Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-10-28
DEMOCRATIC MEETINGS.
Speeches of Senator Davis and Hon.
Henry S. Walker.

On Tuesday last large and enthusiastic meet
ings Of the Democracy were held in Charles
town. The FIRST, which convened in the Court
House at , O'Clock, P. ~, was addressed by
Senator II G. Davis 10 a fUrcible and effective
speech which abounded in startling facts and
figures that carried conviction to the minds Of
the large audience Of the extravaganza, waste
fuluess and corruption of the Republican ad-
miuistration since the affairs Of the National
government were uuhappily conhded to It's
hands. Instances were given, fortified by In
controyertible official proofs, Of increased ex-
penditures, Of POPULATION and plumber in oil
the departments Of the government as well as
of forced and false balances Of accounts tend
ing to deceive and mislead the people US to the
condition and amount Of the public debt and
10 cover up and hide from view the rogueTies
Of their dishonest servants Immense defalca-
tions and the failure Of duty to pursue those
committing them OF their sureties were ex-
posed, and the fallacy of all hope of reform
through the agency of the party in power was
illustrated by the punishment promptly in-
flicted upon the few officials who from sense
Of duty, or in obedience to the demands of an
outraged people dared to bring TO justice The
rascals aud thieves who had grown rich and
insolent by shameless frauds upon the public
revenues. Senator Davis dealt in practical
manner, and without any effort at OratOry
with the subjects upon which be touched, but
the statistics and record evidence with which
be sustained his positions were unanswerablc
and overwhelming.
The second meeting was held at o'clock IL
the evening at Charles Washington Hall. and
was addressed by Hon. Henry S. Walker
whose reputation as brilliant speaker had pre-
ceded him and brought together an unusually
large audience Of both ladies and gentlemen OF
the occasion. He commenced by referring tC
the fact that he was native Of an adjoining
county. but for the first time had now The
pleasure Of appearing before the people OF JEFF
ferson TO address them on topics OF vital i'm
portance TO their interests. He then proceed
ed with a most scathing review of the history
Of the despotic career Of the Radical party ii
Wes, Virginia from the creation Of the Stat,
to the downfall Of that party by the reStora
ton TO the right Of suffrage Of the thousand
Of citizeus whom they arbitrarily deprived o
the privilege Of participating in the affairs o
I their own State government. He passed from
these topics 10 the issues 10 National politics
and for 40 hour and half discussed them will
power Of invective, humor and genuine ora
tory such as we have rarely heard surpassed
We shall attempt no report of bis speech, fol
no report con do it Justice To be able to up
preciate il one must have heard il as he pro
uounced it. Much that is suggestive and ever
convincing in such an effort is lost 10 the ina
bility to convey the tones Of voice, manner
| gesture, happy turn Of thought and expression
which are a large part the life Of great orator
\ ical performances. We can only say in con
GLIDING this baSty notice that Mr. Walker
made an impression upon those who heard hin
which will be as lasting as their lives, aud thai
/ # in the future be should be able 70 renew hi:
visit his audience will be immensely increased
by those who have heard the glowing repre-
seutatious Of bis address from others who were
so fortunate as to be present. at the Hall OF
Tuesday evening.