Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-06-27
THE DOUGLAS DEMONSTRATION IN PETERSBURG.
THE Babel, WORK BEGUN.
PErERsUrRe, jane 10Th, 1860.
PETEI
10 he Ediior Of Me lFhiQ:

PETERSBURG, June 25th, 1860.
To He Editor Of The Wig:
Drawn by curiosity rs doubtless msDy others OF
both or should rather say, the three political parties OF
this citv attended the Court House last Saturday
night TO witness the great demonstration in favor Of
Douglas Great it undoubtedly was or to use An appro-
pirate and striking quotation slightly altered from the
original was "Grand SGrdgc and PECULIAR; surprising
the expectations of all who attended, OF course except
ing the prime movers Of the concern Yes sir twas
grand cody sight to behold that band ofpatrots, as.
sembed on so short notceeager to show their lone OF
country and intense admiration for the great leader and
standard bearer who had been rightly nominated by the
national Democracy at Baltimore And oh strange IN
consistency Twas no harmonious grandeur, inspiring
the spectator with awe and admiration. Dscordant ee-
ments disturbed jarring feelings banished the remem-
brauce of bygone times when peace with doveke wings
lowered over the scenes Of departed glory aud my very
soul was stirred within witness In the intense excite
ment Of debate each opposing speaker wandering from
the track of Douglas principles, and making bitter in
situations against the political antecedentS and patriotic
actions of the other. Greek met Greek in most spite
ful mood thus furnishing the pleasing popularity which
has characterized the late meetings of the Democracy;
who with intense desire to effect great reforms in the
country have strangely neglected the first reformaory
movement to establish order in their midst and allow
moderation to influence their judgment
But lie, US glance at the proceedings. The meeting
was called to order by Mr. S w. Vcnable, who acknowl-
edged tie compliment in terms of rather doubtful I'M
port-pOSsbly he foresaw the storm that would ensue.
A motion was then made and carried, TO appoint o
committee of seventeen to draw up series of resolu-
tons for the approval of the meeting This, the Chair
man did with strict partiaty for every member chosen
was in favor Of Douglas. After they had Withdrawn, an
enthusiastic call was made for the old "War Horse of
Democracy, Tim RiycS; who, without delay, assembled
tho rostrum and launched out into TRADE against the
Seceders He brought all the power THE dictionary
the force of appropriate quotations from the Bible to
bear upon the enable position of the Virginia rebels.
Gentlemen said he Eve misrepreSented, rather,
we were not represented at all in Baltmore and these
S5ceders all have to render fearful account of their
ton 10 their trusting constituents That they will be
pudiated there can be doubt" He reviewed the re-
cord of Dougs (which record he sad could be bet
ter defended than that of any candidate brought be-
fore the people for the Presidency He not afraid
to stand up here in Virginia and plead for him-though
he was an oice-holder under the Administration, his
principles could not be bought aud he would express
his thoughts and opinions freely at all times"
The committee returned, aud at the close Of Mr..
r. 5 remarks, Mr. Wallace assembled the platform, and
read the resolutions which, with the committee that
framed them, made memorable by the debate that
followed. After deprecating the unfortunate divisions
in the Democratic party the second resolution continued
thus 1--WE, the National Democracy of Petersburg in
general meeting assembled do heartily approve and
dorse' &c &c., &c and over this resolution the Ma
tOHdi Democracy fought like tigers.
Mr.. James r. Branch arose aud said, ale had come to
this meeting a oOker-On not intending speak
at all but he could consent to remain quiet and lis
ten resolution which read, we, the National De-
mocracy' IL. Sir, (said he) the National Democracy
neither approve of nor support Mr. Douglas and we OBJ
ject to your committee appropraug TO themselves the
title of National, par excellence" His remarks were
few manly and to the point. They brought MIR. Wallace
TO his feet who spoke at some length, and becoming
hat excited at last plainly told the opposing gentle
man that their votes were cared for that they
In small majority and should not eudeayor to create
confusion and disorder. He positively refused to strike
out the word National from the resolution claiming tina,
those Democrats only National who supported the
nominee of the National party which had chosen Doug
las and utmated pretty strongly tha the room of these
opponents would be preferable to their company.
This aroused Mr.. w. r. Johnson who pointed his fin
ger at Mr.. Wallace, and said he would like to that
geaUeman any other, lay his hand upon him and
pei him. He opposed to the resolution, aud was not
afraid TO express his oppositonAe and his friends were
be put down, and unless these gentlemen consent
ed to strike out the word NaioQi and substitute the
words we portion of the Democracy the resou-
tons would be voted down
Then uprose Mr.. Thomas Branch one Of the Commit
tee, who made some very humorous remarks, SAYING
These boys should not be hOtheaded aud anxious
20 adj fuel 10 the flames already kindled-he did not
have much confidence in the counsel OF 62ys pointing
to the Committee M oity Of whom ay-headed:J
wisdom be found only among the old heads-for
though young folks think Old folks fools, old folks
kaoo Young folks to be fools"
Dr. j. H. Cliborne Who in justice to bis principles and
those of his friends felt bound oppose this action Of
The Douglas Democrats. He would hold no fellowship
with any Of men who would thus ie themselves to
the tail OF party whose end could not be seen He
boldly charged the Committee that they had tied them
sJyes to the ailend OF the Republican party, and he
would be greatly mistaken it. in a short time each mem
lcr Of this fuj9a party Committed would not be seen
suaakng within the bounds Of tie true Democracy,
ashamed Of hi, present action. lie frequently inter
rapsd by his OppUuru VINO eudeavorcd, M divers ways
70 nut him down Bu; he told them if they wished to
pu. him do VIZ they kaock him down, aad them it
he weak get up there those present who
would PICK him up.
very singular DEPRESSION occurred during the eve
Mug Mr.. James NJ. b. Steward arose TO explain that
Nc johnson had bu. lately joined the Democratic party
Mr. johnson retorel that he had frequently voted with
Mr. Steward on Wing Conmittccs-which announcement
caused great merr!meut. Mr. Wallace underwent a
searching crossexamnaion, and it proven that he
Va, once a Wig. Mr. Collier acknowledged he had
t,irs rotsd nth he Wings, ana Mr. Thomas Branch that
he sls Wing.
The resolutions did no, pass Mr.. Editor Both friends
and opponents seemed afraid OF q upon them and
amidst gre4, excitement aud confusion, the meeting ad-
jolrucd early Sunday morning. 10 meet again to-mor-
row night when tie scenes, times more furious,
will probably be reenacted. J..