Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1903-08-06
As PROF. MYERS saw IT.
Dickinsonian Writes Of the Burton
Tillman Debate.

Prof. H. s. Myers, principal Of tn
Dickinson county high school, i
spending the summer at Winona Lake
Wis, where Senator Burton and Sen
ator Tillman had their first debate
He writes the REFLECTOR OF 1t thus
MADISON, Wis.,, July 27.-The de-
bate today between Senators Tillmar
and Burton brought out the largest
crowd Of the season. The 1000 seats
In the fine tabernacle Of the assembly
were filed and several hundred PEG.
pie stood for two hours and a half to
listen. The interest was intense and
there was never q momsnt when the
audience tired or grew restless.
Senator Tillman made the first
speech. He presented the violent
southern sentiment on the question.
He did not hesitate to declare that
the issue at present has taken the
form Of question as to the enforce
ment of the fifteenth amendment.
He declared that it should not and
would not be enforced. That the
"nigger" is an inferior race and must
be kept SO. that in states having q
majority Of negroes, the permitting
OF them to vote and have their votes
counted, meant the ruin Of the states.
Political equality would inevitably
lead to social equality and this to
amalgamation Of the races. He stated
in his fierce way that not the first
step in this direction should be taken
and emphasized his determination
and that Of the southern people by
a few choice oaths. Senator Tillman
received much hearty applause be-
cause Of his evident sincerity and
honesty and for his sallies OF homely
wit.
Senator Burton began by slowly
and coolly pointing out the incon-
sistencies Of the southern position.
His main plea was for fairness. II
the south DISTINGUISHES its illiterates,
it must do SO without regard to color.
The negro is capable of improvement
and must be encouraged to do his
best. The nation has already suffered
for its wrongs to the black man and
must commit no more. As the
speaker warmed to his subject, the
Of the audience grew. At
the close the applause was almost an
ovation. Wisconsin people will here
after reckon Senator Burton q great
orator. He was at his best on this
occasion.
The closing speech Of Tillman was
even more radical than the first. lie
declared that he did not want q single
black man to vote, regardless Of
ability.
The contest between the two cham
pions was striking. Tillman would
not be sure Of prize at beauty
show. Burton has fine stage pres
ence. He were fine long black coat,
light colored, we'll creased trousers,
starched white shirt with narrow
black four-inAhand tie. Tillman wore
sh ,rt grey coat, negligee shirt, pre-
tense Of collar with bright colored tie,
20 cuffs. Burton's sentences are uni.
iormly smooth and polished. Tillman
speaks rashly. impetuously, some
times rs il his passion and prejudice
had the mastery Of him. Burton is
always cool and self-possessed. Till.
man gives his hearers the impression
Of being q sincere, earnest man who
speaks from the bottom of his heart. |
Burton'S long training as lawyer has
left him with the air OF man who is
his clients cause. rillman's
speech abounds in homely wit. Bur
ton 10 sarcastic but never witty.
Together they make the most inter.
ssting chautauqua attraction before
the people.
J. E. Mosley, secretary Of the Win
'na Lake assembly, says Of the debate:
1.-The Tillman-Burton debate was o |
tremendous success. Never but once
IN our twenty-four years have we had
70 great q crowd or such enthusiasm.