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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION - . ATLANTA, GA* TUESDAY MAY 25 1886
Tl
Bacon Thrown on the Defen
sive.
WHY HE LEFT THE FRONT IN ’62
Ills Uncertain Record on tbe Railroad
Commission.
(JEN. (OEM'S TBIMPIMST HSDICATIOS,
The People Still Speak for
Gordon.
At Raton ton.
Eatonton, On., M»jr 17.—{Bpecftl.l-Oen-
era! Gordon sod Major Bacon mot iu joint di«-
cutsion bore today before an audience of over
five hundred people. It m > greet day for
Putnam county. Business mu vlrtally sne-
penderfc and almoat everybody, men, women
end children, surrendered themselves to the
Importance of the occasion.
General Gordon reached bore thin morning
St al»ot ten o’clock, coming by way of Had!,
non, whore ho stayed laat night, and wai met
early thin morning by a rommittoo from
Eatontoe, conilating of Goorge W. Adams, of
the MManger; T. W. Con per and Jamca
Itaiucy. The party waa met about
threo milea from town by a
delegation of cltirans on foot and in carriage.,
nnd headed by a brass band the procession
marched into lown amidst the wildcat cuthusl-
Tho honiea along tho lino of march, many
of whleh were decorated, were thronged with
spectators, who cheered lustily et the gallant
general paarad. Tho streets of the
town were throngod with citlaena
nnd strangers from all part, of the
county, and on tire lappel of the coats of nearly
every one Heated a bluer badge with the words
"John B. Gordon forGorernor." There badges
were displayed conspicuoeealy around tho
bouciueta and Moaaoma worn by tho ladiea,
who were none the leas enthusiastic
than the men. General Gordon was driven to
the elegant home of Colonot It. II, Niabet,
where hundreds crowded around him. Old
veternns rushed around his carriage) to grasp
hla hand, and for aejuartor of an hour ho hold
an impromptu reception In hla opeu carriage.
A very interesting aceno occurred when Mr.
Leo Dennis, of this place, forcod hie way
through the crowd, and climbing to tho car*
rlagc threw hia arms around tho genorah
"Why I,ce, my hoy," the latter replied. ”1
am ao glad to ace you.”
And grasping both hands, ho shook them ill
n most hearty and affectionate matnior. Tho
nerno occurred in the open street. As
the- old college and class mate of
tho general descended from tho carriago, hia
eyes suffaaed with team, tho crowd could
hardly hold its enthusiasm. Tho
hon.es. fonr in numiier, wero
taken from tho carriago, and' as
(ienrial Gordon camo from tho house tho as-
rambled veterans Indited that they be allow
ed to draw him down town. This ho refused,
and in tho crowd tho general waa eacortoil to
the courthouse, being greeted with cheers and
hurrahs all along tho route.
Major Bacon arrived at Colonel Humber's
house, about ten rnllra in tlie country, yester-
dsy afternoon, and together bo nud Colonel
Humber came to town this mornlug, arriving
shortly before tho hour for tho apoaking. More
than five hundred people wore gathered
in tho courthouse square, to hear tho ad
dresses. Colonol It. It. Niahot presided. Gen
eral Gordon and Major Bacon both accepted
aoataon tho platform. Colonel Niabet stated
that It had been agreed by both parties that
General Gordon ahould open with an hour and
*half,lf ha wanted Hi that Major Bacon had
the privilege of following for an hour and
three-quarters, and that the general would
close ip fifteen minutes. In introducing
the first speaker, Colonel Niahot Mid, in anb.
stance,"that the majority of thia meeting Is for
Gordon. [Applause.) But Mglor Bacon tan
Georgian, nnd should receive tboaamocourteay
which yon will eatend to tho distinguished
gentleman who is to address you.”
Tho speech of General Gordon was a bril
liant reflation of chargee made egalnat him
and an abls exposition of the policy which h*
Would pursue if elected to the ofilce of gover
nor. Tho audience gave evideuro by its choom
alt through that it waa in thorough eympaUiy
with tho apeakor.
When Malor Bacon a com, while ha was
listened to reapoetfttlly, it waa coldly, and he
betrayed the nervuoaneea which he felt.
The meeting in vvery respect proved that
the people of ]*ulnam were for Gordon, and
that before tho uaaaeo tho old general il in-
vincible.
(.ureasi. uoanoM'o si-eri-ii.
General Gordon began his speech with
thanks for hla magnificent reception, and he
got at owe to work ou hia subject. lit re
ferred to the Impression which hia opponent.
Homed to have gathered, that he waa commit
ting a breach of propriety in running
(or tho office, and wanted to know if Major
llaron had any right for pre-emption
from competition because he had occupied the
walk for lo, three many yean. He war in the
rare to stay, and he waa goiug to win. (Ap
ples to], He referred to the contest of 1868,
and Hid if this rrere not a sufficient wrong to
be righted, tbe people owed it to tbomratvo* to
rehoka the method which had bean introduced
in the politico of the state. Certain men and
Journals of the atata had sms fit to poor in
unwilling ears vituperative calumny against
him. “Boys, there
dodge n little, (laui
now.” Oo* of Mgj
moo for thlnktu
elected was. that I
lime whan I did not
did I resign when
and tho people of m;
until tlu shackles
fettered limbs and tl
rights waa fought,
u I used to
on'l dodge
should be
ran was a
there? Nor
my people
the son ate
from their
r Nuthern
were free
ifftn." He referred to hla services fur the
state of South Carolina aad the emblems or ap-
pmlntliu which that atata had shewn him,
and hew above all things, ha prised thetele-
graae received from Wade Hampton when the
flnt ray of daylight relit thadarkeued homes of
hla mater atata. the telegram which told him that
“thntoanpe are removed, and Houih Carolina
thanks yen." lie had determined to resign
Mare time before he did. He did not do it
until ho had completed hia mimion."
[A voire "John P. King and Berrien re-
Gordon, reanmiog—Than why did I not do
right in doing the oeme thing if I thought it
(Voices—"Yon did.")
Goldon—"I am charged with being a can di-
date of the ring."
(Voice—"Yea, a big one, too.")
Worden—"Do yoe know ox-Gonreor Jamca
M. Smith, who baa been meat able and bitter
in hia denunciation of the so-called ring?
Why, for months we did not speak, but he
on the itump for mo now. I>o you know
H. V. M. Miller, the Demosthenes of the
mountains? He waa the avowed antagonist
of what is called the ring, and ho, too, is
take the hustings for me; and honest, incor
ruptible, upright Mark Biandford, ons of tho
jnaticre of yonr supreme court—do yon know
him? The man who was the loader of tUo
indignation meeting in Columbus? Tho general
then alluded in unmistakable tormi the policy
which has been adopted by hia opponent
gagging tbe voice of the people. Tho Clark
county method was an outrage, and fur every
one county that waa carrlod against him in
that way ho would gain six. Ho doBod bis
opponent to let tbe pcoplo of Clark county
apeak. Ho would beat him three to one.
Why, in that county a few men got together
and nominated tho chairman. Then some one''
made tho motion for n committee, and the
chairman which he had made gave him tbe
committee! My countrymen,
you going to stand that?
|Crire of "No!” "Nol”) Democrats of Goor
gia yon must put your foot on it or public gov
ernurntiia farce. [Applause.) Why don’t
three counties, which htvc fallen into the
nands of a few politicians, select delegates to
tho convention two years hence, or twenty
years hence, or forever select them for it icon
Now, why did not they aolert theso delegatee
two years ago? It would hnve been Just ui
proper! Three delegates aro olected to nothing
No convention has been railed. The demo
cratic committee has not met, lint for fear the
people will awaken to their rights tho pall-
tlclam pocket the county and then ask what
are yon going to do about It? "Oh, my friend,'
(pointing to Major Bacon) "don't lie afraid to
trust the people. Tlioy in turn might benfraid
of you."
QUESTIONS TO BACON.
In conclusion General Gordon askod to sub
mit the following questions to Major Itioou
He did it without charging or approving any
thing, and merely wanted a "no” or s "yea 1
as an answer. There questions were as fol
lows;
First—Did or did yon not, aa acting attor
ney of a railroad iu this state, go before a
committee of the house or tho senate, and un
dertake to defeat a bill by which It waa In
tended to give to the farmers and laborer! the
right to sne that corporation in tho counties
where property was destroyed or bodily barm
waa inflicted?
Second—Have yon, or have yon not, In pre
vious canvassoa or in the present canvass,
made written or verbal pledges to certain in
fluential gcntlemon that, if elected, yon
would bestow upon them public offices, or did
you promlio a certain party then holding an
important offico in the state, that yon would
not remove him from office provided he gave
you hla support?
Third. Did yon not, wliilo holding tho offico
and a eommlMlon which gave you an oppor
tunity of doing aervico to yonr country, resign
that office when tho onomv waa invading your
country, and while your country needod your
wrvlce, and retire from tho front to tho rear
to tako another position out of the reach of
bullets ?
Fourth. Will you join mo in releasing any
who have committed themselvea by promise to
vote for either of na, and let them vote aa they
prefer ?
At the conclusion of the spoocli the greateet
enthusiasm prevailed in tbe crowd. Men
cheered and women waved their handker
chiefs and clapped their hands. Several bon-
qnela were sent to the speaker, who bowed in
grate Oil acknowledgement.
A STORMY SCENE,
After quirt was restored, Colonel Nisbit
arose to introduced Major Bacon. Tbe intro
duction waa In substance as follows :
Yon will now hear from lion. A. O. Ilaoon, of
Macon, who will address yon upon the issues of the
gubernatorial campaign- He cornea to us a Geor
gian .and has the right to run for governor ru many
limes ts ho pleases. I know that you will be
entertained by the distinguished Georgian, the elo
quent gentleman and learned scholar, tho lion. A.
O. llacoti of Macon, whom 1 now present to yon.
Major Bacon waa greotod na he appeared, but
he did not look aa if oxooaalvely well pleased.
Indeed he looked rather mad. He aid that
he appreciated the introduction of tbe honona-
ble chairman. He bad hoped that) as chair
man of the meeting, he would introduce him
in a manner which would, at least, not indicata
tho partiality of hia preforonce.
Colonel Niabet here uooo, and atartod to
speak.
Major Bacon, pointing to him, said: “I. beg
that yon will be Mated.”
"But,” said tbe colonel, "I will say a word
now."
Major Baron—I have the floor, sir, and I
will bold it. I claim the right of a Georgian.
Tho gentleman baa a right to pretont me ia
ridiculous attitude, and I have nothing to say.
Colonel Nlabel—The gentleman mliunder-
•rands the meaning of my remarks. What I
intended .
Here great conftuion manifested itself iu the
crowd.
Malor Bacon—I have not I-eon accustomed
to such treatment at tbe lianda of gentlemen.
Colonel Niabet, excitedly—Then yon are not
accustomed to the company of gentlemen.
Major Bacon—I have lived, sir, among yonr
own bleed and associated with tho men that
are of it. I ask yon. gentlemen, (addressing
the crowd), if I am right or wrong. I demand
that yen ahall place another tnau at tho head
of this meeting.
Here the confaslon l-erame greater, and the
mm crowded around the platform in excltod
conversation.
Ganeral Gordon—waving hit hand over the
crowd—I appeal to yon, gentlemen, to be
quiet. All will be right —-
Major Bacon, (pointing hia Anger at G**od
al Gordon)—1 beg, sir, that yon will be sated)
and not interfere with thu.
General Gordon—I do uot propose to inters
fere, sir. I am doing my duty.
major iiacox raoekins.
The most excited of the crowd were quieted
by friends and otdar was at length restored)
when Major Bacon proceeded with his speech.
He aid be would not further allade to what
had passed. He spoke of his appearance hare
eighteen years ago. drew a contrast with hia
reception then and now. He waa inffisring
from tore throat, and epeaking in the wind
made hie voiee very htuky. He regretted
that ha could not apeak at saw. Ha
would answer tbe insinuations which
were made against him by ths gentleman,
whom he had considered hia friend for thirty
yean. Ho waa glad to see so many bins
badges for he wanted to talk to Gordon mam
He denied the charge that he was a chronic
office aeeker, and aid that though he had
served his county twelve yean[in the legis.
iatute. it was at ths earnest wish of his people,
for, after tbe second j«r he wanted to giro it
up, and tho people insisted on ths use of his
name. He railed on the twelve hundred peo
ple over whil h he had presided, to say whether
or not he waa ever false to his trust. He spake
an hoar and three-quartsrs and more than an
an hour of the speeeh was devoted to the re
signation of General Gordon from the
renate. He felt very much hart at the goner-
»!'• insinuations aad recalled the feet that he
bad alwaja been among hia rloaest supporters
hot ho now absolved him from all obligation..
lie had ) ut a knife to his hart, and irrtire
face of all I have done for him I aty it is an
act of ingratitude. He stated that
ho sir opposed to tho fits to rosd
lesse, and wanted to know Gordon's stand on
that question, tho railroad commission and
tho convict lease. Ho answered General
Gordon's first question by saying that the
East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia railroid
was in the bind of a receiver, aud could not
lie sued except by order of court, which pnt
In such hands. In his position he simply fol
lowed tbe ruling of the supreme eonrt
Georgia. As to tho second question, he had
in this campaign promised no office. In a pre
vious campaign, ho bad stated that he would
retain Tip Harrison, because ho was a faithful
officer. As to hia resigning hia offico in the
Ninth Goorgia, ho said that before ho enlisted
ho bad suffered a severe attack of typhoid
fever. It had been fatal in his family. He
enlisted in Atlanta and went into service, and
on the adrico of the best physicians ia tho
army, resigned, for ho waa no longer able to
contlnuo in active aervico. Ho Was bitter in
denunciation of any man who dared to qua-
tion his faithfulness, and said that whoever
charg'd him with it, or oven makes such an
insinuation, lies. [Applause.]
GENERAL GORDON CLOSES.
General Gordon closed tbe discussion in
fifteen minutes address, which was warmly
applauded.
In rocfluding, Major Bacon advanced and
said that ho regretted tho occurrence in the
beginning of his speech, and wanted to apolo-
giro for it, and accept all tho blame, for he
bsd misunderstood the nature of Colonel
Nlidict’a remarks, which had been explained.
The crowd then dispersed. The county is,
certain for Gordon liy four to ono. Col >nol
Niabet regrets tho unpleasant incident alluded,
to above. Ho aid what ha did in tho utmost 1
sincerity. Major Bacon had been taunted
with running so frequently for the office, and.
lie moreiy asserted that regret for him. All;
the misunderstanding was thoroughly ex
plained.
A magnificent reception was tendered Gen
eral Gordon at ths hospitable homo of Colonel
Niabet. Tho Putnam Itifles in fill! uniform,
end hnndroda of ritirenscalled in to pay their
respects to General Gordon. Putnam is solid
for Gordon overwhelmingly. C. if,
T1i*» Meeting in Sparta*
8PARTA (Is., May IB.—[Hpooisl.J—The crowd
assembled' in Sparta today to hear tho joint
discussion was much more evenly divided thsn
that in Eatonton yesterday, which wu prac
tlcally solid for Gordon. The friends of both
Gordon and Baron seemed willing to give
to each candidate a fair and full hear
ing. A fonr in hand awaited at tho depot, and
together they wore drawn to the city, a bran
hand lading. A number of strangers had
gathered in tbe town, and all oyosworo turned
to the carriago containing the two candidates,
Both (topped at tho Edwards house, and after
n short rest wero ready for tho contest, which
occurred at tho courthouse at half past two
o’clock. Major Bacon openod tho
discussion, I veiny introduced by Colonel J. T.
Jordan. He said that he helloved that lie was
tho cliolco of his party in 1881, and but for tho
methods employed in the convention ho would
havo been nominated, lint ho wanted no vindi
cation, Ho only alluded to thio from tho fact
that hia opponent had Hen fit to make sport
of hia other campaigns. Tho spakcr then re
ferred to the bargain and ale
connected with the senatorial raig-
nation. He atnek to it for narly one hoar,
repeating over and over tho same chargos
which ho has mado in almost every other
speech, and which aro now fiunllisr to the
pi bllo. Fifty mtuatea of tho hoar occupied
was dovoted to n discussion of this question,
Almostevery ono present wu familiar with
it, and consequently It foil rather flat. He was
hrartiiy applauded whon ho drifted from tho
quettion into a tribute of Benjamin Hill, Ho
than dropped bock into tho old rat, and ahowa
evidences of keoplng tho same groovo for tho
rest of tho campaign. Just eight mtnuta
before ho closed, ho statod that ho regretted
exceedingly tho conflict that had bun brought
about in the party. It wu not hla fault, lie
could not avoid it if ho would, for before
General Gordon announced himself u a can
didate bo had so placed himself
ho could not now retreat
With honor. He denied emphatically
Here Major Sid Lewis interposed, reminding
the apeakor that bo had not pnt tho qoutlon
properly. What wu wanted to be -knosen
if ha would indonetho record of Campbell
Wallace u commissioner.
"Do yon man, air. If I would reappoint
him?” asked tbe epeakor.
"Yea, air,"
“Why, my friond, his term don't expire da
ring the next gubernatorial term.”
“Than, whoa does?” asked Major Lewis.
“Trammell's, air; and yon want to know if I
will reappoint him. I will toll you: No, air,
emphatically no, and I will sometime unbosom
and toll the people why I would not reappoint
him."
Bacon's speech was cortainly rather a disap
pointment to his friends. It is hot Justice to
him, bowover, to state that ho wu aniroring
with a bad cold. Ha wu greeted with moderate
applause when ha concluded.
Colonol C. W. DuBoto then introduced Gen
eral Gordon In a speech whleh roused the
wholo audience. Tho short cpeechof intro
duction wuono of tho most eloquent aud of-
ftctlvo I havo ever hard. Tho old soldior
threw his[whols hart Into it, and presented
the audience General John B. Gordon, and the
gallant hero advanced. The scons wu one of
the moot remarkable which aver took plaoo In
tho slate. Tho applause wu wildly enthnal-
utic. Men raised In their rats and seemed
frantic, throwing their hato into the air. The
women applauded, and ths children anght
the enthusiasm, and screamed with Joy. Thia
oxoltoment lasted several minutes.
General Gordon advanced, with hla fees
blanched, hie fiats clenched, and hia eyes dub
ed with Indignation. His heart wu fall with
tho beautiful demonstration to him, and hia
sflection wu visible through hia anger. Hia
first reference area to the abnu of Major
Bacon, in which that gentleman had sought,
by ovary mans, to wreck his honor and black
en hia name. Tho indignatlomof tho speaker
wu eloquent in expression. He turned to his
opponent and hurled his answers back in
the mat eloquent and unmeasnred terms:
'There wu a time," said he, “whon I did not
resign—there is a record that is unsullied oven
in tho estimation of tho gentleman who hu
tried to blacken my name before yon. It wu
mado in a time that I didn’t resign, for my
country needed mo.” Ho then referred to the
reoignation of Msjor Bacon u adjutant of tho
Ninth Georgia, end devoted oovaral minuteo
of hla addreu to this subject, being continually
interrupted with onthusiutic applause. Aa to
hla own reolgnatiott.be aid that ho entered
public ilnty with two main objects in view.
The first, tho reotoration of tho freedom of hia
people, and the next ths re-establishment of
harmony between tho sections. There being
accomplished, bo felt free to resign. Ho asked
I ears it to tho people If hs wu guilty of
any impropriety. Be dared hla opponent to
tell the puple to decide; not like Clarke
county nor Dodgw decided, bat to lot tbe
people speak, not tho 'eonrthonra cliques
As t favor! tc method of his competitor's sup
porters, he read an'er tract of ono of his or
gans, which aid that it would rather ha a
“jailer dog, etc., than Ferdinand Ward.
Grant-Gordon."
He wanted to uk Bacon ono question. In
bis long canvass many had committed
themselves to vote for him. Many have
also promised to vote for me. Now will yon
join me in relieving all and letting them vote
u they wish ?
Major Bacon—I will answer In myconclu
sion.
As to the railroad commlaion General Gor
don aid he wu anqaivocally for it, and that
bis record wu not made for tho occuion. The
people all knew it. It wu not a dying confes
sion. “I am for the commission with all its
powers unimpaired in every thing. You uk
me,” beuid, "if I indorsed Campbell Wallses?
I do, from tbe crown of hla head to ths sole of
his foot. He is one of tho most hoaost end in
corruptible men that God ever made, and I do
not believe that In the length and breadth of
the state that hia par can bo found,” [Great
cheering.] He concluded amidst the greatest
enthusiasm, an d u be sat down, on excited
crowd gathered around him. Several floral
tributes wero sent him.
Just then the major resumed the stand, and
uid: "There ia one question which General
Gordon asked me which I have not answered.
I will do oo now. It is ss to releasing from
obligation those who havo pledged them
selves.”
General Gordon had started out of tho
room. Ho wu called back to the staud, when
ho stood by the speaker.
Answer it!" "Answer it!” exclaimed a
dozen voices.
"As to this,” raid Major Bacon, "I met,
some mouths ago in my town, the gentleman
who yesterday acted as chairmsn of tho
Eatonton meeting. Unsolicited ho volun
teered his support. The next thing I hear is
that he is doing all he ad against mo."
General Gordon—I am waiting anxiously
for year answer. Jnst uy yoe or no, bow or
shako yonr had.
General Gordon is highly gratified at tho
outlook. He says that ho never met in his
life with a more onthusiutic or Warmer recep
tion than that given him in Eatonton. The
assurances received by him indicate that ho
an count on Jasper and Jones. Friends from
surrounding counties continnslly seek him,
and hia assurances from ail aidu aro (even
brighter than ha expected. I heard him talk
to an old veteran on the train today:
"How la your county?" he asked, roforriug
to Wilkinson.
“It ia for Gordon, If the pcoplo aro allowed
to vote," was the reply,
1 here are warm times shad. I talked to
day with a citizen of Macon who ta on
way to tho Knights Templu
convention in Angnsta. Said ho: "I am for
Bscon myself, but his friends in Bibb are
beginning to give it up on the quiet. They
believe that Gordon will bo tho next governor,
though they will stand by their candidate.
Bibb will probably go for Bacon, beause there
will be no fight against him, bat hs hu tre
mendous opposition even In his own county.”
The Discussion at Angnsta.
Arc;iota, Ga., May 19.—[Spocial.]—Tho
Angnsta joint discussion hu taken place, and
before the largest crowd which hu yet greeted
the two andidatu, 'Over 2,000 poopio were
in the openhonio tonight to hoar tho discus
sion, and, long before dark, ugor ones had
provided themselves with scats for fear
of being crowded ont later.
The candidates, accompanied by delegations
of prominent citizens reached tho opera house
at 8 o'clock, and u thoy took their Mats on
the stago wero largely applauded, In which
demonstration wero hard mingled cries of
'Bacon,” "Gordon.”
General Gordon wu tho first spaakor, and
wu introduced in a most eloquent mannor by
Colonol C. C. Jones, whoso allusions to hia
great and valued services in time of peace aud
war wore greeted with ovon more enthusium
thsn the comploxion and first demonstration
Of the audience gave reasons to expect.
It was now General Gordon’s time to con
elude In a fifteen minutes' address, He
referred to several matters of which his oppo
nent Lad spoken, Among thorn wu his oon-
temptnooa roforonco to Senator Brown. Ho
wu surprised that the spuker had so suddenly
lost hia friendship for the senator. He would
recall tho time when, a few years ago, ho wu
clouted with him in Atlanta, racking his sup
port iu bis gubernatorial candidacy. He wu
emphatio in hit denunciation of the convict
learo system, and thoroughly explained,
as before, hia connection with 11,
which Mr. Bacon replied wu perfeotly satis
factory. Ho regretted very much to bo forced
to mention a subject which he had not intend
ed apoaking of tonight. Bat the gentleman
who preceded him had hinted vile insinua
tions against his character. “Now,” said ho,
T call the attention of thia audlenoe to this
proposition, that while my honorable com
petitor disclaims all intention
make any reflections, it la
plaiu that tho pnrpeae, drift and conclusions
of hia argument in reference to my resigna
tion ia this: that John B. Gordon, for the
purpora of money-making, abandoned a high
public trust. Is or is not that the purpose? and
did ho not seek to enforce it with all tho argu
ment* ho could command? and did he he not
•cek to enforce the Ida that if elected gov
ernor and the temptation worn presented I
would for private gain abandon the
offico of governor? Now, there aro othor
effica than governor that are also public
trusts, and aro alio Important. For instance,
the adintanoy of tho Ninth Goorgia regiment.
[Great applause.) That wu a public trust.
[Applauir.] It wu an important trust, bat It
wu a good one to lay down. [Laughter and
applause.] ["Hurrah for the adjutant!”] It
wu tho best place to resign from that my
friend could have occupied [great applausoj,
and h* did resign it. He acknowledged it,
and came home. [Applanoo.] Now, when I
only asked the question tho other day my
young friend got very angry, and the Macon
Telegraph said shook hia finger in nur (era
and used almost “crus words." Tho represen
tation war that General Gordon wu so Intimi
dated that ha wouldn't refer to it any mors.
Well uprose I acknowledge it. I didn't
intend to refer to it any more.
Bat my friend coatiauu to
impugn my fidelity to the pablic interest
Ue-thinks that it U altogether honorable and
right to >*y that General Gordon resigned a
public trust and turned hia back upon hia oft
flee for private gain. That ia the purpose of
hia argument, and this assembly knows it
[Applause.] I think 1 may claim, without
much egotism, that there wu
that I did not tarn my
back on a public trust—from 'OS to '03.
[Tremendous applause.] My honorable com
petitor thinks this ia very unkind. Doubtless
it ia, certainly very distasteful to mo, bnt how
comes it that these personalities are dragged
into this debate ? How cornea it that my com
petitor’s organs bout that hs hu placed me
on the defensive? How coma it that I am
placed on notice that if I dare to enter this
race they will "make it hot for Gordon?"
THE ASPIRANT'S KKBS.
If I good homoredly "make it hot" for
Bacon, ought he to get mad about it? Why,
my young friend ought not to make such aa
exhibition of auger, Thia it the wroag time
to get mad. He ongfat to have grown mad
from V.2 to ’05. [Great appianse.] That wu
his time for high spirit and not now. The war
is over. Feaee prevails. We are all in a good
hnmor. [Great ianghter.] Why should he got
mad with me? It wu not I that resigned.
My young friend uys he wu sick,
have no doubt he wu. [Applause and laugh'
ter.] He had a snrgoon’o certificate and
be come home on it. I remember when some
member* of that grand old Ninth Georgia
were also Sisk with ballets end came homo on
a furlough with surgeon's certificates. But
they did not stay in Georgia. [Langhtorand
applause.] They went hick to Virginia to
receive more tralleta if need lie Jin defense [of
their country. [Great cheering.] Wumy
friend sick for three yon) [Great laughter.JHo
uys I laid down an ofilee for private interest.
Well, didn’t he lay down ono for penooal
protection? [Loud applause and laughter.]
Where wns this gentleman who arguu that
laid down office for private gain? Where wu
ho from '02 to ’lifi? Where wu be when the
long linn stretched over htll and valley,
woods and fields, in battle array, when the
very ground trembled benuth trod of ad
vancing legions, when brave men's hearts
thrilled with tbe wild about of the charge?
ILoud appianse.] Where wu ho when the
plnsnc of Jackson waved in tho white smoke
of battle, and'his electric “forward” roao above
the din of strife?
[Loud cheers, and loud criu of “Bscon,'
“Bacon.”]
S'UUI WAS BACON TURK?
General Gordon—I don’t wonder that yon
should be unwilling to bear It, my Bacon
ftiends. [Loud laughter and cheers.] I don’
wonder you seek to drown my volca by shout
ing ‘Bscon! Bacon!,’ for it is tho but defense
you can make of yonr candidate. [Laughter
and applause.] Where wu he when his horolc
brothers of the Ninth Georgia, footsore, ban-
gry, ragged and—I won't uy—you nndentand
—[loud langhtor] and aick, [laughter] stood
only tho lonely picket or marched through
mud, snow and slush to the battle’s front?
Where was he when proud Patriotism
piled her monuments in the doad
bodies of liberty's sons? [Load charing.]
What sort of monuments wu he piling?
Beef, pork, beans, sheep, sorghum, potatoes,
eggs and goobers. [Storms of langhtorand
cheers, and hisses from the Bacon men.] That
is all right, my Bacon friends, bat yon see it
makes some difference u to whose ox is gored.
It Is nil very fine to talk about General Gor
don’s resigning, but my young friend is a great
martyr when General Gordon talks about hla
resignation. [Cry of "pat lilm out.”] Myfriend
reminds me of the fellow in the country who
got into a fight with a dog. [Groans, crlesjof
chestnuts" and “Bacon!”] That's it, boiler
for Bacon; drown myvoial I know how it
hurts. I don't blame yon at all. [Great
laughter.] Tho dog waa about to blto this
fellow. Ho tried to get ont of the way. The
dog pressed him. FinaUy the- fellow raized a
pitchfork and the dog ran upon it and
miserably perished. The ownor of the dog,
in a furious rage askod why he had killod his
dog. "Well,” said the fellow, “the dog wu
trying to kill mo.” .“Why didn’t yon turn
the other cml of the pitchfork?” “Why
didn't your dog como at me with the other
end’’ [Applauso and grut laughtcrj Yon
see my young friend has come at mo in the
wrong way, hence my nso of tho pitchfork.
[Great laughter.] Ho doesn't like tho use of
the pitchfork, nor do I, but I urved notice
upon him yesterday, and 1 repat tbe notice
tonight, that so long u he
to charge that I ever turned
my back upon any duty to my country any
where, or under any circumstances, I shall
continue to nso the instrument upon him,
[Applause].
The Candidates In Lexington.
Lexington, Ga., May 20.—[Special.]—As
dimonstratlve as was Major Bacon’s following
in Augusta lust night, equally u onthusiutic
waa General Gordon's rccoption today at the
haedaof the people of Oglethorpe connty.
There wu no rowdyism nor boistcronsness,
bnt everybody seemed In a good hnmor and
evinced n determination of hearing tho discus
sion on ita merits, extending to euh speaker
the flail privilege of uylng what he pleased.
Oglethorpe hu ban considered a strong Bacon
county. Lea than a week ago tho friends of
General Gordon counted it u one of those
which would be solid for Baeon.
Prominent citizens told mo today that a
week ago no one doubted but that the county
would choou Ilaoon delegates.
General Gordon had been particularly well
placed with the reception, which he had met
all along the route, and the araurancu of sup
port in tho countiu through which he pseud
on hia way from Angnsta. At Norwood, In War
ren connty, a largo crowd mat tho train and
called loudly fbr Gordon. He shook hands
with these that could mat him before the
train started, and among the number recog
nized several old soldiers, who greeted him
warmly, and auurod him of their support and
their belief that he wonld any the connty.
There wu no Baeon demonstration at this
stop. At Barnett both andidatu were eillod
for, and stopped for a minute on the platform
of the depot, renewing old acquaintances, and
making new ones. At Crawfordavllle a large
crowd had gathered. On one tide of the de
pot the Gordon men had assembled, baring a
banner on which wu inaoribed:
“ron GOVERNOR, JOHN B. GORDON.”
A car-length farther up a similar banner
with Major Bacon’s name was waved over a
crowd of about one-fourth u large numerically
u the other. Aa ths train stopped each assem
blage ailed for tho man of its choice. Al
Grneral Gordon stepped from the platform
of the ear a great cheer went up from those
who awaited him. They rushod around him
in the most enthusiutic manner, charing all
the time. Major Bacon's friends were fewer
and leu enthusiastic, bnt it is Justice to both
to ay that euh crowd claimed Taliaferro
connty. In Woodrillo and Antioch, In
Oglethorpe counyt, Gordon had things
his own way, and at both places he stepped on
tbeplatfbrm amidst the greatest enthusiasm.
Tho spuking took place in front of the
square on which is being erected th* new
conrthona#. All parti of the oonnty were
well represented, and a large number were
present from neighboring counties.
Major Bacon wu Introduced by State Sena
tor James M. Smith, whosd reference to hla
service to the state during the stormy time of
reconstruction wu greeted with applatue. He
announced that tt had ban agreed that the
lint speaker would be allowed one hoar to
open and fiftan minutes to elate, and that th*
ether wonld speak an hour and fifteen min
ute*.
Msjor Bacon’s voice hu not stood the ordeal
to which it bu been subjected daring the
week, end wu even wane today from the fact
that the meeting was an oat-door one. His
first reference to any of the
hones which hsd been made wu
the Clarke county meeting, which
he defended, u in his Augusta speech. Th*
resignation wu then folly discussed u in
farmer speeches. As to the charge of his own re-
aignation of the adjutancy of th* Ninth Geor
gia regiment, he hsd only to uy what he had
formerly said, of his aickneu audeonraquaut
jest ideation of the coarse he parwred, and re
peated that tbe charge against him was an an-
true one. He then proceeded to the discus
sion of the bnsleeei failures of his opponent,
to which be devoted the remainder of his ar
gument, concluding with applause.
General Gordon wu introduced by Colonel
J. T. Olive, a prominent candidate for the
legislature from Oglethorpe. His allusion to
bis qnalitiu u a statesman and hi* record a? a
soldier met with cheers, and bla presentation
of'Snccesofal John B. Gordon, a man who,
like Washington of old, wu first in war,
first in peace and first in the
hearts of his fallow countryman,*
met with vociferous applause, and criu for
Gordon were hard from hundreds of throats.
As quiet wu being restored, a voice cried:
'That ain’t no Athena holler!”
General Gordon aid he did not know how
to thank tho gentleman for hia
kind introduction, except it bi
by inviting him to dinner with him in the
esecutlre mansion when he wu governor
end bio friend wu a member of the lo'ilsla-
tare from Oglethorpe. [Laughter and ap'
plause.] He then referred to the Clarke
county meeting, reviewing it in a good,
natured way and crating considerable laugh
ter by his spt allusions and anecdotes. Athene,
ho said, was always a good place, and he bad
always loved It, but he ought
lovo It more now than ever,
It has come to hio assistance
at a time when ho Wu glad to have its sup
port. The Clarke county follows were all good
follows, and they are hard workers, bnt, like
the leader they were fallowing,they had begun
too soon. They had not only fixed things in
Clarke for their andidate, but they were here
now to help yon carry your county,
A voire—“How about Lee ?”
General Gordan—Well, you want to know
about Lee. I’ll tell you. There wu not bat
two Gordan men in the county when I wu
first announced. It wu a Bacon stronghold,
and that’s why It wu ailed so arly, bnt I
st< rmed hts fort, and, Instead of being a Bscon
ccuuty, I get It by a voto of narly two to
ons. [Applause.] He thanked the people of
Oglethorpe far their welcome. ''Myfriend
Smith,” he remarked, pointing to Senator
8mltb, "will bo in tho'mlnority in his county,
It will go overwhelmingly for me. Let’s tost
It. All of thoee here who are far me will hold
up their hands.
Up went the hands of three-fourthi of the
voters present.
"Now yon wo,’’ said the generaL “Sub'
tract from that the Athens crowd, *nd,how
many will yon have left?” Continuing,
said that his friond Bacon
aid tbit be resigned his place in
the senate. Yes, I did, but I quit a very cairn-
fortablo place, din’t I. But my friend resigned
a place of trust to get a more comfortable ono,
bnt he aye he wu sick, I expect he was. It
wu a nico place to make a man sick. I will
not Impugn my friend's loyalty in doing what
he did, for eomobody had to collect the
and the grain and tho meat and the catUe,
and why not he as well as anyone? [Laughter.]
It wu such a good position to got fat and
make money to run for governor. [Laughter.]
To bare staid there might have epoiled hia
good looks, and again it might have placed
him in a condition which would havo ent off
his guliernatorlal aspirations. [Great Ianghter
and applause.]
He then spoko of his own resignation, and
answered tbe chargu of his holiness failures
to whst seemed to bo the perfect atiafaqtion
of his hearers, who frequently Interrupted
him with applause. Ha alluded to the fact
that his friend Bacon used to get mad when’ho
referred to his resignation, and he la getting
used to it now. He could hare probably got
ten need to bard tack and onions If hohad triod
long enough. I suppose he thlnki I am the
strangest man on earth. My opponent is qad
because I resigned my office, when he hu
been trying to get in ofilce ever since the wu,
Continuing, he said: "I have served my stgto
u faithfully and u best I could. I have
worked lor it day and night,
and every throb of my heart and devotion of
my energy hu been for it,"
TRIBUTE TO MB. HILL.
He raid; “Major Bacon, my friend, did yon
ever hear of BcrJ. H. Hill ? Do yon know of
tho estimation in which he wu held by Jeffer
son Davis ? Do yon know that Jaffa-son Daria
regarded thia great Georgian u the moat po-
tential power that luatained hla administra
tion in the confederate congress in tho dork
bonn of the confederacy? Wu it any wpnd-
then, that Jeffonon Davis, tho
grandest martyr of modorn times, should
honor by his presence the unveiling of the
monument of his friend, and one of the great
est orator* of modern times. [Loud cheering.]
Him, whose voice, speaking through his Npjea
on tbe Situation, like the voiu of tho grot
Boman, flnt aroused bis conquered country
men and led them not to dupalr of the repub
lic. [Loud chcen.] Him, whose clarion
voire, sounding through tho land, brought
hope to our hearts while yet in his own elo
quent words we stood neck dap In ashee,
[Prolonged cheers.] Him who, In the bouse
of representatives at Wuhlngton, silenced the
minions of radial hate who wonld Iiqro
hounded our gnat chlefttan to his grave.”
At tbe conclusion of General
Gordon's addreu the andienoe beams wildly
enthusiutic, and applauded and hnrnhad to
tbe echo. Two magnificent floral offering!
were sent the epaker. Al he arose to *c-
knowledge them them wu a renewal of tho
enthusiasm, which continued several MOC
It wu evident that Gordon had captured the
crowd, and that hla speech had gone to' the
hesrta of hie hearers.
There is no donbt that the effect of General
Gordon’s speeeh wu fait long before itacon
clusion. It wu the general comment of. the
town that General Gordon had appeared to
much grater advantage, nnd If there was any
doubt before among his supporters .that
be wonld any tho connty, it war
dissipated before night They are alj enthu
siastic and claim a certain victory, In. which
opinion I moot aaeuredly Join, after talking to
voters ftom every part of th* county- Wr
it nr Hiareuic ground.
An enthusiastic citizen, whoa mind wu
running back to 1868, aid:
‘The spot on whleh the spenklng took pita
today ia historic. There spoke, in 1868,' tire
year when our grand old state wu wallowing in
the mire of radial lam, the gallant Gordon, who
etood before tho ou of up-turned face* today
who wu tbe andidate for governor age'
Bullock. Then it Was, that Hill, Toomb* and
Howell Cobb, the great trinmvirato, opoko ln
the order named for th* gallant “Gordon"
who hsd espoused the earn* of right and to
wrest from the clnteha of arpetbegUm, the
grind old commonwealth. There three giants
■poke u never man spoke. Hill opened in on
hoar or more, electrifying that vast assem
blage with his eleqnent tongue, fallowed by
Toombs, whose eloquence like an avalandhe
rolled from hia magic lip* in matahlem power.
When he bad finished there wu great sympa
thy far Cobb, every on* thinking he could not
soy anything that had not bun aid. Bat
they toon found that they bad underrated th*
man. Yon can lee men today who an repeat
almost hia every word. In mute silence did
they stand in that vast throng, an hoar and*
half, with bosom* having with patriotic mao-
as Howell Cobb' swayed their
to end fro, earning ont-
be rats of appianse. Ho turned to th*
colored men, tod spoko to them, told then
app