The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-10-15
SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY.
GRASD RALLY AND BARBEcus AT FRANKLIN
GAYLE, CURRY, AND THOMAS.

SOUT6AH1ETONs COUNTY,
BRAND Rally AND BARBEcus At FRANKLIN
GAYLE, CURRY. AND THOMAS.
3 S FRASKLIN, October ii, 1870.
Editors Dispatch: To-day large and In
telligent audience, composed OF the cltlzens
Of Southampton, Isle Of Wight, and Nanse"
mond, gathered In franklin to hear the
State debt discussed by the distinguished
gentlemen mentioned above. At Ms
the crowd. which numbered some three or
four hundred people, assembled In front OF
the stand which had been prepared at the
head Of Main street, and being called to or
der, Coionel H. B. Griffin was elected CHAIR.
man and DIR. Gavin Rawls was appointed
secretary. Members OF the press present
were requested also TO act as secretaries.
Colonel Griffin. in few well-timed re-
marks, introduced
HON. JOHN Il. GAYLE, OF PORTSMOUTH.
Mr.. Gayle began by bringing before the
people history Of the States hnancters Tor
the last ten years. He referred to the nrst
compromise or funding bill OF I'll, and now
1t failed to give relief. he brought before
the audience the Bocock-Fowler and Bar
bour bills, the objections thereto, now they
were the children of the Readiusters, and
had been supported to the last By them !;
gave the history Of the McCuloch bill, and
how q party Of Resdiusters, so soon as they
heard the creditors were coming to Rich
monJ TO settle finally the State-debt ques-
ton, called convention to meet in Mozart
Hall to oppose the settlement even before
they knew what the settlement would be.
This showed concIusively that despite all
their talk to the contrary. yet these peo-
pie did not wish to have the subject
set led, but desired to keep 1t as q
bobby on which to ride into Office. He
next took up the bill itself, and IN clear,
forcible, and mastery manner, answered all
the objections which have been urged
against it, and proved beyond question that
it was the best settlement we could get !;
that it was settlement alike honorable to
Virginia and the creditors-a settlement
the full requirements OF which the re-
sources OF the State would meet, and still
leave a surplus of over three hundred thou
sand dollars. Many people, said he. object
to this bill because 1t does. not allow the
bondholders to 60 directly to Richmond
and fund their own bonds. There being
two classes of bonds, this provision was
rendered absolutely necessary, else those
who held the class of bonds which are
worth only 2S cents to the dollar would
bavc rushed their bonds at once into the
Treasury, and we should then have had our
Treasury overrun with these bonds and
coupons. But why not have n syndicate ?
Is it dishonest? Is it dcrogatory to Fir-
ginia? Every country under the sun
does business through syndicate. Fir-
ginia loses nothing. The bondholders have
to pay the syndicate, not the State. Many
people said taxes would have to be in
creased under this bill. Taxes will not be
increased. Had be seen anything in the
bill which even limited at the increase OF
taxation he would have voted against it.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Gayle's speech
Barretl'S cornet hand struck up lively air,
while the audience attested it's appreciation
BY prolonged applause.
Colonel Griffin came forward and eX-
planned to the audience the absence OF Hon.
John II. Bogart, who being district super-
intendent Of Franklin district, was e1-otlcio
chairman of the meeting. but his duties al
the railroad Office called him occasionally
from the stand, so he could not preside.
He then introduced the
HON. ]. L. ". CURRY, OF RICHMOND.
AsDr. Curry arose he was greeted with
three cheers, while the band gave soul.Stlr-
ing music. This gentleman had been the
cvnosure OF all eyes ever since bis arrival,
and a. be began 10 speak the entire crowd
swayed around the stand that they might
not lose word OF his burning eloquencc.
With commanding form and figure, and 4
voice OF great power and cXDreSSireneSs,
he held his audience from the very start SUD-
ject to bis will. ] wish ] could give you
even a synopsis OF DR.. Curry's exhaustive,
mastery, and eloquent address; but while
1, 7 cnIlI faRa notes
could do nothing but listen. AS well at
tempt to follow the whirlwind's rushing
course or the torrents roaring main as st.
tempt to report Or. Curry's unanswerable,
cogent, and eloquent remarks. The audi
ence was carried by storm, and frequent
and hearty applause-first from his friends
and HeXt by the entire crowd interrupted
the distinguished speaker. Our hearts have
gone with him, and we pray God he may
yet be spared many years to teach the peo-
pie the moral obligations OF States as well
as individuals to pay their debts.
At the conclusion OF DR.. Curry's address
Hon. John Ii. Bogart introduced
Il. S. TH0NAs,
Conservative nominee for the Senate from
this district. Mr.. Thomas briefly stalled his
position, pledged himself not TO vote for
the gage OF battle to bis opponent, +. FL.
Rawls, by challenging him at any place, at
any time. and under any terms Mr.. Rawls
might desire.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Thomas'S re-
marks the crowd were invited to the great
barbecue which awaited them at Masonic
Hall, and to which they did ample justice.
Great good has been done by to-day's speak
ing, and our cause in this section has been
greatly strengthened. AS each Of the three
gentlemen concluded speaking he was pre-
sented with magnificent bouquet, made
and presented by tue ladies of Franklin as a
token OF their appreciation Of the efforts Of
these distinguished gentlemen in behalf of
honesty and right. 6. r.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.l