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10 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