The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-08-24

Inc hepuDiicah meeting last Saturday passed
off very agreeably- and satisfactorily. Al
though but a brief notice had been given of the
exact time and place, and no effort made to
spread the intelligence through the county,
There was a good number present to hear the
speeches on the occasion. Conspicuous for
their absence, were tine leaders and ring
managers Of the Democratic party. Although
it was known in the city that two gentlemen
OF high social Character, culture, intellect and
gifts Of oratory, would address the people, the
more fussy aud pretentious of the Conserva-
tives did not deign to grace the Courthouse
by their presence. We were pleased to see,
however, number Of our political opponents
attentive and respectful listeners, each one of
whom, whose opinion was worth anything. ex-
pressed himself highly pleased with the tone,
temper and matter OF the speeches. Two gen.
tlemen, particularly, whose judgment given in
favor Of any intellectual effort, would be
high compliment, stated that they were
glad they had attended, as they had
been highly entertained and instructed. Ger
talnly no Republican who heard the addresses
Of Capt. Warren S. Lurty and Col. /. Fl.
Shields, did not feel proud OF the State Can
vassers selected by the State Republican Cen
trail Committee. Their speeches would have
reflected credit upon any men anywhere
They were tempered by that courtesy and pro-
priety OF expression that indicated the inhcr-
ent instincts OF gentlemen. They were laden
ed with facts and arguments, which attested
the sincerity Of their convictions and the justice
of the cause they were championing; and de-
livered with an ease, grace and dignity which
commanded the respect OF their opponents, and
was none OF the slang, none Of the gross de-
nunciation, none of the bitter partizan rancor,
which characterized the outrageous and dis
graceful efforts of the Conservative speakers
last Court-day. The contrast in style, in sub
stance, in all the outgrowths OF elevated senti-
ment and moral conviction, was so marked
and striking, that when attention was called
to it, the CONSERVATIVES themselves, in every
instance, acknowledged 1t. Capt. Lurty's
speech was a model of oratOry-none of
your gilt-edged, sophomorical nothinsness,
blown with high sounding words. But oratory,
in the true sense OF the term-appropriate Ian
Suage, facts and arguments, fitted TO appropri-
ate gestures and emphasis. 1t has never been
surpassed before All Augusta audience. Col.
Shields was more elaborate, but none the less
effective and convincing His stubborn array
OF facts, grouped in consecutive order, pre-
sented with great force and attractiveness,
cHa1nctl tho uttcnttor. OF I.;s tirnae
there were flashes OF genuine eloquence, as he
would apply his arguments drawn for the tell
ing truths which he so forcibly and systematic
ally arrayed. 1t was an able, manly, powerful
appeal to the reason of his hearers-to their
fairness and sense OF justice. Tine synopses
elsewhere given to-day, will convey an intelli-
gent idea OF the train Of thought INDUCED by
both the heightened gentlemen who opened
the political contest in this place in behalf OF
Hayes and Wheeler.
We repeat, the Republicans OF Stanton aud
Augusta county, feel proud Of their State Can
vassers and their efforts last Saturday. We
could not have asked more auspicuous begin
nIng-the most bigoted opponent could not
have desired q more courteous and knightiy
assault. We are the more pleased, because of
the favorable contrast they present to the wild,
reckless TRADE OF falsehood and SANDER pre-
scented by the Conservative speakers at August
Court. II the justice and righteousness of the
respective causes were measured by the tent
per, language and matter OF the speeches Of
the champions Of each, conf ling in the inteli-
gence and sound sense Of the people OF Angus
ia, we might reasonably predict a gratifying
result, when the honest Judgment OF the peo- |
pie Is recorded at the ballot box, next Novem- |
Der.
One feature about both speeches with which |
We were particularly gratifed, was the |
manly, positive, defense OF the President |
1t has become the habit of the Democratic |
press and speakers to denouncc Gen. Grant In |
such unmeasured bitterness that even some |
weakened Republicans have covered before |
1t, and shrank from q defense. Capt. Lurty |
was particularly emphatic upon this point, as
serting in vigorous language and aggressive
spirit, that the country had never had wiser.
\ purer, or ADLER Chief Magistrate. When we
reflect UPON the relations Of Gen. Grant to Vir-
GINA, the abuse he receives from the Demo-
cratic press of the State, only shows how far
partizan insanity can control and absorb
sense OF Justice. From the surrender at Apo
mattox, the magnanimity and blgness of soul OF
the Commander of the Federal armies has been
manifested The terms OF that
historic event the conduct OF Gen. Grant to-
wards the paroled Confederate soldiers, inclu-
ding Gen. Lee. when the fierce, drunken mad
ness ct Andrew johnson wonld have erected
scatfold for them; his generous course towards
the people OF the State, in the preliminary
steps to the adoption Of the State Constitution,
and the manifestation of an unstinted confidence
towards our people whenever there has been a
declared purpose to support his administration
and judge it fairly, certainly call for something
else from Just people than dennnciation and
abuse from the very class who have been the
recipient OF his kindness.
Whether, when the fierce ascerbities of
warm political contest have subsidized. a return
ng sense Of justice will govern the Democratic
party Of Virginia, or not, there is one thing
hat admits OF no dispute. impartial YER
lice OF history will place his name side by side
With the great heroes and statesmen who have
made their imperishable impress upon Ameri.
ian annals, and adorned and ilumined orr civ
I md military