Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-10-26
To Tic Editors Of the Enquirer:
PErrRsBcRG. Oct. D.. 1911.

PErrRsBCRG, Oct p, 1911.
AT a regular meeting of the Democratic Asso-
citation of Petersburg, held at the Mechanics
Hall, on Saturday evening las: an opportunity
was afforded me oil listening 10 several sturdy and
able champions of the Republican CAUSE
Though iE the midst of one of the most exciting
and important struggles for popular supremacy
which has occurred since The formation oi onr
Conicderacy though placed in situation which
deM0ndcd 0rdor dccisl0n and action, they ieit the
fire of 10 burning in their bosoms, and, like re-
sponsible ircemen, lifting their heads above the
grnvelling pursuits of misguided and deuded ro-
lnicians. appealed in solemn and urgent Ian
guage 10 the patriotism and sober reflection OF
their ellow-cilizens Animated with the bright
est hopes of success-fccling deep and anxious
desire in The preservation oil the only 6a6-marks
nnd Mfc-oHal9S Ia Republican laws and in>titu-
tions--it was gratifying 10 hear them Ill mp their
voices in defence of measures long tried, and in
the maintenance OF those checks and prcservalves
bequeaihed by our ancestors as an inheritance TO
pos.c.iy
There they were, the eloquent and patriotic
French, proclaimns the adopted maxims OF 1893
and '99, and transporting his audience back 10
that period of his coun,ry's emancipation, when
the carc-worn pilgrims bore The torch Of truth into
those dark and infected rcces>es in which no light,
had ever shonc. Then appeared the Jealous and
talented Meade, with all his navZing powers Of
mind, asserting the most sacred of human rights
and holding up, amidst wild and tumuliuous con-
spracies, his counlrys character and cause,
which has been attacked by The most odious ~
ranny that ever marked the history OF oppressed
italy, Next upon the roslrum was the patriotic
and soul-siirrins Wallace, the friend Of the lowy
peasant, and with generous and humane heart,
spoke of the dangers 10 which orr liberties were
nj nod tn h, ns u gI
BY his eloqucncc convinced by his arguments,
and soolhed by his persuasions. Then came for
ward that stern and inilcyibe Republican cham
pion, Capt. David II. Branch, who has been
weighed in the balance and not found wanting"
who has stood tn closest scrutiny and severest
tests who has been declared sterling by The gene
raj consent of all who know him, and invisibly
stamped by the broad seal of Rcpublicani>m,
which 10 this late day renders the memory OF de-
parted spirits 80 dear to every American heart
standing where he stood years ago, the IN
changed aud Interchangeable advocate Of equal
rights, with fancy Of beauty, power and
iruitiulness and with Judgment fully ma
tured. he rehearsed many facts from the history
of letters, which proved 10 all. that hc 'saagh n
substances anil NIT al Sidfo,r<.' Interesting indeed
was The occason-thc children Of patriot sires
exploding the vague theories OF newborn poiii-
cal philosophy. After the speaking was over,
IN Wnlcn Inc decG> ol past DAYS were most elO-
quen,v rehearsed, and the achievements of the
revolutionary struggle touchingly presented, ii
seemed 10 me that il was madness-a war
against The spirits Of freedom, and slur upon
the characters of The founders of our Republic
and lis Constitution 10 talk about annihilating
their cherished principles and forgetting their les
sons Of truth and wisdom, for measures which, If
adopted, would bring upon our fair soil all the
ills of tyranny, and erase from our coun-
TVS starry pennant, the emblems, not of oppres-
sion, bu, of freedom and national independence
They spoke most ieclingly of The lies that con-
meet man with man, anu Of the links that bind
State TO State and urged with affecting pathos the
necessity of ceaselcss vigilance over the watch
towers of Liberty.
MAY the demons of Federalism with 4 II their de-
moniacal madness shrink, appalled, and alright
ed under the power of truth and equal rights, laid
before them on this memorable year. MAY they
be stricken down whilst rio'ing and rc"ellng over
the priceless relics of days that have gone forever,
and make no farther inroads 10 the liie-blood of
Republican freedom. Then, will violated Liberty
return 10 lis place her avengins lance, and
doom-trodden nation rise up in all lis magnificent
grandeur. Then, will the lcng-expec;ed era OF
human felicity, which has been ioreshown BY pro-
phetc inspiration commence lis splendid pro-
gross. Then, will The direiul harpics Of usurpa-
ton flee exied 10 some more consenial cline
and America will extend her arms 10 the bleeding
and oppressed of every land, and welcome them
10 her quiet and peaceful shores
A REPUBLICAN,