Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-09-09
Campaign In Southwestern Virginia.

Campaign in Southwestern Virginia.
Correspondence Of the Alexandria Gazette.
ABINGDON, Va, Sept. For one week
Gen. Kcmper and Col. VIM. S. Gilman have
been in southwestern Virginia. On August Goth
the party arrived at Salem, Roanoke county,
and in response to screnade, Gen. kempcr
and his right bower, Col. Gilman, opened the
canvass in the southwest in two very able and
pleasant speeches. On Sunday we went to Rocky
Mount Franklin county, and on Monday Gen.
kemper spoke to crowd Of not less than two
thousand people, number of ladies being
present who showered on our leader and Col.
Gilman numerous handsome bouquets. Mon
day evening we returned to Salem and lett
ucxt morning for Ncwburn, Pulaski county,
where crowd met our next Governor, OF over
one thousand people, and able and eloquent
speeches were delivered by both gentlemen.
At night u volley Of cannon was fired IN honor
Of the visit, and large number OF villagers a.
companled by band gave them sercnauc at
the house of Gen. Walker, whose guests they
were, when two more speeches were delivered.
The next morning Wednesday, they left New
burn for lllllsviIlc, the county seat OF Carroll,
aud spoke to Il crowd OF nearly twelve hundred
on Thursday Thence to Floyd Court House,
where an audience of nearly one thousand had
gathered, aud thence TO Chrstlansburg 10 take
the cars for this place, where We arrived at +
o clock this morning, having travelled over 50
miles by rail and one hundred and thlrty-nlnc
miles by private conveyance, in which time the
General aud COL Gilman have delivered seven
spec chcs, each two at Salem. Newburn and
fl ,lt
sercnadc, yet large amount OF fire works We're
set off when it was found that Gen. Kcmper
had arrived on Friday night.
The rapidity of the movement, the large
crowds, and the enthusiasm manifested has
never been equaled even in the southwest.
These mountains and valleys are inhabited by
a race Of men as true to Virginia as ever
breathcd; as hospitable and generous as ever
lived within the borders Of old Virginia. These
are rot an enthusiastic people, being quiet, but
determined, yet the speeches Of Gen. kcmper
aud COL Gilman have kiudled enthusiasm even
in these people, and their spontaneous bursts
Of applause, which come from the heart, are
indeed to be valued. The week has been one
great succession Of Intellectual treats and per
feet ovation to our leader. These mouutaincerS
are aroused, and the effect is visible, and the
great southwest will give larger maj0rltles than
it has yet douc in the history OF the State.
Gen. kcmpcrs speeches have had marvellous
effect, and the blows struck at Radicalsm have
gone directly home. While dsclamng all inten
ton Of attacking Hughes personally, he has
tcarlcssy held up his political record to the
scorn Of all true men. He has shown up the
dongs Of the Radicals in the Southern States.
and contrastcd their rot1enness with the acts Of
the Conservatives OF Virginia, who are now
running the State at less expense than was
done before the war. He has said that he
would rather restore Virginia to her pristine
glory than like Caesar, Napoleon, or any other
ccnqueror, wade through seas of blood to mount
despots throne. He has promised to be the
Governor Of all the people of Virginia. In re-
ierring to the administration he has said that
General Graot was not interested in this can
vass, it being a local affair, and has spoken OF
him in very kindly terms. He claims that all
who were interested in Virginia should sup
port the Conservative ticket, no matter whether
they we're Union men or secessionists Wings or
Dcmoc ats, or for Grant or Greeley. They
could now put aside all past differences and
unite iu maintaining the rights OF the people
Of Virginia.
COL Gilman, whose ability and humor are well.
known and appreciated in Alexandria, has been
of great aid to General kempcr in supporting
HIN and saying things about our gallant leader
that he could not say about himself. The Colonel
is an able, effective, and at the same time hum
crous speaker, and is doing able work in the
canvass. am certain the people Of AIexandria
will be glad to hear that Col. Gilman will be
with General kcmpcr when he visits AlcSan-
dria.
shall write you again as the canvass pro-
crosses. OCCASIONAL.