in the
slow evolution of the democratic idea.
The National tribune., 1902-02-06

brutal frankness add directness. ask the
trembling and defenseless widow of 6
dead veteran If, since the death of hel
husband, she has been guilty of any spe
ciic acts of immortality.
While am not an advocate of the elec
tive franchise for women, primarily fol
| the reason that they should be safeguard
ed against the dangerous tendencies of so
called practical politics, l none the less
desire and intend, to the best of my pool
abilities, TO do and say all in my power
| in favor of protecting women II
the possession and enjoyment of al
those national rights and artifcia
privileges with which God anC
our bencfcent system of just and edua
laws have endowed her. l do not desire
to pose rs the special defender OF tht
American woman--she needs none. Every
! true American, unless handicapped by NJ
overwhelming sense of duty, a subduiEE
and enervating delicacy, stands her cham
pion.
l ask no special privileges for woman-
she demands none for hersclf-but pro
test that the discrimination against he1
in the pension act of Aug. I, 1SS2. shoult
cease, the recommendation of CommiS
sioncr Evans Notwithstanding. | ServCC
during the civil war, and can appreciate
the statement of Uncle Toby" The
army sworc terribly III Flanders" II
morality are not absolutely necessary ad
juncts of brave and efficient soldier
The Northern volunteer ShOuldcrcd hi,
muSlict and marched away to the South
ward, not TO disseminate moral ideas, but
to crush organized rebellion; and pension,
are paid, not as Il rccompeISc for piou'
examples, but as some sort of acknOwl
cdgmcnt of dangers braVCd and hard
ships endured that the Nation might
have n new birth of freedom -
Granting that all this is truc-and nC
man of SENSE and information will at.
tempt to deny it-why should Il different
rule bc applied to women? Suppose IN
old soldier, Il pcnSioncr upon the bounty
Of his grateful country, lapScS from moral
ity; does he thereby forfeit his pension
| am attempting no argument in justitica-
tion or cNtcnuation of immoralty, but am
simply urging that i'll the matter of pen
SiOnS, men and women ought To stand
equal before the law: that 4 rule of cX-
cluson should not bc applied to one sex
from which the other Is exempt. The
repeal of the act of 1882 would not o'Iy
remedy an unjust and most offensive dis
elimination, but it would relieve our wild
ow pensioners from n most annoying,
often insulting. surveillance on the part of
agents who are not pcrmeatcd and actu-
atcd by the nice sense Of dclicaCy that,
by reason of their connection with the
Pension Office. they ought 10 possess i'll
most unbOunded measure.
All hail the women of America. ''thc
brave at home" the wife who girCS her
husbands swOrd!' OF them has sprung
a race of men prepared To uphold their
own and their country's rights on army
field and against all comcrs. Perish that
day when Americans shall speak lightly
Of the sex to which they owe their ex-
istence, their honor, their very apprecia-
ton of purity. modesty and virtue, Per
iSh the day when the men of this mighty
Nation shall indorse the insinuations
made in the latest report of the COmmis-
sioncr of Pensions.
The National tribune., 1902-02-06
FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
A Story that Illustrates the Danger OF Hasty
Judgments of Men.

4 story that illustrates the danger of
making overhdsty Judgments of men is
told in the latest number of the popular
English military weekly, the Navy and
Army Illustrated. 1t may or may not be
strictly true, but at any rate it is anus
ing.
1t seems that Lord Kitchener, about a
year ago, made a trip along the railroad
between Johannesburg and BloemenStein,
fitting ont eXtempOrary columns of mount
ed infantry to chase away the enemies
who were threatening his communica-
tions. AT one of the stations, Vredfort
Raad, he found some waits and strays
from various regiments, who seemed to
have nothing particular to do; and as
this was state Of things of which he
strongly disapprovcd, he decided to send
them into the field at once. Going To the
waiting-room to look for officers, he
found there only one mana smart, we'll
dressed individual, who found immediate
favor i'll the eyes of the Commander-in-
Chief.
You will command Il corps Of mounted
infantry I've just formed" said Lord
Kitchener, who is of all things man of
quick judgment and prompt action.
Very good, sir; what will my duties
Don't you know your duties?'
Yes, sir-my own"
"'Then don't argue. What is your regi-
ment?"
"BIankshires. SIR"
What rankF'
master tailor, SIR"
Lord Kitchener suddenly discovered
that he had business elsewhere.