The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-03-16
Rirbmnan Dispatrb.
SATURDAY MORNING. MARCH 10, 1881
Southern Demonstration ~ the African
Church-Large Delegation from Peters
bNrg-Apeech BY Mr., pryor xe

Ah 00DhA IVA AISh 1901
Southern Demonstration ~ the African
Church-Large Delegation frsm Peters
burg-Apeech BY Mr.. Pryor, sc.
The African Church was crowded last night
at an early hour, in consequence of an an
nouncement that the Hon. Roaga A. PsYoR
would address the people, and we noticed In
one OF the galleries goodiy number OF ladies.
Mr. Pryor was greeted with hearty cheers
when he entered the house. The stand was
occupied by several distinguished gentlemen,
including. the Maryland Commissioner,
twhose names are gwen in our local column
Rev. Gxo w. CARTER of Texas, MIR. Nor
roy OF the Convention, and Mr.. DoraLAss OF
the State Senate.
Mr. PRYoK was introduced to the audience
by Tnos. I. CRorPRK, Esq, who, in brief
speech, alluded TO the remarkable change of
zen tirnent in Petersburg, Mr.. PRyox's place
Of residence.
Mr.. PKros labored under considerable din.
Guilty from hoarseness, but this did not pre-
vent him from taking up the subject of the
National troubles with his accustomed
energy. He said he came to advocate seces.
sion--immediate secession and eternal sepa-
ration. The Union was gone-seven States
had gone-the proudest and most pre-
cious OF the Confederacy--had consolidated
themselves against Black Republicanism.-
He alluded to LINCOLN as a misshapen ape
now occupying the pedestal where once stood
the great WAsHISGToS. Gen. Scorr was spoken
Of as an apos,ate chieftian, in command OF
troops occupying the Federal Capital. He
thanked God that the Union was gone fer
ever. 1t was an eternal separation, and never
would the spirit OF Liberty again find shelter
in the corrupt mass that remains. The South
ern States would never come back, even
though LINCOLN and HAxLIADere to abdieate,
and give the South a carte. bldsehe for all that
she could take. He said this by authority
Whether Virginia sides with them or not,
they are gone iTrecoverably. This was the
issue, then, presented 10 the people. 1t was
for Virginia 10 decide whether she would be
the dependent tail of "a Black Republican
Confederacy, or the chief of glorious South
ern Confederacy
He main tanned that there was ne protection
for Virginia in the Union. He would rather
p be dragged at the tail Of South Carolina, than
be led In chains after the triumphal car of
Massachusetts,; and, IN continuation, spoke In
glowing terms of South Carolina, and her
prompt secession from the Union, which was
received with prolonged cheering. He would
be willing, he said, TO lay down his life, if
Virginia stood where South Carolina did to-
day II she had taken her position three
months ago, the Union might have been re-
constructed upon the basis of the Constitu-
ton. But she would not listen to the warning
voice sent hi1her from Washington, and now
she was compelled to take one side or the
other
ARRIVAL OF THE PETERsBURGRRs.
e 4 be,
Black Republican measures in Congress- when
the sound of music was heard in the distance
and it was announced that three hundred cit
liens Of Petersburg, who had just arrived in
an extra train, were approaching, and their
entrance was greeted with laundering cheers
They had with them large flag of the South
ern Confederaey, branch of Palmetto, and
exhibited cockades and devices in abundance
The house was now literally "fled to over
flowing and for some time it was found i'm
possible to proceed. The reporters position
was indifferent enough at best and the reader
may imagine the difficulty of taking notes,
with heavy foot on each shoulder-for the
rovereigns were absolutely piled upon, above
and around the individual who represented
this newspaper.
Order was al length restored, and Mr.. PRY- |
OK went on with his remarks, paying his Pc
tersburg friends a handsome compliment at
the outset. The Congressional review was
then resumed, and from this he went on TO
refer to the efforts of Virginia to save the
country by inaugurating the Peace Confer |
enee, the propositions resulting from which
he emphatically repudiated. He compliment
ed Messrs. Seldom and TYLER, and made allu- |
sions of a somewhat different nature to
of Virginia was also descanted upon with
sarcastic severity and LIScoLs's Inaugural
Address came in for sharp criticism -
The "submissionsts'' OF the Virginia Con-
vention were rebuked by the speaker in
ecathing terms. He accused them OF political
intrigues and said that after bargaining away
the country they were gambling for the spoils.
He denounced the suggestion of a border State
Conference, and paid glowing tribute to the
southern Confederacy, its President, and its
flag OF seven stars. He did not believe that
western Virginia was faithfully represented
In the Convention. He would deplore a Sc !
verance OF the State; but If the West Were TO !
attempt, by brute force, 10 drag the East after |
the car of Black Republcanism, he himself |
would raise the flag of revolution.
mr.. PRYOR was enthusiastically applauded |
throughout. We are unable. in consequence |
OF the difficulties mentioned above to give |
more than faint outline of his argument
He spoke about an hour and half
The crowd manifested desire to hear from |
the Rev. Dr. CARTER, but the Chairman an
nounced that he declined speaking He would |
however, address the citizens next Monday |
night.
Is. Il. DordLAss, Esq was then called upon |
but he regretted that n severe cold prevented |
his compliance. Other popular speakers Were |
shouted for, but no one responding, the Chair |
man adjourned the meeting A suggestio |
was made that n serenade be given TO the |
young ladies of the Baptist Institute, who |
had raised the secession flag; but the band |
happening to be elsewhere, the project was |
abandoned.
The Petersburg delegation marched up
Main street shortly after 10 O'clock to the |
tune of "Dixie,'' on the way 10 the railroad
depot.
A petition TO the Convention for an ordi.
nance of secession, was circulated during the
evening. We were informed that ii had 400
signatures.
Union Demonstration AT Metropolitan Hall.
"A small handful was circulated late yes
terday evening, notifying the public Of
meeting of the Union az Conservative men
OF Richmond, at II o'clock, az Metropolitan
Hail. Addresses were promised frcip Messrs
Gro. w. SuaMERs, JOHN II. RALpwIS, TIMOTHY
Risss, JOHN NJ. BORIS, and Gro. W. BRgxr.-
Though no publication was Inase in the news
papers, the Hail was crowded, at the hour
named, with la4ge and enthp@asti assem-
biage OF respec table and stsid c. ,!zens.
Inc meeting was called 10 order by JOHN H.
diLAEh, Esq, who introduced TO the Meeting
Maj. JuBAL A. EARLr. D.Iegata 10 liz, Co,-