Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-05-14

packed on thursday nlSut, Win crown
anxious to hear the speeches of the candi
dates for Congress from this District. In ad-
dition to our own townsmen, quite number
of the citizens from the adjacent counties,
(many from Washingeon) were present
After some preliminary remarks about time.
&c, the debate was opened in speech of
three-quarters of an hour, from Mr.. Shack
elford-he was followed in speech of the
same length by Mr.. Thomas, and he by Gov.
Smith, in speech occupying the same
duration of time. Each of the gentlemen
then made speeches in reply, Of fifteen
minutes length. Having already publish
ed, at length, reports Of these discussions,
at other places, it is not necessary to
fill our columns with repetition Of what
was said here. Very nearly the same grounds
were travelled over; the same charges brought
forward-the same rejoinders made, and the
same arguments used, as in our reports of
the discussions at fredericksburg, Warren
ton, &c. Mr.. Shackelford's first speech was
occupied mostly with pungent review of
the Walker Letter" subject, and kindred to-
pics. Mr.. Thomas defended his position
from the objections that had been made
against it, very triumphantly, we thought;
and gave an able and rapid review of the con-
dtion Of the country. and the necessity of
placing the legislative power in other hands
and Gov. Smith responded to Mr.. Thomas,
and answered with animation and spirit, the
objections that have been urged to his politi-
cal course. by Mr.. Shackelford. Each of
the gentlemen was warmly applauded by
his friends. and each appeared to give
great satisfaction to those who were of his
way of thinking. There was much cut and
thrust, cart and terce," and a good deal of
very "plan talking" all round. which seemed
To excite the audience almost as much as it
did the speakers.
As it is not our custom to represent gen
tlemen who address public assemblies in po-
litical discussions, Ia custom which the in
telligent public only laugh at) as utterly an
Initiating each other" we will only add,
that though We think Mr.. Thomas had the de-
cided advantage Of both Of his opponents. each
of them sustained himself with ability, and
that so far from being "obliterated" or can
initiated" they all three seemed to be as
fresh, as vigorous, and as fully alive. after
the affair was over, as they were when they
commenced.
The short speeches, in conclusion, were
the most animated. Mr.. Thomas was par
tcularly happy and eloquent. His remarks
caused great enthusiasm i'll his favor.
Several incidental topics were brought in,
and spoken of with rim. Gov Smith re-
piled to the charge made against him about
the Dutch and the Irsh and read certiti-
cate in contradiction of the charge. MIR.
Shackelford touched upon the same matter.
and read a certificate from the same party, in
support of the charge. Gov. Smith, also,
denounced the State Rights pamphlet in Sc
we're terms. Mr.. Shackelford reiterated in
the strongest manner. his condemnation OF
Gov. Smiths political course. They had 1t
chip and thigh" and it was the hardest
fend off" Gov Smith closed the discussion.
Altogether it was one of the sharpest pol
itical discussions that the people have been
called upon to listen to for some time. To-
wards the close Of the meeting there was
much disorder, and throughout, occasional
" thoughtless individuals interrupted the
speakers. This was confined, however, to
but few, and received the disapprobatlon
Of the audience. Or all such occasions,
however, care should be taken to observe 81
lence and decorum, to allow all a respectful
hearing, and to say and do nothing 10 in
terrupt, or annoy the speakers. We con-
denim these things irrespective of party pre-
objections or personal preferences.
1t was observed that, throughout, the
speakers appeared to be pressed for time
and to labor under the disability of being
unable to say all that they wished to say in
the space allotted to them. The time is
long enough in truth, for the comfort and
satisfaction of an audience; but the contest
ants seemed hampered by the difficulty of
condensing their arguments and views, and
replying to the charges against them. by
the comparatively short space to which they
are limited. In particular, Governor Smith,
complains of this, and contending that he
bas not had time to answer, as he desires,
his opponents, he gave notice that he would
speak again here on Tuesday evening next
and address the people at length. Mr..
Shackelford proposed to meet him, and have
another discussion on that evening. but
Gov. Smith replied that he wanted full time
for himself, and that Mr.. Shsekelford could
speak on another night, if he chose.
Let US recur, as is our duty, and our priv
ilege to do, without depreciation or disre-
spect to either of the other gentlemen. to the
nositions and views of Mr.. Thomas As eI-
messed to his fellow-citizens ON Thursday
night. We are quite sure that his appeals
To Alexandrians, in consideration Of the ser
vices he has rendered them, will be hearth
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