The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-27
ROBSON AGREES ID
 MEET BLAKEMORE
Sets His Dates During Close of
 the Campaign
BIRMINGHAM GETS SECOND
Many Democrats Think He Should Have Set Time Earlier, as His Services Will Be Needed
 In Doubtful States.

capt. Hlc0mOnu GtdISOn llOOSOn Has accepted the challenge of John T. Blake more a local republican for a series of joint debates on national issues. These debates will be held in four cities in Alabama--Huntsville, birmingham, Mont gomery and Mobile. The first will take place at Huntsville on October 31.
 Following closely upon the Parker and Davis rally held at the Jefferson theatre last Thursday night, at which time Cap tain Hobson severely criticised the atti- tude of Mir. Roosevelt towaros the south, Mr. Blakemore issued a challenge for a joint debate to discuss the issue. The challenge was immediately forwarded to Captain Hobson and upon receipt of it, an acceptance was mailed to MT. Blake more.
 The ex-naval officers reply follows:
 Hobson's Reply.
 Greensboro, Ala, September 24. 1904. Hon. John T. Blakemore, Birmingham. Ala:
 Dear Sir: Tour letter of yesterday re- questing a joint discussion in Birming- ham on the issues of the present polit- ical campaign is received. I agree with you that it would be well for the people of Alabama to hear both sides in free and fair discussion, and I shall be very glad to comply with your request.
 Tn order to realize a wider benefit, would suggest additional joint discussion as follows:
 Huntsville, Monday, October 31.
 Birmingham. Tuesday. November 1.
 Montgomery, Wednesday, November 2. Mobile, Thursday, November 3.
 I ppam6nf for each discussion be placed in the hands of the local clubs or committees through the chairman of the state com mittee, the expense being shared equally between us? l have written this in view to the chairman of the democratic state committee, Hon. H. s. D. Mallory, Selma, Ala.
 My address for the next four days will be in care of the Hillman Hotel, Birming- ham; for the three weeks following care of the Army and Navy club, New York City. Very Respectfully
 HI. P. ROBSON"
 Blakemore Accepts.
 MT Blakemore has accepted the propo- sition of Captain Hobson. These debates promise to be among the most interesting ever heard in Alabama. An effort will be iilduc lp N"CuTe lHc use OI l0e biJOu In6- atre in Birmingham in order that the large crowds might be accommodated. Captain Hobson will need no introduc- tion to Birmingham democrats. He is considered one of the most conservative young workers in the party, ana his repu- tation as an orator, is probably without parallel in Alabama.
 MT. Blakemore has resided in Birm- ingham for several years. He Is a school teacher by profession and was the prsn- cipal of the East Birmingham school last year. He came to Birmingham from the seventh district and has always been a republican. He was a candidate for congress from the seventh district. He Is said to be a fine speaker.
 Time Set Rather Late.
 Many leading democrats of Birming- ham and Alabama are inclined to the opinion tht Captain Hobson should have set his time for meeting Mir. Blakemore earlier They believe that all of his time should be used in Indiana or other close states. during the last few weeks of the campaign. They have no alarm over lhc icSuit III <AldDdiAh ii6hl AOW anu De- lieve that the debate would serve its pur- pose just as well in October as in No vember. While no communication to this effect has reached Captain Hobson it is believed he will be advised of this idea within the next few days. The dates for the debates have been fixed. how ever, and it may be too late to make any changes.
 These will be the first joint debates held in Alabama between republican and democratic nominees for state elector in years and while it is believed they will have no definite result they will be in- tensely interesting and entertaining and will probably be heard by immense crowds