The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-05-15

FARMvILLE, Va, May 10, 1871.
To the Editor Of the State Journal.
/ have noticed with amusement and
with some establishment the mendacious
attempts of the Democratic press to make
martyr of our late friend Scion johnson,
who rather intimated when he left us that
his career as Democratic orator should
cease from that date. The unfortunate
was not only skinned but tanned also aud
though his hide was large one, it was
thoroughly done, and I assure you it was
a most enjoyable and laughable process.
And as in the JOURNAL of the 18th instant
you call for the facts, it will give me
pleasure to do so as briefly as possible.
During the whole of last week placards
were posted all over the town, announcing
that noted orator would be there the
Saturday following, and inviting every one
10 hear him. Indeed the occasion was
deemed 30 i'm portant that ths town bell
was rung (fact) and we, amongst others.
wendell our way toward "Leigh Hail."
where we found a goodly collection of our
Democratic friends; no one, however,
seemed aware of the object of the meet
ing, until finally, after a silence of some
time, our gentcmanly and courteous Mayor
was called to the chair, who, as he passed
up the aisle, anxiously inquired what the
meeting was for. After calling it to order,
he looked vanly for some explanation, but
none being forthco ming, he finally inform
ed US that the meeting was ready to hear
the views of any one upon the topics of |
the day-poitics, religion or agriculture. |
Whereupon q feeble VOC, from the res r |
of the crowd was heard, which proceeded
from our friend Scion, who, after inform
ing us that bis friend Perkins, Conserva-
tive negro, (who was to announce him. |
was sick, and telling us that he did not
feel inspired with his subject, be introduced
Colonel Hubbard, of Buckingham, at one
time member of Congress from this dis
trlct The Colonel, a thorough gentleman
OF the old school, after giving us detailed
history of the Democratic party from the
time of Jefferson, and endeavoring in a
rambling sort of way to make some points
IN relation to the tax on tobacco, (about
which he evidently knew nothing,) con-
slderately spared us, and sat down, and
the redoubtable Scion was received BY his
Democratic friends with acclamatiou.
Again promising that he was not inspired
with his subject, land which | could
readily believe,) he went into eulogy of
Colonel Hubbard, who seemed to bear the
lnfilctlon of his fulsome fattery stoically
enough; he then dilated upon R. M. r.
Hunter, who seemed another of his pets
after which he fell into the stereotyped
channel of all Democratic orators, mis-
stating facts, and winding up by abusing
the unfortunate carpet-baggers and scala
r s'hom he asserted were the cause of
all the'nisfortunes of the country.
Unhappy Scion much better for him
had he been at rest with his illustrious
name-sake in the land of Grease II 1.-The
bad only known what was in store for
him, he would never have stopped 10
Farmville.
When he was through speaking his
piece, Mr.. Edgar Allan arose and with
lew humorous and judicious remarks, dis
posed OF the Colonel, after which he
directed his whole attention to the unfor- 9
innate Scion, who squirmed in his seat and
vas no doubt wishing himself thou
sand miles away.
Inc speaker, In the happiest manner
hOPV5 opO WuUit ASSEM- Diag0 IN o | 8
oar of laughter, faying poor Scion alive. q
Every one enjoyed it, both Democrat and :,
Republican, and all were in the best OF hui y
nor excepting Scion, who said, soto uoce, 9,
hat he couldn't see the fun. So far from e.
icing interrupted in his speech, he was lis !
ened to with undivided attention, as the d
inquirer can find by taking the trouble to al
inquire. The editor of the Neao Common. re
'salth. whose articles are as bitter and un- al
compromising as any in the State, informed &C &C
Is as be left the hall, that be had seldom Of
njoyed anything more, or laughed as to
earthly, as ne had that evening. III
Scion evidently was much mortified, and p'
aid he was thoroughly disguised with M n,
.ankee Allan but that is certainly no Ia
eason why he should eudeavor to dis .,
sminate SO abominable falsehood, and Il
70 call up the editor of the Me,o Common :,
,eatth who was present, and cognizant of ~
IL the facts, to honestly refute the base ar
alumny aid set his metropolitan confreres IN
lght,-that is, if they have any desire to de
o what is right. SO
FARMvILLE. p ~