The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-09-09
Discussion at Warsaw Between Judge
Critcher and John =. BraxtOn. Esq.
WARSAW, RICHMOND COUNTY,

a. w Ahs3aW ItlCBmoND CcUNI1, [
September 5, 1873. !
70 the Editor OF The state Journal:
1t having been published that there
would be discussion between Judge
Critcher and John S. Braxton, esq, by the
nominees of their respective parties for
the senate, on last Monday, the largest audi
ence assembled that has been seen here
for long time.
Judge Critcher opened the discussion,
announcing that he was candidate by the
advice of those who thought he could con-
centrate vote no other man in the district
could justified himself for not having
been more active in the late congressional
canvass explained his participation in the
congressional grab by referring to prece-
dents in federal legislation, and urged fur
Their that no gentleman with two members
of his family could live at third-class
hotel in Washington in modest way
upon the former pay. He then gave his
reasons for opposing the Republican party.
Most of his remarks were on federal poll
tics; whether because, as some think, he
has not forgotten the fat things lett behind,
that state affairs do not interest him, or
awaken remembrances Of an implied pledge
given his friend Gilman when seeking Re-
publican support, others can judge.
Mr.. BraXton replied in speech of an
hour, reviewing and successfully meeting
the arguments of his opponent. He said
he was the candidate of two races, who
have lived and still live in harmony, and
should cultivate kindly feelings. Unlike
his friend, who is just rom federal halls of
legislation, the enjoyment of federal wealth,
he came from the contemplation of the
ruined condition of his state, presented in
petitions and schedules in bankruptcy, to
ask an impartial examination of the princ-
pies and practices of the two parties seek
ing the control OF state affairs, in order to
afford proper relief He then compared
the two platforms, and showed that all that
was valuable and practicable in the Con-
servative resolutions was taken from the
Republican another grab affair, stealing
their thunder. He then turned to the indivi-
dual grab of his opponent, and contendedh he
might have been ovcr-persuaded by his
copartners, Butler, Spears, & Co., but the
act was an individual matter for which he
was personally responsible. This justify
ing himself by reference to precedent of
wrong should not recommend him to office.
Enquired of the Judge what he would do
Gf perchance he should be elected to the
senate, to meet the expenses of himself
and two members of his family in Rich
mond, where the pay is only 5000? He
hoped he would not go back on his poor
old mother for extra pay. .1
In reply to the argument Of his opponent,
being the declaration in the first resolution
of his platform that the success of Repub-
licanism in Virginia would bring the
condition existing in the south, Mr.. B.
claimed that the refusal of: the intelligent
portion of the south who, like Mr.. Davis
and Judge c., refused or failed to aid in
reconstruction, forced the people to seek
advice of Adventures, who availed them
selves of the opportunity to grab the public
funds, to pay the expenses of self and
two members of their family and other
extras. He showed there was no compare
son between the south in 1866 and
an overwhelming majority the uneducated
class in Virginia there is prepOnderance
if the intelligent class at the rate of seven
to five the party as now organized in Vir-
ginia have intelligent leaders to the maner
born. The colored people have shown every
disposition to receive advice and counsel
from those who advise for the interest of
all without regard to former state or condi-
ton, but they will not trust their political |
rights to party who declare the colored |
man is not fitted for a participation in public |
affairs, but must be educated and abide the |
lime when others shall say he is prepared. |
Mr.. b. reviewed the state legislature
under Conservative rule, and showed they
mad passed laws most burthensome and
ruinous to the country, which public sent-
nent has forced them to repeal that Tide
water Virginia, which had contributed more
If the revenue than any portion Of the
state OF the same extent, had felt that the |
asst act Of the legislature bore heavily on
he oyster men. The expose Of its enor-
nifty by Mr.. b. caused his opponent to say, |
I elected, would vote for its modification.
This is but an outline. 1t would be
impossible to do justice to this first political
discussion of Mr.. B., which drew from
hose who have differed with him common
lations, and assures the Republican party |
hat they have in Mr.. b. one to lead them to |
ictory in November.
AN OBSERVER.