Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-09-08
To the Editors Of III Enquirer:
Sr.rsToS Aupust al 1919

Messrs. Editors: The discussion, agreeaby to
previous notice, commenced al the Court House,
IN this place, on Monday last, and was continued
until TO day Francis F. Rives, Esq, our Elector
for the Petersburg District, led off in a speech
of two hours; and most sincerely do wish that
every impartial Southern Wing could have
heard him. II would be unjust to him, should
attempt an outline of his remarks. lie gave a
most lucid and impartial history Of the votes of
Mlllard Fillmore during the time they were in
Congress together; and if he failed to convince
any one that Fillmore is rank Aboltionist
then such one 'woud not be convinced though
one should rise from the dead" His proof was
overwhelming and unanswerable- whole ar
gument perfectly conclusive, and every way So
tisfactory. He was followed by A H. II. Stuart,
Esq. and, will you believe II, he did not even
attempt u answer but single vote of Fillmore's,
out OF more than tnenty, which Mr.. Riyes
quoted. Indeed. his whole speech was exactly
what should have expected from the character
| had heard he possessed; his entire two hours
were consumed in relating anecdotes and
abusing the Democratic party for passing what
are known as the "Atherton Resolutions" He
particularly objected TO the manner in which
they were prepared and passed alleging that
they were coscocted in q secret caucus, aud, by
agreement they were TO be carried into the
House of Representatives MIR. Atherlon was 10
rise ia his place, get the eye Of tho speaker, by
accident Of course, read his resolutions, move
the previous question, and they were TO be pass
ed without debate, &C.. SC.
Yes, sir, this course was OBJECTED 10 by the
same gentleman who borrowed resolutions upon
the same subject, carried them into caucus,
cred into an agreement to get the speakers
eJc," BY accident Of course, read Mr.. Bolts re.
solutions, moved the previous question, and they
were, by previous agreement in caucus, passed
without debate. l could not help exclaiming,
"oh consistency, indeed thou art jewel" But,
with all this, he is pleasant and amusing pub
lie speaker, and well calculated 10 please, with
out convincing. When Mr.. Stuart concluded,
Mr.. Rives rejoned in speech Of about thirty
minutes, when Mr.. Dorman of Rockbridge was
called upon; but did not hear him He was
replied to by J. II. Skinner, Esq of this place
Mr.. Skinner is a young gentleman Of fine Ia
tents and education, well read in politics. He
replied in speech, without preparation, in a
most triumphant manner He is very valuable
addition to the Republic party Of this section OF
the State, and his style of speaking is very SINH.
lar 10 that of Mr.. Caskie.
The day closed with meeting Of the Demo-
cratic Assocation-Levi L. Stevenson, ESQ.,,
of The same, in the Chair. Mr.. Letcher, one
of the Electors, delivered one Of the very best
speeches that it was ever my fortune to listen
to-he is really fine speaker, and will do good
service wherever he speaks-he certainly
"keeps the record"
Hon. Andrew Stevenson commenced his great
speech on Tuesday morning. And lei me here say
tnal my letter should close. ] have not vanity
enough 10 suppose that could do him The justice
he deserves. | heartily wish some one would re-
lieve me from The attempt. Upon The veto power
his remarks were the most conclusive tha, you
can possibly imagine. He gave the entire history
Of lis origin, It's exercise and its importance. in
the most remarkable manner. Tie IS perfectly
familiar with all those points Al times you
might have heard a pin drop and il seemed al
most impossible ha, he could get his audience
from the eminence 70 which his irresistible elo-
auence would carry Them. |! was po~ eriul
efforl-a combination Of eloquencc and reason,
such as is not oen the good fortune of one 10
hear. His lame as an able and powerful dehater,
had OF course preceded him, but ! venture 10 re-
peat remark made BY distinguished Wing OF
his place-"Elis full power was unknown here. y
His speech will long be remembered and will
tell in this county in the coming contest and will
never be answered by any one in favor OF Re-
publican firm oil government. II occupied 1--we
hours In It's delivery, and 20 me i, was lie shCr;es
five hours OF my life, and doubtless 10 many
others. Thomas j. Niche, Esq Of this place
will close the debate today, and il ! am not very
| much mistaken, he has task before him ha
will never be accomplished, il he expects 10 an.
swer Mr.. Stevenson upon the Veto power.