Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-04-12
For the Spectator.
:, Wythe CO., Vat
Anril 6 1880.


Nessrs. Editors: Several incidents occurred
during the discussion at Marion, between Messrs
Goggn and Letcher, that amused me no little
ana thlnk them rather too good to be lost
will relate them just as they occurred. AS the,
are OF personal character however, you will
| Ii you think proper to notice them in your pa
per, suppress the names.
ID, the keeper Of the jail, is prominen
and very decided democrat, and remarkably
warm supporter of Mr.. Letcher-having heart
that OF Wytheyille, Mr.. Goggin led off, he infer
red that he spoke first at all the appointments
and when the candidates came to Marion, no
being personally acquainted with either, he mis-
took his man. Mr.. L. spoke first, and }. listened
to the whole of his speech in silence showing
by his eountenance that he was not at all pleas
ed. But when Mr.. G. arose to speak, Us counte
nance frightened up-he was then in his ele
ment and soon begun to applaud the speaker
with hearty good will. Some friends in as
tonishment said to him, "Why, Mr.. j., what il
the world do you mean! thought you were 6
Letcher man." $50 am" was the reply. Then
what do you mean by applauding Goggin SOP
us that Goggin9" said Mr. j., ~ thought il
was Letcher."
AS you perhaps are aware the editors of 'The
Visitor" are divided in politics and their pa
per is neutral. Mr.. c., the Wing, is quiet
modest man, Gas you know editors generally are,
and while Mr. Goggin was replying to Mr.
Letcher, Mr.. O. was listening very attentiyely,
but quietly to his modest hits. 4 democrat
who was standing by Mr.. C.--not being well &C
quainted with the Eds, but knowing that one o.
them was democrat, naturally enough supposed
that no was with political friend and sympa'
thizer, and turning to him said very expressive
| ly, "He is woolling him like thunder-but
would not acknowledge it to one Of these Wings
| for anything in the world r, r,
| Mr. Goggin was several times interrupted by
democrat at Marion as well as Wythe. 1t is
evident that they did not think MIR. L. altogether
ablo to defend himself. But | guess the poor
fellow ct Marion will never attempt such thing
again. Mr.. G. taught him lesson that he will
never forget. lis own party say he got just
what he deserved, and some Of them, when they
saw the decided advantage given to Nj. G.. by
the impudence of such of Mr.. LIS friends left the
house mortified and ohagrined, at the conduct OF
their indisoreet friend, saying 'Some one ought
to kill him." Mr.. Goggin's success reminded
one OF Patrick Henry's celebrated Beef speech.
| The Richmond Examiner gave the best eypla-
nation of the cause of the interruption at Wythe-
vile. You recollect in its notice of l[r. Cog
gins appearance al the African Church, it des-
cribes him as entering the house with his 'Ta-
strunaent of tortr.ren Well he had the same in
strument with him and was just beginning to
apply it, He had hardly begun to tighten the
screws, when some Wing boy seeing the 'fz''
| in which he was getting Air. l.. and bis party,
cried out, slit him again Goggin." The de-
mocraoy could not stand another turn of the
SCREWS and not having either Indian or Roman
fortitude, they gave way. It was the Examiners
terrible instrument of torture that caused it ell.
Now, Messrs. Editors, have question to
ask. Ibeleve as firmly as believe in the ex-
istence OF Democratic party, that IL was The
tariff policy of that party that caused the late
financial reyulsion and the past and present
scarcity OF money DO the Wing party believe
litf If 30 why go silent on the subiect-Mr.
Goggin made an indefinite charge Of that kind,
but did not press it. The Wing papers that |
see hardly make the charge. Those who deny
it talk of "periodcity," of money seeking its
own level" &C., which is about as satisfactory
ss to account for the tides by saying they return
periodically, and leave cut Of view solar end
| lunar attraction-or to account for the running
CT water without any reference to the attraction
Of gravity. The Wing party predicted the re-
vulsion, and now they seem to doubt the truth
of their own predictions. If no other person
can be found to impeach the party on that ac-
count. | am afraid I will have to attempt it.
| They ought never to hear the last O. it. Keep
it before the people Asking pardon for this
long letter, I'm
| tr,7ly