Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-11-03
WELCOME 70 FITZ LEE.
Richmond Receives the Democratic
Nominee for Governor.
A GLORIOUS GREETING,
A Grand Observation-Disclosures from
General Ice and Hon. George D. Wise

General Fitzhugh Lee completed his
canvass Of tho State last night. AS
candidate his work is done. His voice
has been heard at numbers Of places
on the Eastern Shore, on the Northern
Neck, in Piedmont, in the Valley, and
in the Southwest /; and here in Rich
mond. where the standard Of Democracy
has since 1869 ever been lifted in VIC
tory, be made his last speech in this
contest and committed his cause to the
ballots Of the people Of this Common
wealth. This morning he ereturns 10 Fair
fax and 10 vote. As far as human fore
sight goes. as far as the popular judg-
ment extends, no man could have so
qrandly borne the standard Of his
PARTY. He has kindled an enthusiasm
never surpassed--in the opinion of
many never equalled-by a popular
leader in this State. lie has made Wig
orous and statesmanlike addresses, ap-
pealing to the calm judgment and sober
sense Of the voters, and won for him
selra name as a public speaker ex-
ceeding what his most ardent admirers
had hoped Of him. He has had ova-
tions that would have turned the heads
of most men he has been overwhelmed
with evidences Of affection, especially
by the old soldiers, but nowhere has he
made a false step or given expression
to O sentence that ought to be recalled.
With no great experience on the hust-
ines be has led the canvass in q man
ner which is positive assurance that
he has the material in him for
good Governor. He has acted we'll
his part. Now it remains for the Dem
ocratic voters Of Virginia to do their
duty at the polls and if they fail not,
to-day's sun will 60 down upon him
the Governor-elect Of Virginia. No
thing but the most stupid oyer-cond-
dence and objectionable neglect Of
duty can defeat him. The demonstra-
ton here last night is proof that the
Richmond Democrats are devoted to
him and his cause and alive to the duty
and demands Of the hour. The occa-
sion was marked by all the demonstra-
tons of popular gladness. Booming
cannon, cheering music, fireworks,
illumined houses, and applauding null
titudes welcomed him to Richmond,
and an immense crowd heard his speech
and that of our gallant congressman,
Hon. George ID. Wise.
GENERAL LEE AT ASHLAND.
General Lee left Alexandria yester-
day at ia O'Clock by the fast mail, and
arrived at Ashland at 2 O'Clock. Here
it was arranged that he should stop,
take dinner, and rest until 81 out 6 r
NJ. and then come to Richmond in q
special train. Mr.. w. n. Redford was
TO entertain him at Ashland, and nc
public announcement of his visit to thai
thriving town was made; but the peo-
plo heard that he was coming, fired q
salute of welcome, and soon got up a
meeting and demanded speech, which
the General gave them, much to theil
satisfaction.
ARRIVAL IN RICHMOND.
General Lee was in Richmond or
time. Arrived at Elba station, h'
found bonfres blazing, band playing,
and n crowd Of horse and foot Demo
Gratis Justify cheering.
1t had been rainy afternoon. The
night was cold, damp, and cheerless,
and the streets in that unpayed sec
ton rather deep in mud. 1t was
conspicuous evidence Of devotion t
Lee and the party that so many people
were there assembled. Had the night
been dry and moderately warm there
would have been five times as many
men in the turnout. There was no at.
tempt at "a torchlight procession "
it was simply an escort, but it was
big one.
THEY MOVE OFF.
The committee had on hand a riding
horse and carriage for General Lee
They allowed him to take his choice
He expressed preference for the car
riage, and was seated therein will
Colonel John b. Cary, superintendent
and II. NJ. Smith, Jr., assistant super
intendent, Of the party in this city, am
Hon. George d. Wise.
The line was formed with the Demo
cratic clubs Of Richmond, Manchester
and Ashland at the head; then cam
General Lees carriage, and then tn
carriages of the City Committee and o
the legislative candidates then tn
cavalry from Richmond, Manchester
and the country, several hundred i
number. the whole being under the com
mand Of Chief-Marshal Colonel job
Il. Purcell.
IN A BLAZE OF LIGHT.
The route of the procession wa
down Ryland street to Grace, dow
Grace to Shafer, down Shafer to Frank
lin, down Franklin to First, up Flrs
10 Broad. There was continuous I'm
oflieht and one unending cheer from tn
crowds that lined the sidewalks iroI
Rlba to the stand. Red lights blaze
from every yard. Many houses wer
brilliantly illuminated. Chinese Ian
terms were shining forth by the thou
sand. On every doorstep ladies wer
gathered, waving their handkerchief
General Lee was, of course, the Oh
served Of all observers. He would n
sooner replace his hat upon his hea
after answering one cheer than anothe
cheer would burst from the crowd, an
of bis hat would go again. Thus b
made the distance nearly always bar'
headed.
As for the crowd out, il was enol
nous for Richmond. With one or tw
exceptions only have there been large
popular demonstrations and this, b
Il remembered, was made on the eve
ming Of rainy day, when the air We
bltiDgly chilly and the streets wet an
muddy.
FIREWORKS.
The best display of fireworks was o
Grace and Franklin streets--most
them discharged from the premises
the people living on the line Of march.
The committee also had a good man.
fireworks, but one Of their supply
wagons took fire on Franklin near Mor