Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-08-05
DEMOCRATIC RATIFICATION MEETING.

AT large ana 6ntnusiastlC meeting OF tnt DelHOc
racy Of Greenbrer County, held in the Court House,
on Monday the 2Sth day Of July 1885, for the purpose
| Of ratifyng the nomination OF James Buchanan OF
Pennsy ylvania, fer the Presidency and j e. Breckln
ridge, of Kentucky, for the Vice Presidency, Hon.
VIM. Smith was called to the Chair, and B. +. Har
low acted as Secretary. The object of the meeting
having been explained, the following preamble anc
resolutions were offered by K. +. Dennis Esq., and
unanimously adopted
l. Resolved That the Democracy of Greenbrier
county, heartily endorse the action ofthe Cincinnati
Convention, in reference to its Platform and nomlna
tions.
Q Resolved, That in the chart Of principles which
have been presented TO Us by the unanimous vote OF
the Convention, recognize those clear conservative
and national articles of faith, worthy OF 80 great
party and coexensive with the wants and necessities
Of the Republic.
3. Resolved That in looking upon the lives and
character Of the great statesmen Of the past as well as
upon those who are now living among us, We find but
few that equal and none that excel James buchanan.
in bis purity of character, his integrity as man, his
devotion to the federal constitution, and the rights OF
the States his undaunted patriotism, aud in his wise,
| discreet, and manly bearing in every emergency in
which he has been placed, whether upon our own, or
| foreign coil.
T. Resolved That in the gallant Breckenridge Of Ken
lucky, recognize the energy zeal and eoqueuce OF
| "Young America" so beautifully and harm0niousy
blended with III" -riodou discretion justice aud patrl-
Of the pemocrsssSS re 81 g Of our
S. Resolved. That every principle that can actuate
an honest heart, impels US TO support both platform
and candidates. with zeal equal to the crls!s:
After the reading of the resolutions Hon. H. NJ keltt
Of South Carolina, in compliance with On invitation
extended to him by the "Greenbrler Democratic Asso-
ciation," appeared before the audience to address
them in behalf Of the institutions OF the South. ana
| the Democratic nominees, which be did In hghiy
eloquent and effective speech Of two hours duration.
| He commenced by referring to the circumstances
under which he appeared-not rs pertlzan, ont az ;
| ,d, Of liz
to the present state OF public feeling in the Northern
Sates-the fanatcisn Of the people, and the duty OF
the South in the present contest; that cond mol oe
denied that the enemies of the South were thoroug-
y united, and he appealed to the people OF tue sout
to stand up in defence Of their rights lie thought mat
in the present contest old party lines should be ooi-
terated and that the people should unite upon the
man best suited to their wants. That the SOUTH I'D
defence of her rights has always acted upon the de-
fnsiye and that the North had always been the az
yressor that the South had stood up FOR the Con
stitution, &c.
Mr.. Keitt then entered upon acomparison between
the two candidates presented TO the Southern people
for their suffrages. He believed James Buchanan Ia
be the most acceptable man, and desired to see MIN
| elected He showed the absurdity Of Southern men
dividing their votes in the present sectional contest
lie said that Fillmore, during his whole Congress'on
nj career had been strictly sectional man, M SHOWN
| by his votes. He believed HIM to be unsound upon
The slavery question: and referred 70 Dis Ere ietef III
support Of his position.
lie discussed the issues presented by the American
party-their proposed prescription OF Cnthollcs' ana
their opposition to foreigners, &C. lie accorded 10
the party patriotic motives, but he believed tbem 10
be- in error He defended the position OF bis colleague
Mr. Brooks. in regard to the Sumner affair." and spoke
in high terms of Hon. H. A. Edmundson for his course
in the matter.
In concluding his remarks, he expressed the belief
that in the event of the election oil President oeing
sent TO the House. that Fremont would stand at least
| chance of being elected, and therefore he hoped
such game of hazard would not be practlsed.
! His whole speech abounded with apt illustrations
sound argument, and combined the principles OF true
eluquence.
n Harrison of Monroe, after loud calls, appeared
| before the audience He discairned any intention o
making speech, but could not refrain from offering
| few remarks in behalf of the Democratic nominees
which he did in short address of great force. He
ssid that James Buchanan was his first choice anc
was the very man for the times. He spoke OF hi
public services bis eminent statesmanship, and h'
abilities as diplomatist, as illustrated in his whole
public life. and as the late minister from this country
| 70 the Court of st. James. He alluded TO the emi
neut abilities of j. G. Breckinridge and spoke OF Ms
past services to his country. He felt sangune o
their triumphant election, should the South only dc
her DUTY He believed that Virginia would roll up
a larger Democratic majority than she mas ever uoit
before. He dissected Know -NUthinglsm' ana sno"eo
.Som." yelled and unveiled.
After vote of thanks TO the speakers, inc neet'pe
| d;mrred ,;n. die WM. SMITH, Chairman
| b. F. HARLOW, Secretary.