The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-08-29

ABE . SVN th1l v
GUS SPEECH ABOUT ,RICHMOND-DR. CURRY
AND ABE DIFFER AS TO WHAT is DECENT AND
PRoPER-ABE GETS HIT- AwFuLLY HARD-A
RACY. REPORT OF A SPICY DEBATB-HURRAH
- FOR DR. CURRY. '...4...> agi,....5.- e.
CORRESPONDENCE OF the Richmond Dispatch.1 =
-nn ABINGDON, VA, August Is, 1879.
Notice having been given that DR.. j. L.
NJ. Curry would address our people to-day,
they turned out en- maSse, the Readtusters,
with all OF their more prominent leaders, 10
force, as il for a grand demonstration. 10
be charitable, though, it is proper to state
someoi them, highly approaching the learn
ed Doctors disinterested patriotism, came
for the more iaudable purpose OF obtaining
light upon the great ISSUE OF the day. Colo
mel Fulkerson, the recognized leader Of the
Mozartites, made his appearance at an early
no ur, and was informed that he or any OF
bis party: could participate in the discus
sion, il he desired. A division OF time was
soon agreed 4:upon-Colonel Fulkerson to
open in asDeeeh Of one hour and a!quarter,
the Doctor to follow in the same time, and
each 10 have fifteen minutes reply, II de-
sired. This arrangement was made known
60 tue audience by Judge John A. Camp
bell, vino, in few appropriate remarks,
introduced DR.. Curry, and bespoke for him
an attentive bearing. &C. "a, ..
COLONEL .FULKERsON. r.;-. ~. e. z
then took the stand aud made one OF bis
characteristic speeches, replete With mise
rable personalities, fallacies, and sopbistrles:
Though It was q notorious fact that there
were present more than a fair representa-
ton Of bis party-the notice having been
given equally to all--he commenced with
the statement that bis side had not been
notified; that there was an object tn the
meeting; and expressed many regrets that
his preacher was not present. Unfortu-
nateiy, however, his memory was bad, for
in his conclusion be fully recognized the
fact that his party was present in numbers,
and cIamorous, and begged that they would
give the " stranger"a patient and respect
full hearing. He consumed much of bis
time in Informing the people that the
Doctor, was q lawyer. without a brief, a
preacher without a. pulpit, stranger
(being native Of Alabama), and, worse
than, all, lived in Richmond mot Viz
ginia). the centre OF foreign bondholders,
Brokers, and tire like, where be could enjoy
the beautiful shades Of the CaEStol Square,
with its squirrels and DEER and>regale him-
self in the magnificent public library, all
provided at public expense. anu TOO good
for the tax-paying farmer. Here there was
applause by the Readjusters, some OF whom
That's so."1 That The Doctor
lived 10 a splendid mansion, was rich-and,
still more personal, was asked oy
DR.: Curry with expression OF contempt,
s. Do YOU consider that line OF discussion
exactly decenty" This was answered by
an audible groan by some Of the Reao1 ust-
ers and silence by the rest, until the Colo
nell recovering from. the thrust, replied, IL
d0.', "Then," said Dr.. Curry, with all the
dignity Of a'true-born gentleman, proceed,
sir. y rImrneuse appIause.l But the worst
was to come, and tbe gods were cal led upon
to witness The Doctor paid his taxes
sin)-dared to pay bis
coupons! (breathless silence),
and thus Toxic from the poor, ragged
school children their money. lGreat
excitement and applause amongst Re-
He then spoke in high terms
of Reputation !" of the "thirty-nine"
who, he said, attempted to break up the
grand Conservative party by the formation
OF another, and in speaking of their effort
and those Of the Flinders generally to main
tain the s honor" Of the State, be said
I" Such honor be would spit upon and
trample under his feet" (Which heightened
sentiment was kindly greeted by his
friends). He then spoke of the ''brokers'
bill, - as he sty led it, and told OF its con-
ceptlon in fraud and corruption, aud the
story of the dark hours OF its passage, when
senators and legislators dared not vote until
they could send for or consult their man
agers-tHe' brokers; and proceeded to show
TO bis entire satisfaction (and OF course he
knew better than any one else, and there
fore need not bring proof that it was In no
manner "3 per cent. proposition" would
increase taxes, was worse than Reputation,
ndmust be repealed. What he or bis party
further than this be did not say,
but seemingly satisfied with bis unanswera-
BILE arguments ~ and his strength before
his people, he begged them to give the
stfangera patient and respectful hearing.
Dr. CURRY
then came forward, and IL he Ind before
doubted, he nnw had foil assurance .byaa
long,. loud. prolonged .sC0nfederafe Yell"
that DE. was In ahe midst Of friends, who
knew. Of send could appreciate his 4disiin-
gulshesl abilities Some OF the Rexdiusters
who YWoaidn'tzbe informed ii they could