The Great Debate
Update 48
The Great Debate
Fall 1884
Previously on New SorGun…
With time ticking away, Eastman T. Finch realized he needed to do something before Kitty Timworthy walked away with the election. In an attempt to cut through the lies and gossip being spread around town by Kitty’s associates, Finch proposed a debate between the two candidates. Kitty readily agreed, hoping to bury Finch for good. Mayor Walker agreed to moderate…
“Ladies and gentlemen… Ladies and Gentlemen,” Mayor Walker roared, attempting to quiet the huge crowd.
Finally, the debate had begun. Finch knew the election would hinge on his performance this day, and he had to be nothing but perfect. The format allowed for the first candidate to speak for an hour, the second candidate would respond for ninety minutes, and then the first candidate would be able to finish with a 30 minute rejoinder (the same format was used for the famous Lincoln/Douglas debates of 1858).
Finch squeezed his hands tight – he could feel the sweat of his palms. The businessman wasn’t new to public speaking, but the size of the crowd and the importance of the event would unease anyone.
Always the gentlemen, Finch insisted that Mrs. Kitty Timworthy be afforded the first chance to speak, which she cordially accepted. It was not unusual for women to speak publicly in those days, especially on the frontier, where gender roles were more relaxed. But a political debate between a man and women was less common, and one with a mayoral election in the balance was almost unheard of. The buzz of excitement among the crowd was electric as Kitty began her speech. 
“Fellow citizens of New SorGun,” Kitty began. “I am honored to be speaking to you today as a candidate for the mayoral office of this great town. Only a few years ago, such a scenario would have been thought impossible. But I stand before you today not only as a woman, but as a populist and a champion of reform.”
The crowd roared with approval.
“For too long, the businessmen and their allies have dictated policy in this town, and for too long those policies have benefited the few, while enriching their own enterprises. They continue to promise growth and prosperity for all, but I have not seen the realization of these assurances. Have you?”
Murmurs of disapproval could be heard shouted by the onlookers.
“No… nor I, my friends. In fact, businesses are being shuttered and a recession is smothering the life out of us,” Kitty bellowed in disapproval.
“It wasn’t supposed to be this way,” Kitty continued. “Almost a year ago, the golden spike was driven into the ground in Montana. The Northern Pacific Railroad now spreads across the continent. Our leaders promised a new era of wealth and prosperity… “ Kitty paused.
“More promises…” Kitty groaned sarcastically and the crowd joined in with a good laugh.
Mrs. Timworthy continued her assault on the failed leadership of the current administration. The crowd was energized and laughing and booing at every cue. Kitty was well practiced, as she had been replaying the same notes all across town while stumping for her candidacy over the previous months. She spoke directly to her base, the laborers and women who were demanding jobs and an end to vice and corruption. 
Kitty’s hour came to an end, and Eastman T. Finch was given the stage. As he walked toward the center, the crowd responded with some polite applause and a few heckles. Finch looked out over the large gathering and cleared his throat.
“I know many of you gathered here today think unkindly of me. Some of the things you have heard, read or experienced have influenced an unflattering opinion of myself… whether warranted or not. I don’t expect to change any opinions rooted in hate, but I do hope my words can reach those of you who still hold an open heart.”
Finch paused, and continued.
“Like almost everyone here, New SorGun is my home, although not by birth. Like you, this town became my home the day I set foot on Yarahi’s wharf. I still remember that day, as clear as the natural Denenny spring that has provided our towns water since the days of the first settlers. 
“And like you, on that day I became part of not just a town, but a family of like-minded men and women. Like all families, we have had our differences, but despite them we forge ahead and have achieved great feats. Who here remembers the town coming together and raising the first New SorGun school house? It still sits behind me, not too far from this very stage. And how could we forget the dastardly actions of the Northern Pacific Railroad? While the nay-sayers were writing off our town, we pulled together and built our own railroad!” Finch finished with a shout, and many in the crowd whistled in approval. 
Finch waited until the cheers abated.
“Together we have built this small town into a leading force in the region, one that even the railroad barons cannot ignore. Through industry and trade, New SorGun is the envy of the northwest and we continue to lead the way. The new school house next to Denenny Creek only cements our commitment to educating our citizens and building a community that will endure.”
“And each new factory that springs up along our wharf means new jobs and financial stability.”
Eastman continued to outline the progress that New SorGun has witnessed over the past few years. As his time allotment wound down he paused and looked out over the crowd.
“Now, some believe all of our accomplishments bear an unacceptable cost. Businessmen and industrialist are hoarding untold mountains of cash earned at the expense of you, the working men of this great town. Certainly, I have been accused of such dastardly behavior,” Finch paused while a few murmurs and shouts in the crowd burst out. 
Finch raised his hand while the shouts subsided.
“It is true; I have managed to build a considerable amount of wealth here in New SorGun. Deservedly or not, that is a question could be debated until the end of time. Does the lumberjack working an additional day deserve his extra dollar and a quarter?”
The rustle of mixed emotions could be heard from the crowd.
“Or the barkeep who stays open late to service the late night patrons, is his time and extra energy not worth a dime?” continued Finch.
“hard work, extraordinary effort, uncanny persistence… these qualities have built up this great nation and we continue to thrive because we are rewarded for such endeavors. Our home, this blessed town is no different. New SorGun stands here today because we’ve given our sweat and blood to make it happen. “ 
Many in the crowd cheered as Finch paused, while others still offered their obligatory boos of disapproval.
“Yes, it is true, I am a rich man. I’ve earned great riches while living here in New SorGun. Some would dismiss it as luck, while others may give a nod to hard labor and industry. My aching hands and tired back remind me where I stand on that debate. But let there be no debate about this…”
Finch finished the last sentence with a bellow so loud even the deaf man near the back of the crowd could feel the energy.
“I would spend every last penny, use every last muscle and give every last breath I have to keep New SorGun alive. New SorGun is my home, and I will protect her like a father. So long as I stand before you, by the grace of God, our town will not perish from this land,” Finch’s fist pounded the podium with a thunderous crack after his last word.
The crowd remained uncharacteristically quiet for a while. Anthony Myers began to clap, and he was quickly joined by others, until finally a raucous crowd was hollering in approval. Even the dissenters were quiet for a while.
Finch began walking from the stage while acknowledging the audience. Mr. Myers caught his attention as he neared the edge and gave him a little nod of approval. Eastman Finch had given the town a rousing speech for sure, but would it be enough to win the Mayor’s office?
Stay tuned.
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