Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-10-15
'fHURsDAY. OCTOBER Is. 1910.
THE GREAT WING CONVENTION.

Many of our readers are aware that we
Were absent from our post last week, attend
ing the great Wing Convention at Richmond
and we can truly say, with the thousands
of others who participated in its scenes
we rejoice that we were there. We can
scarcely expect ever to look upon the like a.
gain-and we fervently hope, for the well
fare Of our country, the occasion may never
again arise which has produced them
The Convention was indeed e orious as
semblage offreemen--sirpassing in numbers,
in splendour and interest, all that we could
have anticipated. Never before had we wit
messed any thing so grand and imposing, re-
garded as mere pageant-but even that,
great as lit was, is as nothing compared with
the sublime and thrilling truth which it en-
bodied and carried home rresistibly to the
heart, that the Spirit of Liberty-the fire of
the flint of '76-still lives among US; sand
that vain must be all the efforts of Faction,
now and forever, to defraud us of our Rights
No man could witness the scene and doubt for
moment the issue of the coming contest
1t was the mighty outbreak of a Widespread
popular feeling, which no earthly power can
control-which is every day surging higher
| and higher, and which must soon overwhelm
In utter destruction, the men, who having
won their way to place by fattery and de-
ception, are now madly seeking to perpetuate
it by the strong arm of power-regardess a.
| like of their duty, and the interests and well
| fare of the country. We could but wish
that every DISTINGUISHED citizen, whose party
ties still bind him to the Administration, had
been there.-Likc many others whom we
heard of, who Were present, he could hardly
fail of the conviction that some deep and per-
vading cause must be at work to produce
such vast outpourings Of the people. Moth
ing has ever occurred like them before in
this country; and we defy all the polit-
clans in the world to get them up for mere
effect. No-no-a deranged currency-the
business of the country embarrassed-a pros
trate commerce. bankrupt treasury, and an
enormously increased national expenditure, to
feed q horde of hungry tools and dependents
together with systematic assault on the
very citadel of cur liberties itself, is the true
and only sufficient reason for the immense
gatherings of the people, which are every
where occurring over the country. But we
have not space to indulge this train of
thought farther. Our purpose, in setting out,
was to give some description of the ANNA
ting scenes which we have witnessed-and
even In that we must now be brief.
The glorious 9Th was ushered in by loud
peals of cannon-and never was lovelier day
vouchsafed to patriot cause. Not a cloud
was seen throughout the day to speck the
deep blue arch of heaven-and ali around
was joy and hilarity. The scene presented
rather the appearance of a jubilee of freemen
for the deliverance of their country, than
consultation upon the means of redressing
her wrongs-such was the animating conf
dence of success inspired by numbers-and
such the feeling infused into the multitude by
the noble and generous hospitality of the
citizens of Richmond.
At o'clock the numerous delegations COM
menced forming for the Grand Procession in
the cross streets along the lower end of Main
Street, and about 10 o'clock the line of march
was taken up. The appearance of the Pro-
cession, with its innumerable Banners and fine
Bands of Music, was truly grand and impo-
sng-far surprising any military display we
ever witnessed. Being in the line, our view
of course was limited, but we understand it
was near mile and a half in length, and the
number in procession is estimated at about
five thousand. Both sides of the streets
were crowded with people, among whom we
have no doubt Were thousands of delegates
who preferred Witnessing the scene to helping
TO make up the show. The procession
marched up Main street to LIST street, thence
across to Ii. street, and down that street to
Powhatan house, and thence to the Capitol
square. All along the streets through which
the procession passed the windows, doors and
| balconies were crowded with thousands and
thousands of ladies', waving their handker-
chiefs, and speaking as plainly as bright
eyes could, how deeply their hearts are en-
listed for the success of our glorious cause.
The Convention was organized in the
square at the Southern end Of the Capitol
the Speakers stand jutting out on a circular
platform, from the lofty portlco in the centre
of the colonnade, enclosed by massive
wreath of evergreens, and sheltered by a
rich canopy. The columns and sides of
the portico were tastefully wreathed with ev-
ergreens, interspersed with flowers, and the
front OF the basement handsomely lettered, in
honor of the Hero of the Thames, with sprips
| of cedar.
The Convention was called to order by Ira
Wis Daniel, esq. who nominated Gov. Barbour
| as President OF the Convention-which nom
nation was carried by reclamation. The
several Presidential electors present were
then chosen Vice Presidents, and James NJ &.
Garnet and b. Tucker, esqr's. Secretaries.-
FROM IL to 10000 persons are estimated to
have been In the square. Gov. b. made his
| acknowledgements TO the Convention for the
honor done him, in speech full of feeling
and patriotism. An address to the people Of
virginia was then read by Mr.. Leigh (Which
VIII DC found in this paper,) and adopted by
the Convention. Mr. Webster was then in
PRODUCED by the President. who spoke for
more than two hours, amid the repeated cheers
oftho audience. His speech is given at large in
tins paper, and will speak for itself. 1t is
suiiiclentto say it gave universal satisfaction.
Mr.. WIS. visit to Virginia cannot fail to be pro-
ductlve Of good, in discussing the public
mind OF sectional prejudice, and especially
hn f,,cA h,.-