The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-10-18
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
a Big Conservative Meeting ut Char
IOtfesyillc.


TELLING SPEECHES BY HON. r. NJ. T. HUNTER,
COLONEL HOLIDAY OF WINCHESTER, COLO
MEL MAGRUDER, HON. JOHN T. HARRIS, s. F.
LEAKE, AND OTHERS.
Especial telegram to the Dispatch.J
CHARLOTTESVILLE, October 18th, 1873
This has been a glorious day for Charlottes-
vile. 4 large crowd of citizens Of the
county were in attendance at the court
house, where, at - O'Clock, they were ad-
dressed by Hon. r. NJ. L. Hunter. Mr..
Hunters speech, occupying about fifty min
utes, was just what might be expected Of a
scholar, statesman, and patriot. He re-
viewed the issues of the day in mastery
and convincing manner, and pictured vivid
ly the abject condition to which Virginia
would be reduced if the opposition were
allowed to succeed.
Colonel Holiday, Of Winchester, then ad-
dressed the people, and for one and half
hours held his audience enchained by his
thrilling eloquence. 1t would be folly to
attempt an abstract of his admirable address.
The impression he left here will never be
effaced, and it is fair to say that Conserva-
tism has been securely established in Abe
marie by this remarkable speech.
After the speeches, the crowd was invited
to substantial dinner, which was spread in
the courthouse yard, prepared by the citi-
zens of the county and sent in for the occa-
sion. Everything tended to show that the
people are in earnest in this matter.
At7a o'clock the bell called together an
other large concourse, which was addressed
by Colonel Magruder, Hon. John T. Harris,
S. F. Leake, Micajah Woods, and W. w.
Gilmer. Colonel Magruder dissected Mr.
Hughes, laid open all bis weak points, and
in an exhaustive speech of forty minutes
showed that the confidence of the people
was not misplaced in his nomination. Hon.
John T. Harris then spoke for about an hour
He confined himself mainly to the financial
and social aspects of the issue, and handled
his subjects in skiIful and mastery manner,
driving home his arguments by forcible il
Illustrations. He struck Mr.. Hughes few
"spats" in a way that delighted his au-
dicnce. He is pleasant and able speaker,
and gave good advice to the colored people
present.
Hon. S. F. Leake was called upon, and
spoke about fifteen minutes. He took the
ground that this contest was an issue be-
tween the white man and the negro for su-
premacy, and it was useless to shut our
ewes to this fact. He urged upon the peo-
ple to stand by the Conservative party and
keep Virginia out of the clutches of this
thieying, plundering crew. Mr. Leake's adj
dress was received with great applause.
Mr.. Woods then made short speech, in
which be took occasion to hold up the con-
duct of Mr.. Niche (who had announced
himself as an independent candidate for
Commonwealth's Attorney to the view OF
the people. ...... .-
Loud calls were then made for W. W.
Gilmer, who took the stand, and in bis Pc.
culiar manner kept them roaring with
laughter. He gave good advice to the stu
dents present, exhorted them to make their
marks in the world, and not gain only sufh.
cieut knowledge to make them discontented
and fit only for carpet-baggers and scala.
ways, The meeting then adjourned. The
effects of it will be seen November 4th.