The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-10-03
A Joint DEBATE.
Messrs. McCaull, Heernans,
Thomas and Others Speak.

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Especial to The Times Dlspatch)
CHRISTIANSBURCi,S VA, October IA
very large crowd was present at court
to-day to hear the political speeches, as
both parties had advertised we'll before
hand. CAPTAIN r. II. McCaull. of Lynch
burg. and Senator a. +. Thomas, Of the
same place, were present. to speak for the
1Republicans and Democrats. respectively.
Judge Lewis and Colonel Slemp had
tccn billed also, but were prevented from
coming, and Governor Montague failed
tn come as billed.
r, i. Roop, county chairman, called the
meeting to order and presented G. a.
Heermans. Republican candidate Tor Inc
Legislature. who spoke about twenty
minutes, strongly advocating better
schools and county roads. and his speech
was well received. He closed by miro
1rclng MIR. NlcCaull, who spoke for over
two and half hours. in which he re-
viewed the records Of both parties on
beth State and NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., ana nc
was often loudly applnuded by the large
audience which heard him throughout
He dwelt at some length on the ischool
question. which he said was the most
vital issue In tho present campaign anu
showed how free books could be turnis t :
a. with but little additional cost, ana
an tod tint much of the money that was
he,np appropriated for other purposes
could be much more probably and wisely
snent in the betterment OF the nee
schools 81,
uc stated that under the new Con-
stitution IL something was not Done ior
the poor children Of the state III me
wny OF free education 1t Wouid ny Do
long until tho children would pc uehleu
the right OF suffrage, as ne eu n'
would eventually pecolns
the only qualification, ana lalr euut'l-
ton was necessary IL theS eYet N' '''''
citizens, -. LII,
He denounced the Democrats for pro-
the new Constitution, saying they
hnd nromised to submit 1t to the people,
md was severe In his opposition 70 the
s,x- months' POLL tax requirement.; for Vot-
np He said that the man who pala
taxas between the first Of May and July
contributed us much MS tho man VINO
mid before as the treasurer did not set
ia With the auditor and supervisors until
July.
Senator Thomas spoke about one ana
hnlf hours In the courthouse to a! large
md representative audience. lie was
closely listened to by his hearers. and
II 1Ilt lIHIItSSlph W t'''S SSt''SN''e
tism and fair manner in which he do
Tended the record Of his party. lie Is a
great friend OF the schools, and so stated.
hut said he thought the time had not
come when the Democratic party could
be successfully assailed for It's record IN
the management Of tho State affairs
a Like Mr.. McCaull. he was aggressive IN
his attacks upon the record of his oppo-
nents' party, and defended tho record of
his own party with much pride; yet
neither speaker was offensive. lie said
Tho Republican party could not be trusted
10 run the State government. and while
both parties had exceptionally fine tick
cts, got II was the duty Of Democrats
to stand by their guns IN the present
and elect their ticket by an
vote in November,
Both parties are we'll pleased with the
speakers showing. and claim that much
good will result In the election, The
hardest fight In many years Is on In the
county, and both sides are claiming the
election, which promises to be close,