The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-11-07


Democratic Mob---The Mayor PowerIess.
DANvILLE, VA, November 5, 1871.
Tone Editor orhe State Journal.
After a notice of two weeks duration,
and after having rented the Masonic Hall
for that purpose, the Republicans of Dam
vile held for attempted to hold) a mass
meeting on Saturday evening last. The
object of which was to listen to the Repub-
lican nominees and other gentlemen, mem
bers of the party. just before the meeting
was opened, the Democrats proposed to
divide time with us and also to close the
discussion. The Republicans not having
had this courtesy extended to them in the
Democratic meetings very properly declined
to accede to this very conservative PROPOSE
ton. This made the Democrats mad, and
some were foolish enough to declare that
we were afraid to meet them. The Repub-
licans kindly proposed to allow their speak
or or speakers one hour each, merely re-
tanning the privilege Of closing the discuss
sion. This was rejected by the Democrats.
Finding that we could not accommo-
date the Democrats, the meeting was call
ed to order, and O. Z. Whitehead, ESQ.,,
appointed chairman.
The chairman introduced Mr.. Joseph
Davis, the colored Republican candidate for
the Legislature. Mr.. d. made a neat little
speech, and defined his position; pledged
himself to support the Republican princi-
pies, etc., and returned to his seat amid APP
plause.
M. Richard Lloyd, another Republican
nominee, was next introduced. This gen.
tleman, in spite of the frequent interrupt
tons, made good speech many good points
were made, the colored men frequently tes-
tifying, by loud and prolonged applause,
that they would stand by him.
When Mr.. L. had resumed his seat, the
chairman proposed to Messrs. Green and
Peatross, two shining lights in the Democ-
racy, that they should reply to Mr.. Lloyd.
THIS proposition aoas rejected.
The chairman then introduced Mr.. VIM.
l.. Fernald. This gentleman is a trump,
and can make ared-hot speech. Mr. +. had
not proceeded very far in his address when
he was interrupted by Lawyer Peatross, IA
Democrat who expressed desire to hear
the charges that had been made against Mr..
M. r. Lloyd. Mr.. Fernald replied that the
Z fabrications, they could hardly bear the
name Of charges,) had been time and again
refuted, and denounced as lies. Mr.. Pea
tross said he had heard that Mr.. Wheeler
our Radical Postmaster" here, had made
charges against Lloyd, in a Republican
meeting some time ago; and Wheeler had
taken the trouble to collect evidence against
The Republican nominee. Now he would
like to have those charges produced, and
wanted to hear what Lloyd had to say
about It. Mr.. Lloyd rose and explained
that at mass meeting, where a joint discus
IL IL ,p,,, Iotn
i, Sutherlin, the Democratic nominee, hearing
i that there were charges against him, (Suth-
o erlin,) had proposed to drop all charges on
Lloyd, after Lloyd had given the lie to all
the said charges. Lloyd's reply was that
it was immeterial to HIM whether the
charges were presented or not He could
meet them, and would make charges against
the Democratic nominees that could be sus-
tanned. But as Major S. desired it, the
charges OH both sides should be suppressed.
A vote was taken in the meeting and it
supported the decision and proposition.
But this explanation was not received by
the Democracy they called loudly and
frantically for Wheeler and Green. Mr..
Fernald attempted to continue his speech,
but was hooted and yelled at by the De-
mocracy.
Our Mayor, who is a gentleman in every
sense of the word, was called upon to sup
press the disturbance, but could do next to
nothing. Mr.. Fernald finally concluded
his speech. AT this time Mr.. Stowcll ar
rived from Richmond he was to speak,
The chairman retired, leaving Mr.. Femald
in the chair. At this time the Democracy
began to get red hot; they yelled and
hooted, crowded and pressed upon the plat
form, where were seated Messrs. w. II. ii.
Stowell, NJ. c., w. L. Fernald, M. r.
LLOYD and j. Frank Lewis. These gentle
men stood their ground.
The Democracy continued to call for
Wheeler, their friend, and Green their
prophet. Green mounted the stand and re-
iterated statements made by Wheeler. In
response to calls, Mr.. Wheeler addressed
the meeting, said he didn't make no
charges-somc body else did, etc., and
amid much hesitation read some copies Of
letters from somebody to somebody else.
As every letter was read, the colored men
would shout and thunder, . hurrah for
Loyd!" Mr.. Wheeler, finally concluded
his highly interesting entertainment, gotten
mp regardless of expenses, as the show bills
say and gracefully descended.
Mr.. Green would not then allow Lloyd
to reply, the mob hooting and bowling all
the time.
81 Mr.. Stowell, who came from Richmond
by appointment, was not allowed to speak.
Green took possession of the stand and
proceeded to speak. For the sake of peace,
the Republicans retired from the hall cheer
ing and shouting for Lloyd. This last out
rage of the Ku-Klux has made us many
votes and strengthened us.