The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-09-20
.1Jhr l)iroinia State Suurnal
SATURDAY EvEN'G. SEP. 20, 1873.

Ipfuf Discussion Between COfOnei Pop
nam and WIN. II. Gordon. Kepupn-
cans. and Charles Ifernuon anu -.
r. Daniel. COnscryafives-Sptitt in the
Democratic Pnrfy-IndepenucntC cam
didiatcS.
STAFFORD G. H., September IL.
There was an interesting political dis.
cussion here to-day between VIM. +. Cor
don, independent, and Charles Herndon,
Conservative, candidates for the state SEN
ate, aud Colonel John II. Popham, Repub-
lcan canvasser, and Raleigh i. Daniel.
The division of time was very unfair to-
wards Messrs. Gordon and Popham. Mr..
Gordon was to open the discussion in o
speech of half an hour, to which MIR.
lierndon was to reply in the same length
of time; Colonel Popham then following
in a hall-hour speech, and Mr.. Daniel to
conclude without limit as to time.
For the short time allotted him, Mr..
Gordon made as effective speech as could
be made. He proved that it was the duty
of all citizens OF the state to acquiesce in
and perpetuate the results of the war as
securing an indissoluble union Of the
states and the political equality of the
colored man, which could be accomplished
Only by making the state government ac-
cord with the national government. lie
showed the incompetency Of the Con-
ton during the last four years.
They had protracted every session
of the legislature beyond the constitutional
limit, at an expense as great as that Of
the old county court system, which they
had abolished on the pretence of econ-
omy. They had shingled nearly every
farm in the state with judgments, costs
and commissions by their stay laws, and
accumulated the public debt by the com.
pound-interest feature of the funding bill,
while, last year, they passed law EXEMPT
ing private debts from interest during the
war. Mr.. Gordon's speech made deep
impression on his hearers. The reply of
Mr.. Herndon was made up of appeals to
the prejudices and passions of his audi
ence lie did not pretend to answer sim
gle argument made BY Mr.. Gordon.
Colonel Popham's speech would have
been fully up to the standard of briliancy,
and power which his previous efforts have
won, but for the shortness OF his time and
prolonged interruption when he produced
the late letter of Governor Wise. No
sooner was the name of Wise uttered than
it was saluted with Kisses and jeers. No
comment on this incident is necessary.
Colonel Popham told them it was useless
for him to speak if they were resolved to
believe only what they heard from the
other side, and reminded them of the
deceitful representations made last year to
secure their support for Greeley, and this
year they give General Grants administra-
ton qualified approval He showed that
the talk about negro supremacy was OF
The same kind OF Misrepresentation, to
force the people into support of kemper,
whether willing or not. He defended our
state ticket and urged its election as a
means of securing the aid Of the govern
ment to the completion of our great
water line, and TO induce immigration and
capital to Virginia.
Mr.. Daniel, in concluding tie discus
sion, INDUCED in Misrepresentation of the
most palpablc kind. He spoke Of the
national government as "that internal con-
Germ at Washington"
The Conservative nominating con-
venton, which was to have assembled
to-day, sbroke up in row." Eleven
delegates out of the twenty-foui
elected refused 10 go into convention or
account of subtle combination by which
all aspirants but one were to be slaugh-
tered on the first ballot. Mr.. Suite, the
former delegate, and Messrs. Wallace
Green, and Brooke were candidates. Thir-
teen delegates claiming to be the conven
ton, shut themselves up in little room
and proclaimed Mr.. Wallace the nominee
At the conclusion of Mr.. Daniels speech
Mr. Duff Green substantial and estima
BILE citizen, announced himself an independ
ent candidate, claiming that he had beer
cheated out of the nomination when he hat
larger popular vote in his favor, and Q
larger number Of delegates than any of his
competitors.
Owing to want Of notice but few of oul
party were present to-day. We hope wher
our canyassers again visit us due notice will
be gwen that we may give them a better
reception. IF Stafford is well canvasset
she will poll much larger vote for Hughes
Ramsdel and Fultz than she has ever be
fore cast for Republican candidates.
Hon. James B. Sener has returned from
his trip to the west. His friends will b
clad to know that he is looking well.
STAFFORD.
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