The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-12-29
Death Of Colonel ]. S. Watkins.

Death of Colonel j. S. Watkins.
We learn that Colonel JosErn s. WATKINS
formerly of Goochland county, in this state
died on the 9Th instant, at the residence oil MS
daughter, Mrs. DR.. WISER, near Galveston
Texas, In the seventy-eighth year of bis age
The present generation knows little OF
nothing Of Colonel WATKINS yet the mention
Of his name rcYives in those of more ad
vanced age some Of the most interesting o.
well as most exciting events in the poitica
world that have happened in the preseh'
century. lie was member OF one OF tle
Oldest and most highly respected families o.
virginia. He was born in Goochland, ano
was educated for tho practice OF the law ou'
when q very young man was sent 10 Tue
| Legislature and he gave hisattentlon 10 poNIicS
from that time until he left his native state
Colonel WATKINS was remarkable ior Tue
frankness and independence OF his characIei,
| lie was an active and spirited partlsall' anu
| a skilful manager Of party campaigns
| very good debater, he was both courageous
and adroit. The Late Mr.. RlTcHfE looked
| upon him % one Of the most efficient OF Tie
Democratic leaders, and consulted him pro-
badly az much as he did any other man o'''
ring the exciting political campaigns from
1928 to 20.
Colonel WATKINS was in his Cay an advanced
Democrat-one who was pronounced ndlca'
in his views. lie would be i'll this day Con-
sentative. lie was a devoted JACKSON man,
and the boldness with which lie proclaimed bis
views against the money power, the national
banks, and "r.g-barons," along with MS
"people's-rights phrases, made him the
object of much denunciation, as well as aver
sion. for time amongst the "Silver-Gray "
Wings, But this aversion he lived down.
His genial and frank disposition, along with
good humor, conquered personal dislike, so
that 10 became a privileged member of the
House of Delegates. His stage whis.
pers were tolerated by members and
speaker, and luis habit of whispering
in that style was inveterate. All old
members remember his audible and hearty
"aqreed !" which united sometimes divided
House, and passed measures whose fate was
doubtful. He was active, industrious, watch
full, knew everything that was going on, AND
saw that nothing went through without ex
PLANTATION. He debated measures boldly, and
was devoted to the public interests. lie was
one of the pioneers in the cause of internal
Improvement, and stood next to the late
JOSEPH G. CABELL as the efficient and infu'
entail advocate of the James River and Ia
nawha canal.
In the exciting times Of notification 9
scene occurred at the capitol in which
" Colonel JoE," az he was called, figured, and
which Is interesting as showing the feeling
of those times. It was the ed February
probably 'S3 /; Governor TAzEwELL had just
been inaugurated. He was nullitier, and
he placed upon the capitol the State flag
with the motto Of oslo semper tyrannis" in
lieu of the national flag, which had been
formerly planted there on all national ami
versaries. This caused a great sensation. The
anti-nullifiers were indignant. They argued
that it was a departure from custom which
was IN insult to public sentiment. A large
multitude assembled upon the Capitol
Square. Colonel WATKINS was greatly ex-
cited, and swore he would plant the national
flag where it had always been displayed on
WAsHrSeToS's birthday" Aided by SER
want, he ransacked tho dusty apartments OF
the attic, and finally discovered the staff and
a piece Of the national flag nearly all whip
ped out by tho winds. With this he assembled
to the top Of the capitol and removing the
State flag, he planted the national banner in
its place; and was loudly cheersd by the
people.
The incident showed the strong national
attachments of the people Of Virginia. Col
onel WATKINS was O secessionist Gin the alb
stract," as were the great majority Of Virgil
min statesmen. But they did not contem
plate then the probability of its practical use,
and were strongly devoted to the Union
That feeling, somewhat weakened by rude
treatment, was continued down to tho eve Of
the late war. Virginia was then the friend
of the Union, aud had she not been kicked
out as it were by men rs vulgar as they Were
unfcelins and inconsiderate, she would have
averted tho war and pacifed the Union.
As long conc by as are the days when the
event we notice occurred, and rs long past es
are the times when Colonel WATKINS figured
in this State, he will be remembered by many
who knew him well and entertained for him
the kindest feelings. He was very promi-
nent man in his day. AS with all men, he
had his faults; but he was true patriot, a
true friend, and loyal gentleman in all his
relations.
"It Is announced that murderouS out