Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-10-15
ALEXANDRIA,, VA.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER IS, 1873.
TIE CONSERVATIVE MEETING.

last night, was one ofthe largest and most III
telligent that has been assembled since the war
The spacious hall was compacty filed, and
crowds, unable to gain an entrance, stood
around the doorways eagerly listening to the
remarks of the speakers.
At eight o'clock the meeting was called 10
order by John B. Smoot, esq, Chairman Of
the County Conservative Committee, who,
after few preliminary remarks, introduced to
the meeting Gov GILBERT q. WALKER. The
Governor, who has, since his first introduction
to our people, in 1850 won their admiration
by his manly course aud answering devotion
to the best interests of Virginia and the cause
Of Conservatism, was received with enthusi-
assn, and for al hour and quarter unclaimed
the attention OF his audience, and frequently
elected their hearty applause. He reviewed,
with ability, the past, present and future OF
Radcalism 10 this State and the South most
successfully combating the claim set up by the
leaders Of that party to the appellatlon OF
"poor mans party" and concusivelY showed
that the aim and object had 10 view was to
array labor against capital, and fually bring
about Communism. He earnestly cxhortcd
the Conservatives to prevent the old Com
monwealth from falling into the power OF those
who would SILK her to the condition OF the
Southern States that had been coerccd into
harmony with the administration, and warned
his hearers that the relief, so much prated
about by the Radical speakers, would be re-
lief from all partci patton in the affairs OF the
State, aud the privilege of being taxed to meet
the demands Of those who would have no other
interest than to make what they could out of
the pockets of the people. He took up the
Lyuchburg platform, and showed that the same
Objectionable features incorporated in all their
preceding platforms since 1869, have been re-
affirmed by the Radicals in this last one, and
that the party is most decidedly a proscrlp-
tive one, and themselves are trying to force into
the contest the issue Of race.
The Governor expressed the opinion that all
parties, sooner or later, dlsintegrate, and that
none hold unlimited sway; that at this time, IN
this country, parties are 10 chaotic condition,
and that the Conservative party of Virginia
was to be the nucleus around which will rally
the good men of the nation, of all parties and
build up mighty party, which, getting posses
sion ofthe government, will bring it back to its
original intent He secuted the idea Of Col.
Hughes, or any other Radical, influencing Con-
gress to aid in the completion of the James
River and Kanawha Canal, and said that if
Virginians were to sell out their principles for
such an unsubstantial promise the canal had
better never be completed.
He said that amidst the corruption in State
and Federal governments, he was proud to say
that Firginia's escutcheon was untarnished
and that she was like light on high hill,
attracting the attention of the good of all
States, and that she was pointed to as an ex-
ample worthy of imitation. He considered that
the issues Of 1869 were involved in the present
campaign; that then the snake had been scotch
ed, but that this time he hoped it would be
killed outright. The Governor concluded his
remarks with an earnest appeal for the main
tainauce of Conservative rule in Virginia
We do not intend this as synopsis of Gov.
Walkers speech. 1t would do him very great
injustice, 10 factany report would, that failed
to picture the digniied and graceful manner in
which the speech was delivered. We express
the opinion Of all in saying that it was broad
and statesman like view Of the political situa-
ton, aud reflected great credit upon it's author
As we have said above, the speaker was fire.
quenty interrupted by applause, and his audi
euce were greatly delighted.
Col. Il. d. Berkeley, of Richmond, was next
introduced, and made most eloquent and tell
ing speech, reviewing and contrasting the two
parties and their leaders, and appealing to the
audience to support the competent and intcli-
gent gentlemen nominated by thcConscrvatives,
who will work out Virginia salvation, and put
her again on the high road to prosperity. The
remarks of Col. B. were listened to with the
utmost attention, and his eloquent flights, hap
~ illusions and convincing arguments aud car
nest manner won for him the plaudits of his
hearers and his speech will be remembered as
one of the finest efforts of the campaign.
Col. Z. +. Stuart next addressed the meet
ing combining his remarks chiefly to matters re-
lating to local affairs, in which he said he was
most deeply interested inasmuch as it was his
object to represent Alexandria in the next Leg
islature. He favored repeal Of many of the
laws on the statutes which he considered op-
pressive and degrading, and would, if elected,
do all he could to advance the prosperity Of
Alexandria and the State. Col. S. was fire.
quently applauded during the delivery of his
remarks.
Loud calls having been made for Capt. j. NJ.
Steuart, that gentleman took the stand, and in
manly and we'll timed speech Of few minutes,
explained his position as a candidate for the
House of Delegates, to which position, if elect
ed, be would exert all his ability and influence
for the promotion of the welfare of all the
people. If he should be elected he hoped that