Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-11-20


Young Whiggcry In its Stirrups.
Tuesday night we had a glorious gather
ing of the young wings of Lynchburg.-
Notwithstanding the inclcmency of the
night, the Courthouse was crowded, and
a spirit Of the warr.est enthusiasm ANNA
ted the whole assembly. The official pro-
cecdings will be found in another portion
of this paper.
Col. Benjamin p. Walker, John M.
Speed, VIM. NJ. Cabcll and N. H. Camp
bell, in response to calls made upon them.
delivered eloquent and stirring addresses.
In the course ofhis remarks, Col Walker
referred to report which he had learned
was circulating through the District, that
he had been opposed to certain measures
Of reform, introduced into our system by
the late constitutional Convention, and cs
pecially the extension Of the right of suf-
frage. He declared that the report was
wholly destitute Of truth-that the first
vote he had ever given was in 1929 for
Doct. James Saunders. and the other re-
form candidates for the Convention Of that
year; that he voted for them, because of
their views of the necessity for through
reforms and particularly the enlargement
Of the popular franchise. He said, he had
continued to entertain such opinions down
to the present timc-had voted for the call
Off Convention-for reform candidates,
and for the new Constitution.
Col. w. next referred to the Virginia
and Tennessee Railroad He said that
thougha resident Of another county, he had.
when the scheme was pending before the
Legislature. taken a deep interest in its
success-that, having learned that the dele
gate from his county was hesitating wheth-
er to give the measure his support because
he did not know what light be the wishes
of his constituents, he had canvassed the
county and procured signatures to a letter
of instruction requiring him to vote for
the bill. He had further shown his in
terest and confidence in the work, by SUBJ
scribing for FIVE shares if its stock at time
when it subjected him to considerable Pc
cunary inconvenience, and that without
awaiting himself, as he might easily have
done.of the guaranty by the corporation of
Lynchburg DISK percent interest upon the
amount he subscribed
He avowed himself in favor of rcduc-
ton of the tolls upon the James River and
kanawha canal-regarding them as one
rous and oppressive. and calculated alike
to repress enterprise and industry. and d.
minish the revenues of the company He
said if he were elected to the Senate and
this subject should come before that body
in any shape, he would give hi, most ear
nest support to proper reduction of the
present rates.
Col. Walkers address was that of an
intelligent practical and high-minded gem
tleman. 1t betrayed deep devotion to
the principles of his party. and spirit of
jealous cooperation in the policy of State
improvement involved in the canvass for
the Gubernatorial chair.
We take occasion to renew the express
sion of our satisfaction, that the Wings of
tins Senatorial District have for their can
d'datc gentleman of so much sterling
worth and ability-of so elevated moral
tone, and of such enlightened and liberal
views ofState policy as Col. Walker. We
believe that, by proper exertion. they can
place his election beyond doubt, and we
call upon them to give him a support wor-
thy Of himself and of the cause he repre-
sents.
We need not refer at length to the ad-
dress ofMr. Speed. All who know the
man have learned to appreciate his intel
lect, his generosity and his gallantry-
They know, that in every enterprise, pub
lie or private, whether the interests of the
community or the wants of individuals
were Observation-Disclosures use Of means
or the exertions ofintellect were to be en-
ployed, John N. Speed has never been a
laggard. They know, that in the last
Legislature, he defended the interests and
charac,erof Lynchburg and the Southwest,
in an encounter with one of the ablest men,
bers, with irmness, ability and eloquence
that gave him, at once, a rank among the
very first men Of that Body. His speech
Tuesday night was marked by all the
characteristics which distinguish him
candid in its confessions strong in its pos
i,'ons-impassioned in its appeals. and in
disnant in its denial offalse charges and
representations shat had been made con.
corning him.
I lie stated that he had received intorma.
ton from the country, that story was
there sireula,edto his injury. that he had
voted againsr the call of Convention, to
amend the Constitution of the State, and
had afterwards voted against the rati6ca-
ton Of the Constitution. Both these state
ments he declared were false. He had
advocated the call of Convention, on the
Hastings. before the Legislature assem-
bled. by which the cab was made. When
his attention was FRS, directed to the sub
ject, he had taken ground 10 favor Of the
extension of the right Of suffrage, the cleo
ton Of Governor. Judges and Magistrates,
BY the people. Upon mors massrs re.