The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-07-13
Political P0w-wow.
RAISING y TIIDEN AND HENDRICKS
POLE SPEECHES; ETC.

RAISING a TIIDEN AND HENDRICKS
POLE SPEECHES; ETC.
On Friday night last, about Two hundred
men and boys assembled at the corner oppo-
site the Virginia Hotel. to witness the raising
OF Tilden and Hendricks flag. The pole is
about saventy-five feet high. snrmounted by a
melancholy looking representative OF the
feathery tribe. which may be taken for 4 roos-
ter crow or hawk, according to the various de-
grces of intoXicaticn of the gazer. The sus-
ccptibility of this beautiful bird to any shape
which may be desired, was happy conception
of the designer, aud proves that he has dill
gently studied the recent platform adopted a.
ST. Louis, and constructed his handlwork ac-
cortling to the principles therein set forth.
That platform, according to the best Demo-
cratic authority, is like the auctioneer's sus-
pcnders, s'short enough for any boy and long
enough for any man, and is the firm folllda-
ton of the hard money men, and the nut shell
canoe of the inlationists. Kaliedoscope-like
it changes it's complexion at every turning.
and this happy production of the timers TIA
lent which crowns the pole, was conceived I'M
der distinct understanding of the various
and divergent elements it was intended to
represent.
Looking from the East it presents the APP
pearance of weather cock with a severe case
| of cholera, and is doubtless designed to repre-
sent the mobile principles of the "Great Re-
former,'' which trim their feathers to every
breeze and always turn toward the strongest.
The chief of Tammany when Tammany was a
power, and the ''reformcr'' of Tammany
when its power had fled, ''Slippery Sam" is
most fittingly personfied by a weather cock.
From the West and South moderately
happy man may discover, in this remarkable
specimen which climaXes the Democratic pole,
the distinct outlines of crow,-the delecta-
BILE diet which has been served up to so many
of the sovereigns from those sections.
Northern viewer would pronounce it
hawk. and discern in its features a faithful
likeness to the great railroad sharper, who
pounced down and devourcd so many fat rail
roads, corporations, &C., and now reclnes in a
luxuriant nest, lined and padded with the
feathers of the unfortunate victims. And SO
on in every different light you may choose to
view it, new aspect is presented, and De-
mocracy in its reform dress suggested.
The flag consists of three wide stripes of red,
white and blue, with the words ''Tilden and
Hendricks,:' painted in large letters on the
middle one.
THE SPEECHES.
The first speech was by General John Ech-
OILS, who for twenty minutes entertained his
hearers upon the subject of reform, and the
part played by Tilden in the movement against
Tweedsm in New York, but he forgot to mem
ton that it was not until the great thief had
been condemned before the bar of public opin.
ion, by the persistent and unaided efforts of
the New York Times. that the ''Great Re-
former" had eXerted himself to bring the
criminal to justice. He alluded to the recent
frauds which have been unearthed under the
present administration, and spoke of the OPP
preston under which our people groaned by
reason of the tax Oh tobacco and whiskey.
This was positive SANDER OH the habits of
Virginians, for it is well known that this tax is
paid by the consumer anc is always volunta-
ry. Not so, however, with the outrageous
State tax which has been heaped upon us by
Democratic legislature, and which has we'll
nigh bankrupted the commonwealth.
General Echols was followed by
CAPTAIN JAMES BUdGARDNER. JR.,
who arraignel the administration for high
crimes and misdemeanors, and promised that
achen the Democrats assumed the reins Of the
government, there would be no more Belknaps or
Babcocks, but, that reform would permeate
| every department OF the government. He was
| frequently cheered, and when he said .'there
would be no more Ra5cocks o: Belknaps,"
| some one in the crowd shouted Sand no more
| Grants and another, with more enthusiasm
than information, added land 10 more
Tweeds''
MIR. CHARLES GRATTAN
came after Captain Bumgarlner, and in a
very few words declared his devotion to Til
den and Democracy, and his belief in the tri-
umph of that ticket in November next
Loud and persistent calls were made for
Judge McCue, Messrs. Harrison, Effinger,
Quarles and others, but neither of the gentle
men responded, and towards the last Mr..
Charles Stafford mounted the platform. and
chinled in on the Tiden chorus.
During the progress of the Publication, the
band arrived and played several tunes.
The meeting was orderly and not as enth',-
siastic as usual on such occasions, though all
Of the speakers were interrupted by cheers.
--v-
BRIEFs.-A special meeting of the City
Council was held on Monday, to receive the
monthly estimate of the water works. After
approving the account and ordering bonds to
be issued, the council adjourned.
Mr.. Jos, X. Mallon will shortly erect a
large three story brick house On the eolrer OF
Augusta street and Spring Lane. 1t will be
made to correspond with the Burns building.
The Rev. McDutf Simpson will preach a
sermon to the young men on Sunday evening
next.
Firem4n's picnic next Tuesday.
Mayor Balthis now holds his court every
morning at his new Office, recently occupied
by J. NJ. Qnarles.
A public installation of officers of Excelsior
Council No. 2 Sons of Jonadab, will be held
On next Monday evening. All are invited to
attend.
A charming dance was given ut "kalora-
MAJ OH last Thursday night, by the Terpsicho-
rean club.