National Republican., 1875-07-26
VIRGINIA.
Items Of Interest in the First Congressional
District-Picnics and Politics.

Items Of Interest in the First Congressional
District-Picnics and Politics.
FREDERIcKsBURG, VA, July q, 1875.
To the Editor Of the National Republican:
SIR: Yesterday was quite gala day with the
lads and lassies Of this usually quiet burg. The
knights of Pythias gave . picnic on Scott's
Island, spot rendered peculiarly beautiful and
appropriate by nature for such pdrposes. Syra-
cuse Lodge, Of Richmond, was the guest Of the
lodge here. The members, accompanied BY base
ball club Of Richmond and 9 number Of ladies,
reached here about nine O'Clock, and were escorted
from the depot by members Of the Fredericksburg
Lodge, headed by brass band. All went merry
as q marriage bell until toward the close OF the
day, when q fight and q heavy rain broke up the
party. l noticed In the handbIlls what seemed
to be
AVERY UNNECESSARY PREoAUTIoN,
as the negroes here are as well behaved and gen.
teeI set Of people as any community in the South
can boast "This affair is attended only for white
ladies and gentlemen" was placarded along with
ern communities is not that the colored people
desire to enter the houses or assemblages Of the
whites, but, as Governor Wise truthfully says,
',ths whites are too fond OF running after the
blacks"
seems 70 exist among the people here towards the
fieye It sincere, fear that in the event OF Q po-
litIcal campaign the good feeling" will vamoose.
IN ID The next General Assembly Of Virginia is crs-
ating little ripple on the political waters Oan-
didstes are numerous, and It may be that issues
give the Republicans the chance to elect the can
didate to whom they give support.
THE QUESTION OF REPUTATION
will be largely discussed in the coming contest,
as the late member from this county was one OF
the leaders in the last Legislature in favor Of
pudiatiou. The Conservatives are doubtful OF the
complexion Of the next House on this subject.
The colOred people are beginning to discuss the
merits of their men as 70 who Will be the best
man to represent them in'the colored convention
which is 70 meet In Richmond on the 10Th day of
pGfsns SHs a TIE feeling o
Soutnern Republicans with reference TO their
There is no doubt In the mind Of the writer that
GEN. GRANT Is, BEYOND ALL OTHERS, THE
STRONGEST
man with Southern Republicans. resolution
indorsng his Administration and expressing q
decided preference for his candidacy will pass the
Term" will never intimidate the men Of the South
who have stood Ku-Kluxism and all the other
hellish isms which have been imposed upon them Of
frenc and have no idea Of swapping horses II they
can prevent It. Mark my prediction, Mr. Editor. III
yention in 1876 can be assured that General Grant
will help them "unload" some Of the dead eights
and dead-beats they have had 10 carry In the per-
tOns VI NV Sbeto ulstLict
will be represented whose vote will not be cast for
him as their choice above all others; but in the
event they cannot have their way, second choice
will have TO be made, and that choice will be Mr..
Bristov, Of the Treasury. These are nv specula-
tions, based upon not altogether unreliable IN
formation obtained from persons Of influence with
whom have communicated.
THIS, THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT,
was given over to the enemy by dissensIons in our
own ranks and by lack Of confidence In the polIti-
cal integrity Of our then candidate. Subsequent
events proved that the misgiyings Of the Repub-
licans were we'll founded. They will never again
put themselves In position to be in doubt as to the
genuineness Of their candidates' professions.
Whatever may be the result IN Virginia IN
1870 the First district will send o Republican to
Congress, snd give handsome majority to the
candidate Of our party for President We are
people Of strong prejudices, and yet they are
easily overcome when the proper means are
adopted. -.
Our new postmaster came here q few months
ago in opposition to the wishes Of the entire COM
munity, with the exception Of the Republicans.
He was despised because OF his radical senti-
ments, and yet in the few short weeks he has
been with rs he has made friends with all classes
and to-day he numbers as among bis friends the
entire business community. He has given US
new Office than which there is no handsomer or
more conveniently arranged in the South; he has
o polite and accommodating corps Of assistants,
each Of whom strives 10 do his duty and 10 be DO.
proposes TO become one OF rs. None doubt his
position IN politics. and all accord him credit for
the successful effort to improve and enlarge the
facilities for the public TO transact their business
with the department TO which he 10 sttaohed.
RADICAL.