Typed as spelled and written
Lena Stone Criswell

THE MARLIN DEMOCRAT
Thirteenth Year - Number 14
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, June 12, 1902
-----
HOT AT MOOREVILLE.
-----
Joint Debate Almost Precipi-
tates a Riot.
-----
Henry Vigprously Resents Lie
-----

       The joint discussion at Mooreville Friday between Henry and Thomas developed into the warmest number of the campaign.
       A personal encounter between congressman Henry and Editor Geo C Robinson wrought the excitement to its highest pitch and one time it seemed that a riot was inevitable.  During the course of his speech Mr. Henry referred to the persecution of him by the Waco Times-Herald and charged that the editor of that paper opposed him in Bell county.  In 1896, after he was nominated, Editor Robinson was seated directly in front of the speaker at the time and mounting a bench and pointing his finger at Mr. Henry said "your (sic) a liar!" or "that is a lie," Mr. Henry was quick to resent the insult.  He picked up the water glass and hurled it at Robinson with all his force.  Robinson ducked his head and the glass struck a Mr. Flowers, or Powers, standing behind Mr. Robinson.  The man hit was not seriously hurt. Pandemonium reigned supreme for a few minutes and things looked "squally" for a time.  Order was finally restored, however, and Mr. Henry concluded his speech.
       He stated that he was very sorry that the people were forced to witness such a spectacle but that he felt fully justified in publicly resenting an insult publicly offered.  At the conclusion of his speech the people crowded around him yards thick to offer him congratulations.
       The debate was extremely personal throughout.  In his opening speech Mr. Thomas read what purported to be copies of some alleged communications from John D. Johnson, attorney for the waters pierce Oil company and its local attorneys, Clark & Bolinger.  These copies were anonymous, according to the explanation given and were sent to Marlin by some one at Waco, who signed "a friend."  Mr. Henry said that in the absence of the name of the man who stood sponsor for them he would then and there denounce them as rank forgeries and the author a forgerer.  He proposed to go with Thomas to Waco or to St. Louis in order to determine whether they were authentic or not and to defray all the expenses himself.
       Mr. Henry, in defending himself, also went somewhat into personalities, that, figuratively speaking raised the hide every time.

----------

Copyright permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing
by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas