Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-09-30
From tie Wheeling Standard.
The Court House Meeting.

Ali the sitting space and large part Of
st .ndins space in ibe Court room was occu-
lied on the night OF the 2lst by those eager
10 hear yirginias old Honorable on the ques-
ton of the hour. Col. Arnett in introducing
Mr.. Faulkner. tenderly referred to bis dislin-
euished services in the long career OF public
life. at home and abroad. Mr.. Faulkner car
ried on his front the insignia OF prominent
public man, showing in his manly carriage,
the flush only attained by long intermixture
in honor bic public affairs. The prestige OF
such service undoubtedly would give more
weight 10 his remarks than their intrinsic
worth might warrant.
In a clear digniGed style Mr.. Faulkner well
coined the audience, predicting from the large
number and incident ZEAL a lively awakening
of Wheeling Democracy The zeal manifest
cd by the audience, in the speakers eye, was
but mark Of the fervor which was spreading
over the whole State aud country, akin to the
great upheava of 1910, when the country was
one grand carnival OF reform. This was a
cheering sight, as only in sluggish state
could despotisal assault the liberties OF The
people. The numerous questions involved IN
the present canvass were run over, and while
mentioning the embarrassment of speaking in
selecting such as are suited each audience,
Mr.. Faulkner laid ont his remarks on the cur
rency corruption, extravaganza, reconstruction
and bonded debt topics only incidentally as
they came up in the main treatment, OF which
party can best be relied upon if elected to car
ry out the great work of reform. This wide
question allowed of general arraignment OF
the Republican and as general laudation OF
the Democratic party. All the weakness, cor
rnption and degeneracy Of one were uncom-
promisnaly coutrasted with the high moral
purposes brilliant record and nobe pur-
poses Of the other party. The speaker was
evidently mbuel with an abiding faith in the
nnmiSei power for good in the organization of
which he is 50 distinguished member.
The work of thelate Democratic Congress was
proudly touched upon, and its noble struggles
with the depravcd Senate aud President hero
ically recounied. At this int particularly
Mr. Faulkner warmed into passionate force OF
speech, while controlling his inner self within
the bounds Of trained diplomacy, be clearly
impressel bis convictions in reference to the
questions between thetwo parties. The mean
ing OF reform in its application TO labor trade.
money aid administration was clearly defined
and every advantage taken Of an appeal TO the
personal considerations OF the gu Hence. In
giving summary of bis hopes, Mr. Fh1lkner
in proud, determined toue, declared West
Virginia safe, not TO be bought with Federal
gold aad awcd with Federal bay onets !he
whole South is safe notwithstanding the bnyC-
nets glttering and the troops tramping over
the fair land Ohio is safe, regardless OF
Schurz, who has fallen from grea. power 10
the land to sophist, regarded as She lille wind
by his c3nntrymen; Indiana is safe, aud final
~ New York is safe under the skilllul pilutage
OF the great leader. Tilten was eulogizei as
the man who cumbiael the elements Of hon
esty, ability, energy and determined resolve TO
reform. Hayes was kindly denied any qGsl-
ficatiuns whatever to warrant filth in his abii-
~ TO cut loose from his trammels.
The speech was skillully planned, avoiding
the rough places, dwelling fondly over the
pleasant turns, appealing to the known preju-
dces Of the people, clearly defining the sup
posed high aims Of one party, and as clearly
exposing hopeless dogeueracy Of the other
1t is really refreshing to hear polished speak
er enter in to the hot water Of politics without
houndering, splutterug and kicking mud over
every person within reach Of the blind eye
Mr.. Faulkner was clear, fOrcible, polished aud
polite.