The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-08-26


passed the ordinance of secession.
Colonel Hughes then reviewed the history
Of the Conservative party in Virginia, and
said they were obliged to abandon their
organization as, a, white mans party in
1868 because the leaders found themselves
abandoned, and demanded the acceptance of
the new Constitution and the withdrawal OF
Withers, Walker, and Marye. The people
were determined to return to the Union and
States rights, and afterwards evinced that
deterrni nation in the adoption of the Consti:
tuition. So much for 1861, 1868, and 1863
and in 1872 the people showed the same
spirit. Although politicians urged them to
take an indirect method, they preferred the
better way Of declaring for reinion by voting
for the candidates Of national party. The
only question no W, he repeated, is, whether
they will elect the candidate of a sectional or
of national party How, now, do they try
to evade it? BY raising the envy of the
white man against the negro. The negroes
naturally and properly go with the Re-
publican party because it gave them their
rights and protects them in il and because it
is the party OF. freedom, the, party of pro-
greSs, and the party of the nation. For. this
reason, and this alone, the Republican was
called negro party. and the Conservative
press had bristled with appeals to white men
to rally against the blacks. The color pre-
judice presents their only hope Of success.
To this, therefore, he had addressed himself
almost wholly in his Lynchbrrg speech. The
Conservative party had been weighed in the
balance and found wanting. and in Novem-
Der next the people would, by an over
whclming vote, proclaim their allegiance to
the National Republican party, declare again
for reiinion and reconciliation, and install /,
Republican administration in power. 1t
need not be said that no national
issues are involved in this canvass
there are but two parties in this
country, and Virginia must array herself
with one or the other The mission of his
party was TO bring the State back where
Washington put her, and that mission will
be accomplished. The National Republican
party was the party that nominated and
would elect him.
In conclusion. Colonel Hughes arraigned
the Conservative party for violations of the
spirit of the Constitution in regard TO the
homestead act and for other alleged intrac.
tions of the Constitution.
Mr.. Gordon, the Conservative chairman,
then, in words of real eloqucncc and glow
ing eulugy, introduced General james l..
Kemper, the Conservative nominee for Gov.
ernor. After al eloquent reference 10
Fauquier county as the place, where
rest the bones Of bis fathers, General
kemper said that he should utter no SEMI
ments and make no remarks incompatible
with the dignity of The high Office for which
both he and Colcue Hughes were candi-
tlutcs. His opponent should be treated with
proper courtesy. As to himself, he shrlmk
with sincere diifidence from the responsible.
ties which the people of Virginia had im'
posed upon him, but he religiousIy cunS to
principle, that an office should be neither
sought nor declined. The representatives
of the people bad made him their candidate
by unanimous vote, and he had never re.
fused, and never would refuse, to obey The
call OF his native State in the councils of
peace or the stern ordeal OF war. Personal
matters, however, are not now to be con
sidered. A great political crisis should en-
gross our thoughts. Our country and hel
cause are ut stake, and he was ready to join
hands with all who desile to make oul
proud old Commonwealth Us proud, happy
and free as of old. He was not here TO
waste words on matters and measures, pol.
icy or politics, and was not prepared to fol
low bis competitor over the broad arena
over which he had travelled. Mr
Hughes had carefully steered clear
Of every one of the issues which
sbake Virginia TO her foundations to-
day. lie reminded him of an Incl
dent which occurred in Richmond d
few days ago. A consultation Of physicians
was held with view to deciding upon the
best means of preventing the approach oI
cholera. Their deliberations were interrupt.
ed by young doctor, who said, g don'l
know much about cholera, but have first
rate mcdiciue for ft;." Mr.. Hughes had con
fued himself to foreign ground, and had SO
spoken Is to draw of the public mind from
the real question brought home to us to-day
He proposed to hold him up to the line and to
Just responsibility. With Hughes as a man
he had nothing to do, but with his political
record he proposed to deal with an unSpal-
ing and an ungloVed hand, holding him
strictly accountable as a representative man
of the Radical party in Virginia. This is nc
national contest; parties are not divided
here as at the North; we are happily
withdrawn from the arena of Federal
POLITICS the great issue here is what
sort of government are We. TO have
in Virginia to deal with our lives and
liberties for the next four years. These
issues do not come under the cogDizance OF
Federal courts or require the action OF PresI.
dent Grant ;and as to President Grant, he
would gay that he had 10 desire to condemn
him in advance. He had entered upon
another term, and it will be well for him and
lis if he rises above the level of sections and
faction and obeys the voice Of patriotic duty
SO as to secure the welfare OF every State
and the whole country. But, General henl'
per repeated, this is canvass affecting oul
oNn altars and homes, and Mir. Hughes cam
not escape the issues. 1t matters not whether
we have been Democrats, or Wings before
the war. Secessionists or Unionists in 1851
and 1861; whether we have been io'
x,A.IA. nr Enr Grant for MahOmel