Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-09-14
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
WAsu1MqroN. Augnst oS

Editor Spirit Politics rules the hour
just now here. The Democratic rally and
torch-tisht procession here on the night of
the 10Th was said to have been the grandes,
aud most imposing within the memory of
the Oldest inhsbiians. 1t is said there never
was SO many people before in the line of
procession here. The streets Pennsylvania
Avenue, aud the neishborhood of City Hall
was filled with solid mass of humanity.
The procession formed in five divisions. A
band of music accompanied each division.
and old time fife aud drum PLAYED. "Hold
the Fort" Many of the houses along the
route of the procession we're illuminated. and
the calcium lights added to the scsne at sew
erEi points, but the glare of fro works at the
City Hall threw all other lights into the
shade. The procession was received at the
City Hall, where the speakers stand had
been erected, by roars of artillery and deaf
enlns cheers. The decorations and illumi-
nations are beyond description The frames
work was covered with flags and SNOWY
bunting. Over the front was an enormou.
star OF gas jets, and within its center
smaller star. The names of Hancock and
English showing brilliantly between the lets
tsrS U. S. and above the figures of 1880
Rows OF colored Chiucse lanterns were ex>
teaded along the streets and avenues leading
caused peal after peal of laughter A coEio
Inscribed corruption; Garfield lies within"
Another, "-Eliza Pinkston's Heart Yearns
for John Sherman" " and another, "Wha's
tho Forty Acres and Mulc?" and .if the
Solid South is Wrong, How About n Solid
North! and broom brigade, armed with
brooms, and sweeping the coocrote: also
representation of Hayes kicking Arthur off
the eteps Of the State House. The clubs
from Fairfax were mounted. The statue of
Lincoln, pear the City Hall, was drapcd in
myrtle and ivy. Hon Montgomery Blair
was the tTst speaker. and the second, Mi
John W. Daniel, Virginia's gifted soa. It
was some time before hc could proceed, his
name elected such enthusiasm l wish I
could have been short hand reporter on
that evening and have given you verbatim
report Of his speech. Among other things.
he said CAT the timc when We, who had
worn tue grey coat, could not be tried before
his peers, or practice profession, or eDioy
any oil the rights Of citizen, there was ono
who stepped forth from the ranks of cruelty
and revenge, grander figure than when he
strobe of the field Of Gettysburg, when he
said these words | repeat to you Us a Demo.
orat, l never weary of repeating, and you as
Democrats are never weary of listening to.
The great principles of American liberty
are still the lawful inheritance of this pco>
pie, and ever should be. The right Of trial
hy jury, the haboas corpus, the liberty of
the press. she natural rights OF persons and
the ri ghts Of property must aud shall be pre-
served Hancock made good many of us
ait down in old Virginia, and want 10 help
him to sit down in tho right place Bnquets
were handed Maj. Daniel, and tho Marino
Baud struck up Red, White and Blue" a
magnificent piece of fire works, epresenting
tho United States flag, was simultaneously
displayed from the roof Of the hall.
Many CT the Departments are undergoing
repairs OF paint, &1., before Congress meets.
In going into some OF them wus very much
struck at tho lazy coloroi messengers tina,
sprawl Themselves on the sofas in tho corri-
doris, heels higher than their heads, with
newspaper in their hands and huff asleep. It
is all right, however,a the Government paws
for it. The old plantation manners have
departed, and if you address them it is "Yes"
or mo" Ofhce>seckors arc almost as nu.
merous as ever, and if you send your card in
to a Governments official, the messenger
comes back with the stcrcotypcd "Out on
Business"-a fib as transparent as glass. The
jefferson voters residing in tho Metropolis
are jnbilAnt over Judge uoge's nomination.
OBSERVER