. . . Craig commenced with an apology for his tardiness, and informed his listeners that he was too worn out to make a long speech. Then he said: "I thank you for the intended honor making me your representative. Better men such as Vance and Coleman have credit on your recommendation. I say been sent to the legislature by you, still I will try to reflect nothing but now that this battle for white supremacy is already won. The republicans started in with brag and bluster. They shouted boldly that they were not afraid to meet us in joint debate, that they were not afraid of democracy. But they don't say that now."

A story illustrating how the republicans were on the run was told in Craig's inimitable, droll manner. "I tell you we have them on the run, a there's nothing on earth to stop the tide they have raised," continued the speaker. "There is only one way to win this fight. That is see that no one intimidates the democratic voter at the polls (applause).. Such men as Pritchard, who are trying to honor the place once held by the immortal Vance, and who stands yonder in the court house, calls for federal bayonets when all else fails. But federal bayonets will not intimidate us and he knows it. The only hope the republicans have to win this election is by the base use of money.

"We have in this county the right to a free ballot and a fair count. Year after year in Asheville negros have been imported from South Carolina and Tennessee to debauch our ballot boxes. We have nothing against the honest negro, but this election the people of Buncombe county and the state have made up their minds that they shall not be overrun by imported negroes (applause). They say we have a fair election law and a free ballot. The negro has never know freedom at the ballot box. No colored man in Asheville has heretofore dared to vote the democratic ticket. But now democracy is aroused, and this election we intend to see that no intimidation shall be practiced on any voter, white or black. Senator Pritchard drew the color line, but we can carry this state without a single negro vote."

The speaker closed amid thunders of applause. . . .