Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-11-05

"-SEs..----
CONSERVATIVES Meeting. Liberty Hall
was filled last night 10 hear the speakers an
Alexandria. Ii was Almost animated and en-
thusiast!c meeting, the speaking was excellent,
and the Conservative feeling fully aroused.
COL Geo. w. ,Brent spoke frat. and in
clear and torcbe manner examined the mea
sures Of the Radical party sioc, the war. ex-
posed the party reasons which actuatei the lead
ers 10 much of their Congressional action, and
set forth the enormity of the legislation towards
the South AMI especially Virginia. Against
these measures and this legislation he contend
ed that it was the duty of every man who
desired to maintain the righ IS of the States
and the perpetuity OF the Uniou, to vote, and
the efectusl way TO stop further aggressions
upon US was TO eec: Conservative men to op
pose schemes and purposes which, if persisted
in, would only lead to tie worst results. Col.
Brent's speech was condensed and strong
: argument, aud his ideas were expressed in
eloquent language. 10 concluding his remarks
he paid tribute to the character and abilities
of Major Braxtop, aud recommended him TO
the favorable consideration aud active support
OF the people. He said, Major &. was worthy
OF the confidence of ell who desired goed gov
erument. He earnestly appealed to the Con-
servatiVes to exert themselves trom this time
10 the day of the election, in behalf OF their
cause and their candidate, aud 70 endeavor to
continue Virginia 10 the ranks OF those States
which are nobly resisting the attempt now
makiog to r,nder this consolidated govern
meut, overriding and prostrating the principles
of the Constitution.
H. 0. Claughton, esq, next took the stand,
and made a most capital speech, delivered IN
an animated and eloquent manner. He, too,
examined the measures and policy Of the Radl
cal leaders, and their course in the past. lie
denounced their policy as every way unjust and
Injurious, and calculated to PROSTATE the liber-
ties of the whole country and especially OF the
South. He commented with severity upon
what had been done in Congress- and especl-
ally upon the legislation IL regard 10 'lrglola,
in the iphictiun of military rule, and the ex-
clusion of representation. until the State could
he Manipulated SO as (the Radical leaders
thought to secure its control By the Radical
party. Mr. Claught then argued, that this
was DO mere personal contest, and should not
be so regarded. If principles are worth any
thing they must be northumberland the Coz
serystives to sustaiA them must vote Tor their
OVID candidates, irrespective Of personal con-
siderations lie said that the sitting member
of Congress was the candidate OF the party op
posed to Conservative principles aud there was
no,hipg in bis case which should make him an
execution to the rule, Of voting for mans
principles. II men wanted the success OF their
principles they most vote for those who would
carry out their views of governmental poiey'
and not entrust legislation to those who we're
opposed to their most cherished sentiments.
He examined the potica record OF the sitting
member, aud argued that there Was nothing
there TO show that he was DOT in full accord
with the Radical party-especlsl'y referring to
the evidence taken before the Reconstruction
Committee, as proof that the Conservative
party should not support him, now that there
waa q regular Conservative candidate. Mr..
CIaughton spoke 10 tho highest terms OF MAJ.
Braxton, aud warmly culogized him, calling
upon the Conservatives to rally in his support,
and give him their uoited assistance.
This is but the merest outline OF the general
SCOPE of the addresses, of both these geute-
men. Both Of them were warmly nppauded
throughout, both acquitted themselves admi-
rably, and both were complimented by the
audience. The generous and msgnanmous
endorsement: of the nomination OF MAJ. brax
ton-they having themselves been candidates
for the nomination-was every way honorable
and patriotic, and will be remembered to their
credit.
MIR. Walker, OF Westmoreland county, next
addressed the people. 1t was one OF the most
effective political speeches, We have heard Tor
long time past. In very short time ne had
the audience with him completeIy-and he
kept them spell bound during the whole time
Of its delivery. 1t was strong 10 argument
powerful in appeal, and enivened throughout
by happy strokes of w.t. and we'll told anecdotes
Some passages wese of the highest order OF
elOQUSUCc~6uu oluClS aSaiu VI lluO poIboS'
As he proceeded cheer after cheer went up
from the crowd, and the greatest enthusiasm
was created. We cannot undertake to report
the speech. 1t was impromptu, but none the
less telling on that account. Mr.. Walker ex-
posed the hollowness Of the pretentions of the
Rad;c, leaders to be the particular friends Of
freedom to the colored people, for the sake OF
humanity or the caus, of !iberty-he gave
their motives and reasons for their movements,
and cited the proofs of the correctness OF his
nositioos, In witherng terms, he spoke Of
t lssted ' by the party in power and OF their
narsnt determination 10 continue the worst and
moss oppressive measures. He urged, there
lore. the necessity OF union, zeal, activity ano