Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-10-22
Business Mems Meeting in the Academy
Music.

NEW YORK, October 15.-The business
mems meeting at the Academy of Music
was a complete success. The building was
iammed within ten minutes from the time
of opening the doors. Thousands upon
tho sands of people gathered in the vicin-
ity of he building to get glimpse ofGov-
ernor Cleveland, who was expected
The usual pylotechic display on mag
nified scale was held in the adjacent streets,
and the auditorium was tastefully deco
rated with flowers and bunting. Cheers
for Cleveland and Hendricks were heard on
all sides, the crowd being particularly de-
monstrative and enthusiastic. The stage
was crowded with delegations from the va
rous exchanges.
Ex-Mayor Grace presided and speeches
were made by Governor Waller, of Con-
necticut, and Mr. III. W. Beecher. During
the spet CHI Of the latter, Governor Cleveland
description. Every person in the vast
crowd arosesto his feet and cheered and
waved his handkerchief or hat as though
out of his senses. Mr.. Beecher appeared
to be greatly affected by the enthusiasm.
Cover Or Cleveland came to the front of
the stage and made several attempts to
speak. He was not allowed to proceed for
fully five minutes. At last he said:
Ladies and gentlemen,-I thank you for
this kind reception, and l am sure it is
cause for copgratulation that so many of
the business men of this great metropolis
have found reasons in the pending political
struggle for united and earnest effort. 1t
| has been my firm belief that one reason
why we as a people do not enjoy to the ut
most the advantages of our form of gov
eminent is found in the fact that our bust
nessmen are apt to neglect their political
duties. The idea is too common among
them that there is heroism and virtue IN
refusing to hold Office, and the stern denial
Of any inter est in politics seems to be re-
garded by many OF this class as the best
assertion of their private virtue and bust
ness integrity. The protection and safety
of the interests they have in charge are
closely connected with a wise administra-
ton of the Government, and it has always
seemed to me that if regard for their posi-
ton as citizens did not impel them to take
more active interest in political affairs the
desire and need of self-preservation would
do so. believe too that the best admin
istration of the Government is accomplish
ed when it is conducted on business prin-
ciples, and it is quite apparent that the ac-
tive participation of our business men in
political campaigns is an effective mode of
impressing these principles upon the man
agement of public affairs. | construe this
large and enthusiastic meeting and deter
mination On the part of the business -men.
from which it had its RISE as promise of
the time when they shall find the path of
duty as well as the interests in practical
and intelligent interference with political
questions and issues.
Uproarious applause punctuated the
Governors speech. At every period the
cheers were deafening.
letter was read from Samuel J. Tilden,
regretting that his health prevented his at
tendance. He says:
81 remember gratefully that when it vas
my duty as Governor to engage in a crap
pie with the canal-ring, which then swayed
all the administrative, legislative, and iu-
dioial departments Of the State majority
of the local organizations of the Demo-
cratic and the organization of the Republic
can party at the New York Produce Ex-
change rallied to my support and stood by
my side until that gigantic power was COM
pletely overthrown. l cordially concur in
your opinion that the election of Cleveland
and Hendricks is demanded by the best in
.terests Of the country. Ibelieve that their
election will be substantial victory for the