The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1906-12-01
THE JOINT
DISCUSSION
ON THE CODE QUESTION AT
THE OPERA HOUSE
Last Wednesday Night Strengthened
the Position of the City Charter
Adherents-Code Debaters'
Feeble Arguments

Dy DOQy OF representative N4llZCiio,
voters and taxpayers last Wednesday
night to listen to the joint debate on
-the all-absorbing topics-the Code.
Hon H. c. Watson was selected
as chairman, or master Of ceremonies,
and he proved 4 very careful and con-
scientiOus official in this capacity He
made known the objects Of the meet
ing in a brief speech and then itro-
duced Hon A. J Rose, the first
speaker on the Code side Of the ques
ton
Mr. Rose made an entertaining talk
TO an outsider who was disinterest--
ed party, but to those who are next
or wise to the situation, his speech
was juggling Of misleading figuren
and his arguments weak and uncon-
vinoing. His whole speech was an
attack on Mr.. Campbell. corporations
and on the city administration and
not a sigle argument did he present
that showed that under the Code the
city could not have a worse admins
tsation than it is now getting, in the
minds OF some of our people, under
the present City Charter.
Mr. Rose attacked Mr. Campbell as
d corporation lawyer and while he
said he did not impugn any mans
motives, he made insinuations as to
Mr.. Campbeils part in the infuenc
ing OF the city's government as
a corporation representative. He
stated that he Delta Electric Light
& Power Co. were given cheaper
water rates than the Greenville Gas
Co. received. when in fact, from ian.
I. 1905, to now he electric company
has used water to the amount OF
S8347o, and has paid for it, while in
the same time the gas company has
used only $50 worth Moral-You
can buy a cigar for 10 cents. but when
you buy a quarters worth you get
three cigars. Another statement in
regards to the cost of pumping the
sewage is fatty denied by Mr.. Fl. N.
Berry. who. by the way. is a codeist,
In the course Of his remarks Mr.. Rose
paid his respects to The Times, which
failed to have his desired effect TAX
en- altogether. Mr.. Roses speech was
lame attempt to mislead the people,
to deceive them as to the true merits
of the Code as compared with the
Charter.
Hon R. P. Campbell followed Mr..
Roses attack on him as a corpora
tion lawyer in very sarcastic manner
that did not fail TO make a hit with
the audience. From beginning to end
he riddled the arguments Of the first
speaker His speech was reitera-
ton OF the points brought ont in last
weeks Opera House meeting, but
were pointed out in a stronger light
and with more convincing power
Mr. Campbell was unprepared for the
arguments that were presented by the
Code debaters. He expected that
they would compare both sides of the
question on their merits and that all
politics would be eliminated He was
not looking for a political speech
But for all this, he scored the argu-
ments presented and won voters 70
the Charter side OF the question
Hon Van B. Boddie was the next
speaker for the Codeists. He was
given a very warm reception by his
followers and throughout his speech
received many rounds of applause.
But it was not because of the force of
arguments but the witticisms and
humor he injected in his remarks. Mr..
Boddie spoke very rapidly and said
great deal but brought out no real
convincing argument for the Code.
He held. under the City Charter
that the city could tar 20 mills
At the end of his speech, he attempt
ed to berate the city administration
in the marshall matter but was called
to time by the chairman before he
could make his point
Hon. Leroy Percy was the last
sneaker Of the evening He had only
twenty m;nrtes' time. but in that
short while. he literally tore to pieces
the arguments of the Code debaters.
He scored the secret meetings Of the
"Code Club Committee. which COM
prises every member of the Code ai-
herents. He proved conclusively that
under the Code the city would not
have the local government as it en-
lows under the Charter. He said that
while the Anglo-Saxon would rule the
government, still il needed NO votes
or help Of the negro to carry any
point. Ike pointed Ont the danger OF
sueh \ position under the Code He
asked why the election was thrust
upon the people at this inopportune
tiine-tIe busiest season OF the year
Al the conclusion OF his remarks. Mr.
Percy said that with some exceptions
the people behind the movement were
divided into three classes; First. those
who were "aein the government and
we're natural born knockers, no fSat-
ter under what rule or administration
cline or country they lived: second
the penny politician who was after
small office, and third, the iawless
eie nent. who wanted "loose govern
ment Mr. Percy's argument wa,
forceful and strong and he presented
ex>ellert reasons WHY we should stay
under the Charter where we can havs
se1f-government, good government
sound ard wise government. Undei
The Code. always under the Code. h
said. and nothing safe and sure i
promised rs. whereas. under the Char
Ter which we have had for the pas
twenty-five years, we KNOW wha
rights we can assert and secure.
vfe meeting changed few votes
ard left the strength of the opposing
force virtually the same