Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-10-06
BERKELEY MASS MEBTING.
A Large Concourse in Attendance, and
Intense, Enthusiasm Manifestedl

II was our pieasule 10 De preSeut az th0
Democratic Conservative Mass Meeting of
Berkeley county, on Monday of last week -
A more enthusiastic AID agreeable gathering
it was never our pleasure to witness, and we
had designed preparing detailed account of
its proceedings, but find in the Martinsburs
NcW Era description so admirably adapted
to our purpose, that We substitute it in place
of our own. That paper says:
The Democratic and Conservative Mass
Meeting in Rentch's woods on Monday, was
a decided success. AT an early hour in /
the morning, the roads from every direction,
leading to the grove, were filled with wagons,
carriages, buggies, &c, freighted with the |
people ofthe country, the honest, hard work. !
ing farmers, mechanics, who are tired OF
giving the largest portion of their toll and
labor for the support of the Government,
while the proceeds of two thirds of that labor
go into, the pockets of corrupt Congressman /
and thieyiug officials, and what little gets
into the Treasury is used to pay theainterest
in gold on the bonds held by men who pay
no taxes for the support of the Government.
Many of the wagons were ornamented with
flags, and some carried hickory trees. The
Murtinsburg Brass Band furnished music fog
the occasion. a large stand for the speakers,
had been erected, and was tastefully trimmed
with flags. After several stirring airs by lhe
Band, the meeting was organized at OF clock
by calling b. +. Brady. of Arden township.
to preside, and electing Thomas Kratz and
George Rousch, Secretaries.
Mr.. Brady, in brief and pertinent speech,
handsomely acknowledged the compliment
conferred by calling him to preside over so
large and intelligent an audience, and then
Of
The appearance of this distinguished gentlc-
man on the stand was greeted with the widest
enthusiasm aud prolonged cheers. We have
neither time nor space for an extended notice
of the Governors very able speech. lie held
| the attention of the audience for over two
hours in his discussion of the fundamental
principles of the government, and their ap
| plicatiou to the condition of the Southern
| States, showing by thorough and exhaustive
reasoning that the bond of Union was mt
and cannot be severed, and that at the moment
hostilitics ceased, the Union was complete,
and the people had returned to their alleg-
ance, and were entitled to all the rights
privileges and immunities that they had ever
enjoyed, without any interference by Con-
gress or the general government. In short,
his speech was u complete and exhaustive
digest ofthe theory of the Government. and
plain exposition of the objects and designs
of the Radical party; in their policy of so-call-
ed reconstruction. He was listened to with
marked attention by the assembled throng,
and closed amid dealening rounds of applause.
! At the close of Governor Swann's speech,
the meeting adjourned one hour for dinner
| Provisions in abundance were on the ground.
Every body was beautifully supplied
After dinner the meeting reassembled,
and were addressed in succession by General
Nelson, General Latrobe and Major Uriel
Wright. The speeches of these gentlemen
were forcible, eloquent, and to the point;
they consisted chiefly in an arraignm ent Of
the Radical party for@its high crimes against
the Constitution and the Liberties of the
people.
The speaking was kept up until late hour,
when the meeting adjourned with three rous-
ing cheers for Seymour and Blair.
This uprising of the Democratic and Con-
sentative hosts in section of the State long
subjected to the bondage of unreasoning and
virulcnt radicalism may be, and will be re-
gardcd as the ushcring in of brighter aud
better day. A thousand thanks then, to the
eloquent advocates Of truth who were with US
on that occasion. Their utterances will be
an inspiration to the people, aud their reward,
VIC confidently trust, will be ample and salts
factory in living consciousness of duties
we'll performed and Justly appreciated
MEETING AT THE COURT House. "A
continuation of Mondays meeting was held
in the Court, House Monday night. The
audience was by all odds the largest that has
been assembled in this place during this cam
paign. The opening speech was made by
Major U. Wright, and was one of the finest
specimens of classic oratory we ever had the
pleasure of listening to. lie was followed in
very able manner by Mr.. Slingluff, of Balti-
more. His speech plain and practical,
appealing to the judgment and common sense
of his hearers. 1t was received throughout
with the loudest demonstration of applause.
Mr.. Slin%luff was followed by General Latrobe,
who held the attention OF the audience for
near an hour in an able and exhaustive argu-
ment on the various questions at issue, in the
campaign. :,