The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-09-04
OUR PETERSBURG LETTER

OUR PETERSBURG LETTER.
Important Meetings In the Fourth District
n Poor show for Porter In GreensyiIIa (Jounty
Mr.. stowelrs Speech In Pet.r.bnrg las
Nfaht-Popham's Challcnge-Card from Mr.
StowelL
PETERSBURG, VA, Sept. 4.
To the Editor Of the State Journal:
One of the largest meetings of Republi-
cans ever held in the county assembled al
the courthouse in the county of Green's
vile last Monday. A joint discussion of
the issues of the Congressional canvass
took place between Messrs. Stowell and
Porter. Each of those gentlemen spoke
for about two hours. They were followed
by Lewis Lindsey, of Richmond, for Mr..
Porter, and Hon. p. X. Jones, of Green's
vile, for Mr.. Stowell, after which vote
was taken as to opinions of the large
crowd between the two candidates, and the
response was cheer after cheer for the Hon,
w. Ii. IL. Stowell, the regular candidate.
Mr.. Jones, who was presiding, said
Well, its no use TO put the other side of
the question, as everybody is for Mr..
Stowell." But Lindsey was not satisfied
with that, and proposed cheers for Porter,
swinging his hat with great gusto. The
response was feeble cheer from one man
Mr.. Jones then warned the Porterites
against their usual representations as to the
result of these meetings, and telling them
to tell the truth about the vote at Green's
VILE. Notwithstanding that, the Inder of
yesterday has the following
Pull Dick, Pull DEvlL.--There was a great
radical gathering yesterday at Hicksford, the
county seat of Greensvillp. Porter and Stowell
both made speeches, advocating their respective
claims to go to Congress and cut jackets in a way
which ELECTED the sincere admiration of the non
ulace. The Porter people inform us that StoweH
was literally chewed up, and that the meeting
then proceeded with immense enthusiasm 10
ratify the nomination of MIR. Porter.
Further comment is unnecessary.
A large meeting of the Republicans of
Petersburg was held last night at the court
house in this city. Mr.. j. w. B. Matthews
presided Speeches were made by Mr..
Matthews and Mr.. Joseph P. Evens. The
feature of the meeting was the admirable
address of the Hon. w. Ii. Ii. Stowell
He spoke with great deliberation and clear
ness first placing himself squarely on the
great national issues and then reviewing
his own Congressional record showing that
while he was in his place in Congess voting
on the great national measures of the last |
session such as the civil rights bill and the
tariff bill, as well as the important local |
questions of reducing the tax on tobacco.
Mr.. Porter was in the county of Mecklen-
burg and other parts Of this district work.
ing to secure his election to Congress.
MIR. Stowell then gave a clear and con-
else history of the Farmville Convention,
and taking Mr.. Portcr's own statements
showed conclusyely that it was impossible
for Mr.Porter to obtain the nomination.
and that he (Air. StowelD did get the regu-
lar nomination fully and fairly, and after
a thorough and active canvass of the entire
district had been made by Mr.. Porter.
The meeting was an excellent one. The
full sympathy of the crowd was with Mr..
Stowell, his telling arguments having o
most convincing effect; aud at the conclu-
sion of the meeting his nomination was
and enthusiastically ratified.
The Inder of this morning published the
between Colonel Popham
and Mr.. Porter, giving the challenge ana
acceptance for joint discussion tonight.
1t looks like perfect understanding
between the Index and Mr. Porter TO
zee the latter's response in print this
morning, when it is known to have been
made as late as 4 o'clock yesterday af.
ternoon. The Inder says "Stowell. it
would seem, thinks discretion is the better
1art of valor; and he will not take
land." The following response will show
he In0er his error
~ PETERsBrRe, VA, Sept. s. 1872
,osoad J. r. Pophdm.
1 am this evening in receipt of your telegram |
announcing yourself as independent Republic
an candidate for Congress, and inviting me to
meet you in joint discussion in this city to-Inor-
ow evening.
I hov q nra..;nue an,r, xo,,a,.. x.t.,. ~. |
i Prince Edward county for tomorrow evening,
nd always make it rule to fulfill my engae e.
nents, but in view of the fact that yo,r coming
as been so loudly heraded by the Conservative |
apers OF Richmond and Petersburg and that
ny absence, even to Keep an engage .nent pre-
lously made, would be inisconstrued, / have | ,
oncluded to accept your invitation, and will
re present ~ -
Very respectfully, our obedient servant,
RE- lM w. II. II. SrowEL
There will doubtless be large meeting
o,Inght, and lively time is anticipated.
u view of the importance of the discus
ION and the fact that the courtroom is
ot in condition for use tonight, the reg
lar meeting of the Grant and Wilson
Tub has been postponed to Tomorrow
light, when it is hoped every genuine ..
republican will consider it his duty to be
resent. 1t will be a very important
leeting, as much business will be trans
cited and plan of operations for the
ampaign adopted. OCCASIONALLY.
"A II To