The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-20
Governor Wise's Ratification Speech fol-
Virginia.


Governor Wise's Ratification Speech for
Virginia.
Governor Wise-of whom we have made q
great man on both sides Of the Atlantic, in spite
of himself, and in spite of his very ungentleman-
ly treatment Of the reporter of the HERALD and
its conductor, during the momentous Virginia
campaign of ls55-has again taken the stump.
His opening speech at the democratic ratification
meeting at Richmond, in favor Of James Bucha-
nan, of Nheatland, which we published yesterday,
fully convinces us that, as the exposition Of the
democratic Governor Of Virginia in behalf Of the
candidate and platform of the party for the
Presidency it is full Of invaluable information to
our Northern democracy at this portentous crisis
in our domestic and foreign affairs.
Our accurate and accomplished representative
in the Southern States has given us an admirable
report of this mastery speech of Governor Wise
In reading it we are happy to perceive that the
Governor has abandoned the loose and vulgar
language and ungentlemanly dialect in which he
too frequently INDUCED during his memorable
stumping tour against the knights of the dark
lantern" He now talks and argues-and no
doubt gesticuletes-with all the suavity, gravity,
moderation and courtesy of Virginia gentleman
of the old school, even reminding us rather
forcibly, now and then, Of the wonderful John
Randolph Of Roanoke, as we knew him on the
floor of the House of Representatives in his best
days 1t would be fortunate thing for the
country if many others of our Southern and our
Ia Ia nf o,nh
rapid and satisfactory Improvement upon the
stump as that which is indicated in this late speech
of Governor Wise, in comparison with his rough,
crude and crusty efforts Of but one short year
ago.
With this compliment to the gratifying pro-
gress of the Governor as public speaker, under
our efficient and practical system of tuition, we
proceed at once to the consideration OF this Rich
mond ratification speech. 1t is an important
speech-the most pregnant Of bold ideas-the most
remarkable il It's peculiar views, and the most
suggestive of the real issues of this great contest
az well as the most eloquent ard appropriate Of any
that we have seen since Mr.. Buchanan's nomlnac
ton. 1t UNNECESSARILY sunpasses in solid matter
for reflection the best Of the late Congressional
displays to the music of the artillery of Captain
Rynders in the Park. These Congressional
Park orators were fippant, superficial, and in the
main, :. full of sould and fury, signifying no
thing; but Governor Wise pleads his case as if
discussing it to reasoning and inquirng men,
possessed Of some knowledge Of public affairs.
The first popularity OF this ratification endorse
n - thafi ic tn
a Southern latitude in the presentation OF the
Cincinnati Convention, its platform, its nominee
and its tat ensemble. With good deal of ANUS
ing twaddle, and many witty and pungent allu-
sons to the Know Nothings, the black republi-
cans, the Niger worshippers and the great and
unterrifod democracy, ard almost everything
else under the sun, this remarkable speech of
Governor Wise is especially remarkable for two
strong points of Interpretation which he fistens
upA the Cincinnati platform and nominee.
Upon the first Of these points the Governor en-
deavors to show that Mr.. Buchanan is the best
possible candidate for tie South, because under
his administration it may be confidently expected
that such a course of action will be pursued as
will result under the Kansas Nebraska law, in
the admission Of Kansas into the Union as
slave holding State Governor Wise became
quite enthusiastic upon this important point, and
goes so far as to intimate that with the election
Of Mr.. buchanan one of the great staples of Vir
ginia, that is to say, niggers- sleek, fat and
healthy buck niggers-will rise in value from the
average OF thousand to at least five thousand
dollars piece. This fine promise Of the Cover
nor, however, should be taken with some grains
Of allowance, for if we mistake not, this same
Mr.. Wise, in the log cabin and hard cider carni-
val of 1910, promised with other whig orators.
the desirable premium Of two dollars day and
roast beef" to all the people, provided they
would elect General Harrison. They did
elect General Harrison, but the first great
thing for The country which followed was not
the promised 'two dollars day and roast beef
nor anything like it, but it was general bank
rupt law, as the shortest way Of wiping Off the
shinplaster speculations under Martin Van
Buren,.
Gov. Wise may be better posted up on mig
gers and the prospect of an immensely increased
value of this cash article in the event of the adj
mission O. Kansas as slave State Whether
the election Of the sage Of Wheatland will result