The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-10-09
FROM LEXINGTON.

WITH anu HaIy. ~Ahi hEh'
FROM LEXINGTON.
A READJusTER EXAGGERAT1oN-A FAIR STATE
MENT-MR. FIGGATT FIRES PA1XIIAS Gun
MAJOR GREGORY SWEEPS THE FIELD OF THE
LITTLE MEN.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispa'chI
LEXINGTON, October 6, 1879.
Notice having been given through the
papers that eminent speakers were to adj
dress the people here to- day (court-day), an
unusual crowd OF all classes and conditions
OF men assembled. Both parties were pres
ent in full force, including the "grand pro-
ccssion Of 1900 Roadiusters" mentioned
in Saturdays Wing rs having participated
| in the demonstration Of Friday night,
which "grand procession" properly redd-
ljusted and counted by three unimpeaclI-
able witnesses, consisted OF fifty-seyen
mounted men and boys, and about rs many
more afoOt. II the Readjuslers consider
| that demonstration a success, it IS hard TO
see wherein their hope Of triumph lies. 1t
was failure, and the true sentiment OF its
participants was expressed in a remark
overheard from the lips OF Il prominent, but
not too sober, Readiuster: :" told Jim Fra
zier that d-n thing would be 4 bust"
But to return to the events OF to-day.
Although it was Il Conservative meeting,
| appointed by the chairman Of the CO1>crva-
tive committee, the rule that has been OBJ
served throughout the canvass OF an equal
| division OF time between the opposing can
ddatcS was followed, and Mr.. ShCrrard
made the opening speech. He was lis.
tened to with Respect while he distressed
the subject of the public debt to the best
| oil his knowledge and ability, but he adj
mitted with graceful candor that it was Il
subject he did not thoroughly understand.
He failed to gain any considerable applause
| though he spoke in his shirt.slceycs and
did his level best. Mr.. Shcrrard is well
known in this community. and is personally
popular, but ito his credit be il said, most
OF those with whom he has been accus-
toned 10 associate are opposed to his |
political sentiments.
His opponent, Captain J. II. II. Figgatt |
followed in strong, clear. vigorous speech. |
He ~aye a remarkably clear history of the I!
subject OF the public debt from its origin.
and argued with great power as to lis bind |
ing force in law and in morals and is 10 |
the efficiency and eypcditncy OF The exist |
in. law for lis settlement. lie succeeded !
remarkably well in riYrtiHg the attention OF |
the crowd by earnest, f"rcibEc argument, |
without resort to anecdotes. lie received |
loud cheers and warm conwratuIatlon at |
the close OF his speech.
He was followed by Major W. +. c. |
Gregory, whose speeches have 50 often been |
reported in your columns that | need not |
attempt description OF his glorious CtlO"t. |
He has made Il thorough and very effective |
canvass Of the county; and yet he was |
greeted with all the enthusiasm OF 4 new |
man that has been often heard OF but never |
heard; and really those who lad heard him !
several times before listened 10 him with |
Increased interest a> he closed his solid ar
eumcnts and vigorous thoughts in new and |
beautiful and forcible language. And his !
anecdotes Let no man think lie has heard |
an anccdotc properly told until he has given
Major Gregory il hearing. 1t was irreSiSli-
bic, and even the Rcadiu>tcrS laughed on
an occasion so solemn to them. Major |
Gregory has done splendid service in Rock
bridge, and carries away with him the I'M
bounded respect and goodwill OF her peo-
pie.
Senator c. L. Smith followed in an excel
lent speech, rcfllting charges that had been !
brought against him by Messr>. Lady and |
Frazier, and stating that II they had bought |
him up, as they profcsscd. they had failed. |
in accordance with their political policy, to |
pay him u cent of the purchaSe-monev.
During his speech Colonel Lady mounted |
the platform aud sought to interrupt aim,
SAYING that he wanted to explain why 4
division OF time had not been allow
ed himself and Mr.. Frazier. Colonel Pax |
ton, chairman OF the Conservative Commit |
tee anticipated him by stating that it had |
not been asked for a; WhcrcupOn Cot0ncl |
Lady descended from the platform amidst
more cheering than he ever got before, anG |
went of into a corner OF the yard 10 explain |
bis wrongs to more sympathetic listeners.
The closing speech was made By Judge !
Houston, OF Botetourt, aud, though the |
crowd had listened long. the interest did |
not abatc rs he poured forth Ill his inlmlt;t-
be STYLE charge after charge OF satire ana
anecdotes that would m&kc one laugh for
the rest OF his days at the Thought OF them.
Thus closed a day that is regarded by all ~
= most favorable one in Ill its indications
rs to the result OF the present campaign Tor
the Conservative party.
Tonight IL crowd assembled 1t the Con-
sentative headquarters. and were addressed
bv McsSrS. Anderson. Figgatt, I. /. smith,
II. st, George Tucker, and Judge Houston.
Mr. Anderson made one Of the best speeches
that has been made in the campaign. and
Mr.. Smith went for Lady and Frazer with
gloves off. Mr.. Tucker made speech that
showed the son worthy TO bear the mantIe
OF his father, though il * TO be hoped that
the " old man won't throw it oil for many
Il year yet. 1t was Il regular iollitcation.
and. indeed, the Conservatives have every
reason TO be in good spirits. 1t is not
worth while for the Readjus!crS 10 bra@.
Their strength was broken in the spring
elections. and the bone and Sincw OF old
Rock bridge will asset Itself on the 4'h OF
November in manner that vii! be "ari!-
Ing fer all time to adventures ana dcm%-
go@ues. LEN