Smyrna times., 1908-11-04
CLOSING DAYS OF CAMPAIGN.
Republicans and Democrats Both Hold
Mass Meetings, the Former Thurs
day Night and the Latter Saturday.


Mass Meetings, the Former Thurs
day Night and the Latter Saturday.
The last week of the campaign
was marked by two enthusiastic
meetings. The Republicans held
their first and only mass meeting of
the campaign on Thursday night at
the Smyrna Opera House. The
weather unfortunately was stormy
and inclement but despite the rainy
evening there was a large turnout
and lively meeting was held. The
stage was decorated with American
flags and pictures of Taft and Sher-
man. The Stayton Cornet Band of
Smyrna furnished music. Former
Congressman Walter o. Hoffecker
presided at the meeting, and on the
stage besides the speakers were
some of our local and some of the
State candidates. Hon. Henry C.
Conrad of Wilmington, was the first
speaker and for forty minutes dis
cussed national and State issues.
Sylvester D. Town send, Esq, the
Wilmington City Solicitor, followed
with a stirring and telling speech on
the record of the Republican party
in the State during which, to use his
expression, che endeavored to wipe
little of the mud off the opposing
party had slung." He was roundly
applauded State Senator A. T.
Gamble of Philadelphia, was intro
duced and made a short talk on
national issues. Hon. Arthur L.
Blair, of Brooklyn, was the next and
( last speaker and for an hour or more
( he held the attention of his audience
while he reviewed the record of Taft
against that Of Bryan. The address
was full of satire and trenchant wit
and made a splendid impression.
Gov. Smith Disappoints Democrats.
The Democrats held their Mass
Meeting Saturday afternoon. 1t had
been previously advertised that Hon.
Hoke Smith, Governor of Georgia,
would be present and this announce
ment drew a large crowd not only
from the surrounding country but
from Dover, Middletown and other
places. Unfortunately, however
and to the disappointment of many,
Governor Smith was unable to come
and Hon. E. T. Williams, electoral
large from the State of Georgia, was
sent in his place. The meeting was
held in front of the Smyrna House.
A grand stand decorated with flags and
bunting and Bryan's picture, was
erected and the Stayton Band of
Smyrna occupied a position on the
veranda at the second story over
the grand stand. Hon. Benjamin A.
Hazel presided at the meeting, and
the speakers, state and county can
didates occupied the platform. Mr..
Williams was the first speaker and de-
voted his stirring address largely to
the tariff. He is a fine talker
and made good impression. He was
followed by ]. Thomas Lowe of Little
Creek, Democratic candidate for
Lieutenant Governor. Hon. w. H.
Stayton, of New York, who was
being entertained by W. r. Megear,
candidate for Insurance Commits sionel
: was introduced and made nonpart.
! isan speech, which he closed with az
appeal in behalf of his friend, Mr.
Megear. Mr.. Stayton, who is much
beloved in Smyrna where he formerly
resided, was warmly received anC
. the applause continued some length
;. after he had concluded his remarks
Other addresses were made by Will
. liam Salisbury. ESQ.,, of Dover,
Charles Howell LeFevre, ESQ.,, can
didate for Prothonotary, Samuel E
! Saxton, candidate for Coroner, Frank
= lin Brockson, ESQ.,, candidate fo
Representative from Kenton Humid
: red, and others.