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8
LIBERALS’ TICKET MAMED.
HOI’SINQ RALLY €>F M'DONOL'GH
FORCES RATIFIED IT.
Three Members of the Present Conn
ell Renominated—The Ticket n
Hepresentntlve One—Mayor >fel-
Orlni’a Speech nt Masonic Hall—llls
Administration Defended—Record
er Hartridge and Ex-Alderman
O'Connor Paid Their Respects to
the Other Side—lnterests Which
the Ticket Represents.
The McDonough alderman 1c ticket
ratified at Masonic Hall last night was by
a crowd thoroughly enthused with the
spirit of approaching victory. There were
a number of speeches by Liberal Club sup
liorters, all of whom were cheered lo the
echo. Standing room was at a premium
In the hall, nnd the stairway leading to
It was jammed during the entire time the
speaking lasted, while a crowd In the
street contented Itself with the entertain
ment afforded by a brass band.
Proceeding direct lo ihe prime object
of the meeting, which was the announce
ment of the aliormanlc ticket selected by
the committee appointed for this purpose,
Chairman McMillan was called on. He
read the following report:
"The committee appointed at the mass
meeting of the Liberal Club and clllzcns
favoring the objects of said club, held at
Masonic Hall Jan. 5. to select suitable can
didates for aldermen, beg leave to report
the names of the following gentlemen as
the unanimous choice of said committee:
C. D. Baldwin. |E. A. Well,
Dr. W. W. Owens, j Andrew Hanley,
D. R. Thomas, |A. H. Entelman,
J. 11. Eslili, | William L>. Exley,
E. C. Gleason, lA. 8. Guckenheimer,
George J. Mills, |Dr. Bt. J. B. Graham.
As the names were called out by Mr. Mc-
Millan, the crowd applauded each candi
date. It seemed that all Interests had
been fairly represented, that the candi
dates were popular with their side, and
that the voters were well pleased with
tile committee's selections. A tumult of
ayes went up when the vote was taken
on the adoption of the report, and there
seemed to be no doubt but each of the
candklates will add strength to tile ticket.
President Meldrim of the Liberal Club,
whose desire not to actively |>artlclpate in
the campaign has been expressed on sev
eral occasions, responded to continued
calls after the meeting had progressed
some lime, and in a s|>eecli lasting about
an hour, iaid bare the acts of the present
administration, which has lieen assailed
by the opposition, and explained why the
City Council, under his direction as Mayor,
had done things which have l>een charged
up to it as ill advised expenditure of pub
lic funds. Inasmuch os tie had lieen
drawn Into the defense of the Council,
Mayor Meldrim was not content with re
plying to the attacks made on the. admin
istration, but opened up Its entire doings,
giving especial attention to the question
of finance.
"They have charged us with borrowing
money to defray the current expenses of
the city government," suhl Mayor Mel
drim. "That Is true. We borrowed it to
pay off the men of the fire, police and
other departments of the city. We kept
118,000 eighteen days at 4% per cent. In
terest, which amounted to $19.58. Not only
has the entire amount been paid, but the
treasurer's rejiort, last submitted to me,
shows that there is $lOO,OOO In the treas
ury.”
During the meeting stirring speeches
were also made by Mr. Walter C. Har
tridge and Mr. P. J. O'Connor, who were
loudly applauded when they touched on
some of the more interesting Issues which
have been injected into the campaign. Mr.
Hartridge was the first speaker, and in
the compliments he paid Mr. McDonough
for the chtvalrlo, courageous manner In
which he had discharged his duties when
formerly at the head of the city govern
ment, he was roundly applauded. The
prospect of another administration which
has for Us purpose the strict and Impar
tial enforcement of all laws, a wise and
proper management of the city’s affairs,
and the rightful execution of the trusts
committed to public officials, is something
the people of Savannah can anticipate
with pleasure.' In the course of his speech,
which follows, Mr. Hartridge paid his re
spects to some of the opposition speakers,
and especially to Judge Twiggs, whom he
said got confused in the terms, “disfran
chised and disqualified.”
Mr. O’Connor was behind the stage, and
while not apparently in sight of the
crowd, they got a glimpse of him some
way and began applauding. He was not
regularly on the programme, but In re
sponse to repeated calls, he responded in
a speech that sent grape and canisier
Into the enemy's ranks. Following his
predecessors, Mr. O'Connor first paid a
handsome compliment to Mr. McDonough's
qualities as a man and his tried worth
as an official, after which the opposition
and those who are affiliating with them
were given a severe rake. It was quite
evident his remarks struck a cord thor
oughly in line with what the crowd want
ed. and Us appreciation was shown by fre
quent outbursts of enthusiasm.
It rarely happens that large crowds,
such as the otic that stamped approval of
the Liberal Club ticket, preserves such
order as that maintained at the meeting.
The hall was packed, not only with voters
from the district at large, but by the or
ganizations, which arrived early from
their headquarters, and were in evidence
during ihe evening. The P’ourth District
Club formed at Liberty and East Broad
streets, and with transparencies bearing
campaign mottoes, matched on Liberty
street to the hall. At the same time, the
First District Club, which formed at
Bturtevent hall, on the west end
of Liberty street, started on
its march to the tally. The clubs from
other districts were also there, several of
them with banners, and it was plain to
be seen the McDonough organization was
there. The solid citizenship of Savannah
was represented; the business man was
there; the professional and the laboring
men were present; the colored brethren
swung with cocked ears over the railing
of the gallery.
On the stage were a number of promi
nent members of the Liberal Club. They
did not appear from behind the scene,
however. President Meldrim and Secre
tary Laßoche occupied seats at die table.
After a few prefatory remarks by Presi
dent Meldrim, and the r. port of the com
mittee had been made, the speeches began
and continued until nearly u o'c.ock.
REPLIED TO THE OPPOSITION.
Recorder Hartridge Paid His R P .
sped* to Twiggs and diintguon.
Mr. Walter C. Hattridge, whose speeches
oro always heard with interest, whether
they are in banquet hail, or In a polili
cal gathering, was the first speaker. After
o few remarks, in which he referred to
Mr. McDonough, Mr. Hartridge went
straight for the opposition. He said he
would not preface his remarks with the
statement that he did not Intend to abuse
anybody, and then proceed to criticise and
abuse in the next breath, as was the cas
at the last meeting of the anti-admin is
Uatiwuuts. When a candidate needs criti
cism, he said, it should be made, and if
the candidate is unable to stand it, he is
unworthy of siipjiort. In the course of a
speech made at the opposition meeting.
Judge Twiggs had spoken of -Mr. McDon
ough's n-cor.i. saying if he stood on it he
would be beaien for M iyor. "Thank God,
Mr. McDonough has a record.” said Mr.
Hartridge, "and one he can stand on in
public life.”
“An ex-jurist of this city," said Mr.
Hartridge, In referring to Judge Twiggs,
“said, in a speech, that Air, McDonough
had voted for a bill while in the legis
lature which disfranchised the laboring
man. He said the fact that none but free
holders could act ns election managers de
prive and the poor of rights thiy should en
joy. By the previous act it was the duty
. ft
the managers from among free-holders
and justices of the peace. This was when
they tmd the Justices, however.”
Mr. Hartridge called attention to Judge
Twiggs' statement that there were many
good men w ho were not freeholders. “That
is so,” he said. “I am not a free-holder
myself.” He said Judge Twiggs had got
ten mixed in the terms he intended to ap
ply. Instead of being disfranchized, the
people for whom the plea was being made
were disqualified. Judge Twiggs himself is
not a legal voter, Air. Hartridge said. The
gentleman who nominated Air. Myers for
Mayor Is also disqualified. Air. Hartridge
said he also understood the gentleman who
seconded his nomination is also disquali
fied. With the leaders out of it. he did
not wonder that the judge got mixed.
’ ll struck me that meeting was not so
much for the purpose of nominating Mr.
(Myers ns io let certain gentlemen air their
prejudices against the present administra
tion,'' said Air. Hartridge. "One of these
gentlemen, who Is conceded to be a prom
inent statesman In private life, said if
there was anything he desp’sed it is hy
pocracy, bombast and sycophancy. But
in the same breath he said he wished it
understood that Mr. McDonough possessed
none of these qualities. Then why Us he
against Mr. McDonough?”
Referring to Mr. dußignon’s claim that
any board of aldermen elected with Mr.
McDonough would he controlled by the
management which put them In office, Mr.
Hartridge said he thought everybody
would concede that Mr. McDonough stands
at the head of uny board with whom he
may he elected.
Mr. Hartridge said that nepotism, with
which it was stated the city is suffering,
means vice In public officials. Il was in
tended to charge Mr. AlcDonough with
putting relatives in office, he said it was
something with which Mr. McDonough
had had nothing to do. On the contrary,
he had secured the passage of an act
which would soon abolish the office now
rill off by his son-in-law. "Did it not strike
you that the solicitor general, who had an
act passed creating an office to which his
father was appointed, is also suffering yvilh
nepotism?” asked Mr. Hartridge. This
was something which should not have been
brought out, he sold, and further those
urging this ailment are not entirely free
from it themselves. The solicitor
general had said it looked as
If a deal had been made
with certain officials in the recent council
maniac election. If this is the case, said
Mr. Hartridge, it Is his duty to investigate
the mutter and call the grand Jury’s at
tention to it. His duty is to prosecute those
who are corrupt In public office, and such
conduct would be eorrurt.
Mr. Hartridge said he thought it was
time for a change, and he agreed that
hypocracy, bombast and sycophancy
should be eradicated from local affairs.
Now that the commissions have been re
pealed,he said.the Mayor is in control of the
police force, and with the present manage
ment, they can easily stop all violations
of city laws. Liquor selling on Sunday ami
gambling would be stopped if the man
were elected who had pledged himself to
do It.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Hartridge
said that the peopfe can always point with
pride to the election of AlcDonough, who
has the best thought and best ideas of mu
nicipal government. The people will then
be doing their full duty to Savannah, the
home they love and cherish.
MAYOR MELDRIM'S SPEECH.
Hi* Review of tlie Present Adminis
tration the City.
In response to loud and continued calls,
Mayor Meldrim re-.ond.-d in a speech,
which he punctuated with figures show
ing the financial condition of the city. Ac
cording to the statements he made, one
of the guns the opposition has been firing
at the administration, which is at Its al
leged lax financial policy and large ex
penditures, is spiked. Mayor Meldrim had
the figures to show that the treasury is
tn excellent condition.
In prefacing his remarks. Mayor Alel
drim said he had hoped not to take part
in the campaign. He said when he was
called two years ago to lead the opposi
tion lo a movement which had for its ob
ject the ostracism of a large number of
hts fellow citizens, he felt it his duty to
respond and accept nt the hands of the
people the office he had not sought. He
did not think it improper, now that his
term of office was drawing to a close, to
give the people nn account of his stew
ardship.
When the present administration went
Into office, Alayor Meldrim said the first
thing he did was to direct attention to the
public health. He first desired to sec that
the quarantine station was got in condition
for service, so that disease Crom ihe West
Indies and other places might be effectively
kept out of this port. The little steamer
had been out of service some time "to
save money,” and it required about SJOO to
put her tn commission. A contract had
been let by the previous administration,
he said, for a boat to do what the one
owned by the city had done. He said
$3,409.24 lmd been paid out to put this boat
in condition for service. This policy of
letting the city's property run down was
not wise, he said, and had always tried
to avoid allowing it.
When the boat had been repaired, atten
tion was next directed to the quarantine
station itself. Mayor Meldrim said its con
dition was a disgrace to the city. On the
runs over which ballast was hauled he said
planks had been removed, and poor devils
were working there with great danger be
fore them. He could not aoount for the
reason (his properly was allowed to run
down unless It was to save money and
have a surplus nt Ihe end of the year. "I
immediately gave directions for the station
to be put in proper condition and repair,”
said Mayor Meldrim, "and w ithin a reason
able time this was done.”
The next problem lhat presented itself
was Ihe city's water supply. Mayor Mel
drtm said he had been told it was decreas
ing at the rate of 1,000,(Ml gallons a day.
Mr. Cana had his attention called to Mr.
Johnson, who was at Memphis about this
time, and in order to have the imminent
danger to the water supply investigated, he
had him come to Savannah. It was at first
thought the decrease was due to a low
ering of the water tao.e, hut this was
fortunately not the ease. However, the
city had to expend o ■ r $3,000 In restoring
the water supply by changes in the ma
chinery. To provi le against break-downs,
he sultl ihe old waiter works station on (he
river had been put ill working order at a
cost of over $1,700.
Mayor Meldrim went over the house
drainage work the city has done, during
which he paid a high tribute to Col. Geo!
(Continued on Seventh Page.)
THE MORNING NEWS: SUNDAY, JANUARY 22. 1599.
PREPARING FOR THE FRAY.
POLITICIANS NOT LIKELY TO REST
TO-DAY.
Interest In the Mayoralty Election
Now Approaching Fever Heat—The
Hattie to lie Hard Fought on Both
MiU-k—Considerable Scratching of
Alderman ic Tickets Expected—The
Total City lteitixtration 3,437,
White and 32S Colored—The Vote
Likely to He 20 Per Cent Less—De
faulters W ho Have Paid l p in the
Lost Ten Dnys Must Hrliig Tax Re
ceipt to the Polls—Final Rallies
to He Held To-morrow Night.
There are only two more days before
the city election, and It Is to be feared
that Sunday will not be a day of rest
with the politicians. In fact, it is pretty
well understood that considerable work
has been planned for to-day. The plans
of the campaign will be reviewed by the
leaders, and many details arranged for
and possible contingencies prepared for.
The colored brother will receive special
consideration. Whether there will be a
repetition of the scenes of two years ago,
when the colored voters were eorraied in
halls and kept until morning under the
guard of both white and negro workers,
cannot be said. Both sides claim to feel
well assured of the attachment of the ne
gro voters who have aligned themselves
with their respective sides, and each
claims that it has a number of negro sup
porters who cannot be influenced by
money, but who are acting upon principle.
If such be the case, It will not be neces
sary to corral the negro voters. It is very
likely, however, that all the colored halls
throughout the city have been engaged
by one side or the other, and that all
night meetings will be held, where the
colored voters will be encouraged by
speakers to adhere to the side for which
they have declared themselves, and in
structions given them as to the manner
of voting
Owing to the provisions of the new elec
tion law, which make it difficult to ascer
tain whether a purchased vote is deliver
ed, each side will have to depend to a
greater extent than formerly upon appeals
to the negro voter to stand firm, to the side
for which he has declared himself. The
floating white vote also has Ihe opportu
nity of taking pay for one ticket and
voting another.
Asa matter of fact there has never been
an election law yet that the Chatham
county politician could not circumvent.
The so-cnlled Australian ballot law. which
was recently repealed, was a soft thing
for the politicians. They actually found
Us operations to facilitate their work.
They were not only able to ascertain ex
actly whether a purchased voter had de
livered his good® or not. but they could
go further and keep up with the non
purchasable vote, and by this means as
certain how the doubtful votes had been
cast.
A feature of the election which is freely
predicted on all sides is that there will be
more scratching of the aldermanic ticket
than in any previous election in recent
years. It is generally admitted that there
is a desire on alt sides for a strong alder
manic board and as the partisan lines are
less tightly drawn than for a number of
years it is expected that voters will exer
cise their own discretion and make up
their own ticket without regard to the
mayoralty candidate lor whom they vote.
Unless there should be a wide margin be
tween the winning and the losing ticket
It is practically certain that there will be
a mixed board of aldermen, with the prob
abilities in favor of the best men on the
two tickets composing the board. Many of
the aldermanic candidates have personal
following, and this will cut a considerable
figure in the scratching of tickets.
The tickets under the new election law
are furnished by the candidates, and are
simply the plain straight ticket to which
ihe voters of Savannah were accustomed
for so many years before the adoption of
the Osborne Australian ballot law. The
mayoralty candidate hends the ticket and
the candidates for aldermen nominated
with him follow. There is nothing to pre
vent any voter who chooses to do so
from scratching as many names as
he please on any ticket and sub
stituting others. A voter can, if he
chooses to do so, write his own ticket.
Anti-Li lx ral tickets have already been
printed, and were in circulation on the
streets yesterday. They are simply head
ed "Myers Ticket," with Herman Myers
for Mayor, and the aldermanic candidates
arranged in the following order: David
Wells, John Schwarz, James M. Dixon,
Samuel Reynolds, Joseph G. Jarrell,
George W. Tiedeman, J. P. Williams, John
J. Horrigan, Isaac G. Haas, H. H. Bacon,
M. J. Doyle, Thomas Screven. In the an
nouncement of the Myers ticket yesterday
the name of Mr. Dixon was
omitted. It had been previously announc
ed that Mr. Dixon's name would be on
the ticket, and the omission was entirely
an oversight. Mr. Dixon is one of Savan
nah's younger business men. It is pre
dicted by some that his name will lead
the vote on that side, and it can be relied
upon, at any rate, that his vote will not
be among the lowest on the ticket.
The interest in the election, which was
awakened rather slowly, so far as tha
mass o£ voters were concerned, is now be
coming intense, and the meetings to-mor
row night are likely to bring it to fever
la-ai. The contest will be sharp and hard
fought and each side will strain every
nerve to win the victory. Considerable
campaign funds have been secured from
the leading supporters of each side, but
the managers on each side deny that they
have any such quantities of boodle as
will warrant them in purchasing votes at
any price, or that any votes will be
bought.
The exact figures of the registration,
which will be uscsl In Tuesday's election!
showing the number of white and colored
voters registered In each district and ap
portioned to each box, were furnished the
Morning News yesterday by the registrar!
Mr. Jerome G. Sullivan. The figures are
as follows:
W'i'e. Co], To'!.
First District, box Ato K. 389 135
First district, box Lto Z. 379 ]]s <193
Second district, one box... 613 55 093
Third district, box A to K. 414 24
Third district, box Lto 420 22 910
Fourth District, box A to K 620 S4
Fourth district, box Lto Z 592 96 1,392
Totals 3,437 52S 3,905
To what extent the vole will be reduced
by defaulters who have failed to pay stale
and county taxes and city ttxes for IS9B
Is hard to say. It must also be remem!
the greater part of this regis
tration was taken for I lie county election
and that some allowance must be made for
those who have died or moved away, or
who may l>e absent from the city on the
day of election. Then there is the usual
allowance to be made for voters, who are
qualified but tail to vote. Altogether a
'total discount of 2) per cent, of the regis
tration is likely to be a safe figure. This
would reduce the total vo'e to 3.172, and
In this ease the mayoralty candidate who
gew 1,600 votes will be elected. The one
who gets 1,800 U a sure winner, with votes
to spare.
Voters who have paid up city and
county taxes during the last ten days
should carry their lax receipts to the polls
with them as the registration lists which
have been prepared for the managers show
these amounts still standing against them,
the lists having been made up several days
age. Parlies in default can pay up taxes
even on Ihe day of election, but it is not
safe to deray so long. Over 200 of those
whose names were on the city default Ust
furnished to the tax collector by the city
treasurer and marshal have paid up the
amounts against them and it is likely that
a number more will do so to-morrow and
Tuesday. Most of those who have paid
were in default for small amounts.
Ardent supporiers of each side are mak
ing estimates on the vote, each showing
conclusively that his own side is certain
of a safe majority. It w r as noticeable, how
ever, that there is so far very little bet
ting.
The talk that Capt. M. J. Doyle is not
eligible to vote in the city, not having been
a resident for six months as required by
the law and therefore is not qualified to
be a candidate for alderman, appears to
te set at rest by the fact that Capt. Doyle
is registered from his city residence, where
he now resides, this having been his cus
tom for years, In order I hat he might be
qualified to vote in the city elections. An
other well known business man, now re
siding temporarily in the country, discov
ered yesterday in discussing Capt. Doyle’s
case that he was entitled to a vote Tues
day, as he registered from his town r i
dence and is still legally entitled to <%on
elder himself a citizen of Savannah. There
may be a number of cases of this kind.
TO argue: it to-mohhow.
IntcreMinic DlMcunaion of the Pollilll
fn*e Will Fill the Court Hoorn.
To-morrow morning the attorneys will
argue the damage cas* of John H. Pol
hill vs. the Florida Central and Peninsu
lar Railroad which has been largely oc
cupying the attention of the United Slates
Court during the past week.
At the conclusion of the evidence yester
day Judge Speer announced that he would
limit the argument on t-ach side to iwo
hours. As the lawyers engaged in the
case are good speakers, and the case
bristles with good point? for argument,
the four hours from 10 o'clock in the
morning uniil adjournment at 2 o’clock in
the evening, will be full of interest to those
in attendance. It is probable that the
court room will be well crowded, as in
terest in the case has been growing.
Yesterday the hearing of * vidence for
the defense wag concluded. The * viden.*e
was of a professional character, in tided
to show ill at While (lie plaintiff suffer* and
from nervous prostrated il w.a not to be
attributed to the alleged injuries in the
collision, but might have resulted from
other causes such as excessive train n.g
for bicycle riding, shooting or other x
ercises or sports. Dr. Cos lonian of Augus
ta, testified that he hail found no evidence
of any organic injury to Mr. Pol hill short
ly after the accident, although he was
suffering from nerve prostraLion at the
time.
Dr. Thayer of Johns Hopkins Hospital,
who had given his evidence In that city,
stated in his answers to interrogatories
that there was no evidence of Mr. Polhiil
having any organic injury, and that his
nervous trouble might have resulted from
other causes than the Injuries claimed to
have been received. Dr. Blanton of Bruns
wick, though, who was called in rebuttal,
testified that he had discovered injuries
and bruises and lesion of the tendons of
the neck. Mr. Polhiil had suffered greatly,
and at one time he thought he had menin
gitis.
Rev. Mr. Winn of the Episcopal Church
at Brunswick, also a witness in rebuttal,
testified that a fence over which Mr. Pol
hiil was said to have Jumped after the ac
cident in pursuit of a chicken for break
fast, was a low fence over which one
could easily step. Judge Speer caused
quite an audible smile as the clergyman
concluded this feature of hi? evidence, by
remarking to t>. B. Adams, Esq.:
“1 do not know, Brother Adams, that
clergymen of this cloth are experts in
the matter of chickens as they are in our
church.”
Both the judge and Mr. Adams are Meth
odists and the public is generally supposed
to entertain the belief that if there is any
thing the average' Methodist minister is
on authority on it is chickens, especially
at conference time.
Mrs. George Hansom, sister, and Miss
Katie Maude Smith, a niece of Mrs. Pol
hiil, both of Augusta, testified that Dr.
Goelet of Saluda had been in the bed room
when Mr. Polhiil had had a spasm and
had lapsed into unconsciousness. This
was in rebuttal of that physician's evi
dence to the contrary.
The case aeetna to rest on the question
a* to whether the nervous prostration the
physicians say Mr. Polhiil suffered from
was due to any Injuries received by him
in the collision or was the result of other
causes.
TO lIKING HACK THE HEAD.
Roumanian to Transport Soldiers’
llodle* Home From Santiago.
Word was received by Col. Bellinger yes
terday that the transport Roumanian
would not come back to Savannah from
her prepent trip to Matanzas. Instead she
is to go to New York, where she will be
equipped as a transport for the dead.
Taking with her a large force
of undertakers and helpers, and
a large supply of cofiins and
other supplies for the dead, the Rou
manian will go to Santiago. There the
bodies of the American soldiers, who died
from fever or who fell in the battles that
preceded the capitulation of the city, will
be disinterred and prepared for removal
on the transport to their homes In this
country.
There were many hundreds who
died from disease or wounds or were shot
dead in the struggles between the contend
ing forces. The work of removing and
preparing the bodies will take some time.
The Roumanian is a large vessel and can
bring all of the heroic dead back to their
country. The vessel, It is understood, will
go to New York from Santiago, the bodies
King distributed from there to the rela
tives and friends of the dead throughout
the country.
Some reception that will Indicate the
sentiments of the country toward those
who fell in Cuba will no doubt be ar
ranged for at the port of entry.
Fnneral of .Ml** f*re*ler.
The funeral of Miss Julia Cressler, whose
death from pneumonia was announced in
the Morning News yesterday, took place
yesterday afternoon from the residence of
her parents, No. 108 Henry street, east.
The services were largely attended .-nd
wt re concluded by Rev. E. F. Cook of
Wesley Monumental Church. The burial
was in Laurel Grove cemetery.
Notice to Shoe Dealer*.
Your attention is called to the ad. in spe
cial notice column, and you are requested
to think, if it would be for your benefit to
patronize home Industry, providing
shoes are as feood and prices meet corn
netltion. E. I. Okoittia.—ad.
SPEER NOT A CANDIDATE.
THE JI'DGE SATISFIED TO PRESIDE
IN THE DISTRICT COURT.
He Hn* So Desire to Break Up Hie
Home for the Greater Honor an<l
tiie Increased Salary I* So Induce
ment to Him—Dixtrict Attorney Er.
win Says Judge Speer Could Get
the Circuit Court Judgeship If He
Cose led It.
It can almost be finally elated that Judge
Ensory Speer, of the United States Dis
trict Court, will not be a candidate for
the position of judge of the Circuit Court,
provided for in the bill which has just
passed Congress and which the President
is expected to sign in due time.
Judge Speer would not discuss the mat
ter personally yesterday when seen by a
Morning News reporter. “I would prefer
not to be interviewed In reference to the
matter,” was all that Judge Speer would
say personally.
United States District Attorney Mar
ion Erwin was asked for information on
the situation and the probability of Jndge
Speer's name being presented for the con
sideralion of the President.
Mr. Erwin was on the McKinley lectoral
ticket as a candidate for elector at the
last presidential contest in 1896, and is in
touch wi:h the leading politicians in the
state. His extensive personal acquaint
ance and contact with the members of
the bar of the state of all political affilia
tions places him in a position to be well
informed of Ihe situation. He is known
also to be a warm personal friend of Judge
Speer. In reply to questions Mr. Erwin
said:
"There is no doubt in my mind, nor in
that of his many friends all over this state,
und I might well say, all over the United
States, that if Judge Speer would allow
his i.ame to be used, he would be recog
nized by the President as pre-eminently
the man for the position, and that he
would be appointed and confirmed beyond
question. Judge Speer has a few strong
enemk sand many strong friends. No
man of strong personality could act on
the independent lines along which he has
moved, without tnaking some enemies. But
be is powerful with the masses. He is
the one man in Georgia who conld, I
believe, come down from the bench and
break every political combination which
party lines eould draw, on a contest be
fore the people. The people of Macon gen
erolly, where lie lives and is best known,
seem more concerned lest Judge Speer may
he called away to otiier fields of useful
ness than for anything else, although they
would, of course, take pleasure in any
thing which would give him substantial
preferment. Tile suggestion sent out from
Washington to the local papers in advance
of any statement from Judge Speer that
lie would he a candidate, to the effect
that he eould not he confirmed, in the
face of his previous confirmation as dis
trict judge, and the strong national record
he has since made on the bench, is too
absurd to be taken seriously, and simply
shows that he is the one man of whose
supposed aspirations certain others inter
ested stand most in dread.
"I have known for several days that
Judge Speer will not tie a candidate. Not
only that, but that he would not desire the
appointment If tendered to him. Judge
Speer h as a beautiful and typical Southern
home in Vineville, a suburb of Macon, and
a charming home life that he has no wish
to surrender. While an ardent student he
has accustomed himself during his whole
life to take a great dial of exercise, horse
back riding in the afternoons and strolls
through the woods and fields with gun and
dogs, when the business of the courts per
mit. The change incident to the holding
the courts in Ihe three Important cities of
Macon, Savannah and Augusta, furnishes
in itself a recreation. The judge likes con
tact with the people. He believes that
justice is more often reached by looking
at the witnesses faoe to face and taking
first impressions from the actors in the
case. He believes that there is a greater
field of usefulness for him in his present
position than in the Circuit Court of Ap
peals.
"In fact, when the Circuit Court of Ap
peals was first created, I know that Ihe
administration desired him to be appoint
ed then, bu. he placed on file in the de
partment of justice a distinct expression
of his wish to remain on the bench of the
District Court.
"Of late years Judge Speer's income, out
side of his salary, has been such as to
make the trifling increase he would re
ceive as circuit judge of no importance to
him. Judge Speer has stated to me posi
tively that he would not desire the ap
pointment. even if tendered to him.”
In regard to the rumors that Mr. Erwin,
the district attorney, and Mr. Leaken. the
assistant district attorney, would antag
onize each other for the district judgeship
in case Judge Speer was made circuit
judge. Mr. Erwin said: “Mr. Leaken and
I have been personal friends for years.
There has been no antagonism between
us whatever, and none thought of. We
are personal friends, and there is hardly
a remote possibility that we will he or
would have been found antagonizing each
other for this or any other office.”
ARMY CAMPS LEFT CLEAN.
The Government Used Precaution to
Prevent Filth Accumulations.
Notwithstanding the camp sites occu
pied by the Seventh Army Corps for sev
eral months became a city with thousands
of inhabitants, the locality is reported to
have been left in the best sanitary condi
tion. The health authorities have gone
over it for the purpose of observing its
condition, but they did not find anything
to warrant serious objection.
The government officers took special
precaution to prevent the collection of ob
jectionable matter, and their success is
shown in Ihe fact that during the stay
of the corps In Savannah, there may be
said to have been no complaints calling
for an inspection by the health authori
ties. All matler that might have pro
duced bad conditions in camp was carted
to nearby farms, where it was utilized.
It Is stated complaints have been made
by the owners of farms on which the re
fuse matter was dumped, but the condi
tions are not understood to lie such as
will endanger the city’s present healthful
ness.
MAY GO TO CUBA.
Ex-Chief Fireman Maguire Trying
for a Position In Hnvann.
Ex-Fire Chief John E. Maguire is now
engaged in the insurance business. He has
not taken up fire insurance, however, but
life and accident. Mr. Maguire said yes
terday that he is too busy working for a
living to take much of a hand In politics.
He Is supporting Mr. Myers, however. It
was learned from Mr. Maguire that he
has well founded hopes of securing n good
position with the fire department of Ha
vana, which is now being reorganized by
the American officials. He has received
some very flattering Indorsements, and has
the assurance of support from several of
the Georgia delegation at Washington.
Catch the Thief.
Procrastination is said to be the thief
of time and the murderer of opportuni
ties, and it should have been added, the
robber of widows and the orphans. Why
men who are In good health should pro
crastinate, when it comes to take life in
surance is beyond conception. So many
contingencies may arise. Death comes to
all alike and the uncertainty of its com
ing should hasten your decision. Tou are
in good health to-day, to-morrow may
never come. Only one hesitation should
you have, careful, thoughtful considera
tion should be given to the choice of a
company in which to place your insur
ance. When you get to that point let us
show you the plans of the Massachusetts
Mutual, organized 1851. There are certain
important factors governing life insurance
which every man should carefully consid
er before making his application or ac
cepting a policy and the laws of the state
of Massachusetts cover and protect better
than the laws of any other state In the
union. Let us explain this matter to you.
Address Harty & Apple, general agents for
Georgia, 117 Bay street, east.—ad.
STOOD THE WEAR WELL.
Army Wagon* anil Weather Did Not
Injure the Gravel Hoad* Much.
The county's gravel roads have stood
the combined attack of the heavy army
wagons and the recent lengthy spell of had
weather remarkably well.
“The Augusta and Louisville roads,
which were not used by the army wagons,
are in excellent condition,” said County
Superintendent Chaplin yesterday. "The
other roads, which were used by the army
wagons, have stood the wear remarkably
well, much better than I expected. It will
not cost SSO to repair the damages on Dale
and Kstill avenues and the Waters road.
At the junction of Dale and Estill avenues
and further out on Dale avenue there are
some holes at the crossings of the street
railway tracks, due to the gravel not hav
ing been properly rolled when it was re
placed after the construction of the
tracks across the avenues. Along Estili
avenue a good deal of dirt and sand has
been dragged upon the roadway because
of the army wagons using the sides of the
roadway in passing each other. This de
tracts from the appearance of the road,
but does not injure it. The roadway Is a!!
right."
Owing to the fact that the gravel pits
at Augusta have been full of water from
the recent rains the county has been un
able to secure gravel, either for repairs
or for the extension of the Augusta road
way.
Chairman Dale of the County Commis
sioners said when asked about the con
dition of the roads, that the county roads
are ail right, but that Wheaton street,
leading in from Ihe Thunderbolt road and
Waters avenue, was In a horrible condi
tion, being full of ruts and holes and al
most axle deep in mud. Wheaton street
was formerly paved with shells, but no
repairs having been made for some time
it has fallen into disrepair. There is an
opportunity for the next administration to
make a creditable public improvement
there similar to the one made by the pres
ent administration in paving Railroad
street, now Meidrira avenue, to connect
with the Louisville road.
ARTILLERYMEN GOT OFF.
Cavalry and Infantry Reach the City
Till* Morning: to Go Into Camp.
The transport Michigan got oft yester
day afternoon at 3 o’clock for Havana,
passing Tybee at 4:30 o'clock. She drew
21 feet 8 inches. On hoard are the four
batteries of the Second Artillery—A, D,
F and G, including 13 officers, 750 enlisted
men, 23 civilians. There are also 361 ani
mals carried.
To-day there will arrive eleven troops
of cavalry and four companies of infan
try. They are the six troops of the
Seventh Cavalry, from Macon, which are
to leave this afternoon on the Manitoba
for Havana, five troops of the Fifth Cav
alry, which are to go in camp here, await
ing transportation to Porto Rico, and the
infantry are a battalion of the Third Con
necticut which is to do provost duty here.
The cavalrymen, it is understood, will
be camped at Bruton Hili, taking the site
just vacated by the artillery. The Con
necticut troops will be stationed at differ
ent points, acting as guards for govern
ment property and as the preservers of
the peace. It is the understanding that
they are to remain here for some time,
being joined later by the other battalions
of the regiment.
The transport Chester will get away
from Newport News earlier than first ex
pected and should be here some tlm to
morrow. The Thirty-first Michigan is to
go on this transport. The Chester wilt be
partly coaled here while the other cargo
is being taken on. It is the impression
that the Michigan men wi.l go a boat and on
Tuesday, and that the transport will get
off that afternoon.
THE M KANE HOSPITAL.
Tlie Corner Slone to Be Laid To
morrow Afternoon. .
To-morrow the corner-stone of the Mc-
Kane Hospital and Training School for
Nurses will be laid to-morrow afternoon.
The ceremony will be at 3 o'clock.
The McKane Institution has done much
good already for the colored people of
Savannah. It is thoroughly charitable
and seeks simply to care for the sick wol
men and children of the race, and to train
young colored women to be competent
nurses. In this the trustees and managers
earnestly desire the co-operation and aid
of the citizens of Savannah, white and
colored.
Cheapness
Is not always a recommendation, but our
prices will be found the lowest. Savan
nah Carriage and Wagon Company.—ad.
Continnes This Week.
The special exhibitions at Walsh & Mey
er's will be continued this week. The la
dies are all interested and will find the
specialists in charge of these exhibitions
experts of the greatest ability. Miss Min
chall, with the Redfern corset display, is
the highest authority on corsets, and
gives to our customers information of par
ticular value. Miss Minchail realizes that
the "corset is the foundation of good
dress,” and so perfectly fits the corset
as to make good dressing an easy task.
There is no charge made, other than the
very reasonable price for the Redfern cor
sets.
Miss Butler of Chicago is a skin and
complexion specialist, and offers her
services to our customers gra
tis. Everything for the lady Is
always at this store, and the dis.
play of evening goods, new spicy dress
trimmings, new silk waists and kid gloves
is beyond question the finest in the city.
The newest creations in tailor-made shirt
waists are now on exhibition.— ad.
A Good Thing
That doesn't need pushing along—a Bab
cock buggy, that runs almost by itself.
All styles of Babcock work at the Savan
nah Carriage and Wagon Company's.—ad.
LATEST ELECTION NEWS;
Ladle* Were the Boat Active at the
Polls.
No one else was In it in the election
for-chief caterer to the culinary <p. ,
ments of the homes in Savannah for t
week. Logan was elected by an <
whelming majority. Watch his etai -
the market this week and see how hr „
serves It. The finest display of pou lv
game, and choice meats wil! be feai
of the week. Special shipments of TV, t
ern game and poultry are to arrive in
modern refrigerator cars especially f„ r
Logan. Moumain and prairie have ■
scouted by keen eyed hunters so that ; 0 .
gan can supply the midwinter demsn.U"
Some very choice and select capcns
coming, besides corn ted geese, dt:. ~
turkeys and chickens. Another fresh - .
ply of geese just received. To get the
orders should get in early. The j q
things are picked up quick. Use the
phone. Call 386.—ad.
As Usual.
As usual Hicks was the first man in
market yesterday morning and the ' good,
ies” that he purchased would make your
mouth water.
They were packed away last night in re.
frigerators and while you read this, they
are sizzling in rich sauces.
In a few hours they will be served, ar.J
a dainty meal will it be.
Large steaks, and very juicy.
Rich, red roasts with brown gravy.
Wild ducks, fat'and fine flavored, cooked
brown and hidden beneath waving water
cress.
Delicious pig hams.
Quail and doves.
Wild geese.
Well cooked bread, famous coffee. De
sert.
If you would enjoy a good dinner—a din
ner the like of which is not found this
day in Georgia, land at Hicks’ restaurant.
Hicks has reached the top as a caterer.
He is "it.”
Try his dinner to-day.
At the Big Store.
I have arriving everything nice and
fresh in groceries.
Anything in canned goods.
Pickles, pickled beef, dried fish, mack
erel.
Pure crushed fruits in glass. The be't
apples and oranges. Best grade flour.
Hams and strips. I can save you money
in your groceries. 1 buy in large lota and
can deliver quickly, and guarantee to
please you. If you purchase from my
store it shall be a satisfactory purchase.
J. H. H. Entclman, Broughton and Price,
—ad.
Itlch and Sparkling
Is Wheeler’s Belfast ginger ale. Superior
to all other Belfast ales. A revelation
to the lover of good ginger ale. Wheeler's
Scotch and Irish whiskies are celebrated
the world over. Import just In. At Llpp
man Bros., wholesale or retail.—ad.
New Costumes for Mnsqnerades,
Fancy parties, balls, concerts. His
torical and comical for ladles, gentlemen
and children. Mrs. M. Hetterich, Hit
Broughton, west.—ad.
Harness, Saddles, Collars,
Buggy, express and wagon harness—all
styles. The price governs the quality, and
the quality is the best at the price. Sa
vannah Carriage and Wagon Company.-
ad.
To St. Louis.
Take the Central of Georgia night train.
Only one change of cars, via Chattanooga,
Nashville and the Illinois Central Rail
roads. Close connections at St. Louis with
all lines for points beyond.—ad.
Coffee.
Best Rio, roasted and ground, 12%c a
pound. Southern Grocery Company, 111
Barnard street.—dd.
Looking Glass Factory.
All and every kind of looking glass,*
silvered or resi’.vered when damaged.
Thonnesen’s Art Store, 17 York, west.—ad.
Oak, Pine and Liglitwood
For sale by R. B. Cassels, corner Gwin
nett and Savannah, Florida and Western
Ball way. Telephone 77.—ad.
OSCEOLA BRAND
Harness
AND
Seiddlery.
_ Mont Durable and Stylish Made.
Largest Assortment,
Lowest Prices.
Neidlinger, Rabun & Hell's stall
Congress and Whitaker Sts.
LEO FRANK.
No Invention
of the Century
Has done more to lighten labor
and save money than
The Gas Range.
This wonderful cooking machine
is a necessity in every family,
where cleanliness, economy and
healthful cooking are considered.
The Range costs $6 put in. It
saves its cost many times over.
Let us interest you in this Im
portant household necessity.
MUTUAL GAS LIGHT CO,
7 and 9 Congress St., West.