Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-03-11
Tho Speeches Of the Candidates for Congress in Har
risonburg, at tho opening Of the Gubernatorinl
comnaiun

ESOuUuIk, ~ tuV VpOH4ub Va VAC NoOSA AesSA AAA
Campaign
-torrspoad.ace Of tie Richmond Enqu.rsr.
IIARRIsoNDuRG, Va, March Q, 1859.
This has been the greatest day the people Of
the old county of Rockingham have witnessed
for long tme-not since the memorable caul-
paign Of 1855 when Gov Wise delivered his
speech here Before the time Of speaking, the
Courthouse was crowded with people, all anx-
ious to see and hear the great men who were
TO address them.
As did not take any notes, ain not able 10
give YOU n full account Of the speeches deliver
ed Mr. Letcher spoke first, and gave his
tory of his proceedings in Congress lie spoke
for some time on the "old soldier BILL" and
very ably defended himself against the attacks
of the Oppositon; and showed to the people,
that it was but 4 swindling scheme gotten up
by the Opposition party in Congress, to make
capital Of during the present and future cam
paignS.
lie then defended himself against the Ruff:
ner Pamphlet, during which he took occasion
to pour some scorching fire into some OF those
who composed the Richmond Convention that
nominated Mr.. Goggin. lie proved by his
votes and speeches IN Congress that he had
ever stood up for the rights Of Virginia and
the South while, on the other hand, he also
proved that during Mr.. Goggins time in Con-
gress, he (Mr. G.. never made one speech de-
Tending the rights Of the South, but when ques-
tons were brought up infringing upon those
rights he was always mute. Mr.. L. also pour
cd some hot,shot into the Opposition press OF
Virginia, showing their "cons'stcIry' upon the
questions of the day.
Mr.. Goggin followed Mr. Letchcr in Il speech
of an hour anda quarter in length, endcavoring
to convict Mr.. Letchcr before the people. His
great hobby was the $4,000 received by Mr..
Lctcher, as a member of Congress; upon which
he dwclt for some time. lie also undertook
10 prove to the people that Mr. Lctcher had
committed great wrong upon theurby voting
for bill allowing Mexican and Spanish quar-
tiers to be valued at only twenty cents. MIR.
Goggin must certainly have very poor opin-
ion OF the people of Rockingham. as to insult
their intelligence by bringing such question
as that before them. But he reminded me
very much Of drowning man catching Mt
every straw by which he could sustain himself.
! lie seemed to be child standing before its
parent after committing n bad action, and
pleading for forgiveness
At the conclusion Of his remarks, he said he
was q candidate for Governor. and hoped, when
the people came to vote, they would vote for
himC)
lie also admitted that he was Il no-party
man; that he did not belong to any party, but
was the candidate of wings, Americans and
others' Can the Opposition party OF the
State stand this: Their own candidate &C
knowledging, upon the stump, that he was the
candidate OF no party, but was simply running
against Mr.. Lctchcr. Nc also tried to prove
that Mr.. Lctchcr was not candidate, and
should retire from the contest and give him a
free field e..
In conclusion. | can assure you that the De-
mocracy-and not only the Democracy, but n
goodly number OF Whigs--arc satisfied with
Mr.. Lctchcr. and will give him one Of the most
overwhelming majortics ever given in this
county. Mr.. Lctcher's course has always been
an honest open one, and he is admired by his
constituents, Of all parties, everywhere in his
district. They hope he will long live to be an
homo, TO the Old Dominion.
TENTH LEGION.