Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-08
AYERS INTERVIEW.
xArrERsIN THE SOUTHWEST.


with Rufus A. Ayers, Democratic c,o-
didate for Attorney-Genersl
=. What do you think of the canvass
in the State where you have been?"
II have been in the Southwest. with
the exception Of week spent in Henry
and Patrick, and have made thirty
speeches. | have found our people
thoroughly aroused and at work."
"What do you think Of the South
west?"
~ have visited every county in the
Southwest except Tazewell and Bu-
chanan. and have found the organization
good and the campaign aggressive"
"what about campaign documents
and literature?"
II lind that the Republicans have
distributed a great many documents
and papers which have not been fully
met by our people, though many pa
pers are now being sent"
What kind Of documents are the
Republicans distributing
"In the main they are. unsigned
cards and circulars appealing to the
prejudices Of the laboring men, skill
fully charging the hard times to the
Democrats, and arraigning them as I'M
friendly TO the public free schools and
the passage Of the Blair bill.
"what has been the effect Of Wise's
canvass, so far as you have observed ?"
"Mr. Wise made thorough canvass
of the Southwest, spending near six
weeks there, but he fell so far below
what both his supporters and opponents
expected that he did his cause positive
harm. lie made several speeches in
each Of the counties Of Russell Scott,
Lee, Wise, and Washington.
"Were his meetings largely attend
ed:"
"In the main they were, many Demo-
Gratis turning out to hear him, though |
understood in several instances he did
not speak for want OF hearers"
"Did he denOunce the people OF Dan
vile as murderers and assassins?"
He did denounce the white people
Of Danville, charging that the riot was
premeditated and planned for political
purposes by them. and for the purpose
Of showing that the people were blood
thirsty he generally recited long list
Of murders that he alleged had been
committed there"
g. Has he made many converts to his
cause, and are there any changes?
Wise did no good. We will gain
in the counties that he canyassed
closest"
"What, in your opinion, is Mahone's
greatest hope"
Il believe Malone intends to make a
strong effort to capture the close cOun-
ties and intends to use all the means
known in politics to accomplish that
end"
"Do you see any indications that
money is being spent by the Republi-
cans?n
IL see men actively at work who
generally require quill pro quo, and
see much preparation in the way ofcir-
cular inquiries, which look to the judi
cious use Of money"
IL observe that the Republicans are
disposed to ridicule Fitz Lees ovatiOns.
What do you hear Of them?'
II have been canyassing in counties
that General Lee has not yet visited,
but the ovations he received in Mont
gomery, Roanoke, and Roanoke City
were the spontaneous outpouring of the
people, and it was very noticeable that
the men of ordinary Means and the
workingmen largely predominated in
the professions. | have never seen as
large a mounted procession since the
war as greeted Lee at Salem and es-
corted him to Roanoke City,"
What preparations are being made
to receive him in Southwestern Vir-
ginia?"
81 hear that everywhere he goes he
will be received and escorted by large
bodies of mounted men. and there will
be several barbecues. The name Of
Lee exctes enthusiasm through TIE
Southwest, and he will meet many of
the soldiers who served under him.
Preparations are being made to receive
him in grand style in all the counties
he will visit"
Have we generally made strong
legislative nominations out here?"
"Yes. In Scott county Major S. p.
Mcconnell, gallant soldier, who has
been twice elected clerk, and was Re-
adjuster until the party was attempted
to be made Republican, is the nominee
for the House. In Lee county our
candidate will be elected beyond ques-
ton, receiving the support of large
portion of the old Readiuster element.
In Russell our candidate for the House
will be elected by largely-increased
majority, and the candidate for the
Senate will receive majority probably
sufficient to equal the vote Of Tazewell
for the other side. Buchanan and
FulkersOn in Washington, Roberts in
Smyth, 0glesby in Wythe, Childress in
Buchanan, Darst in Pulaski. Black in
Montgomery, Huffman in Craig, will all
be elected to the House. They are
strong before the people. Rhea, Will
liams, and Graham, for the Senate, are
excellent nominations-the first two
will certainly be elected, with good
showing for Graham.
"What think you will be the Demo-
cratic majority in the Ninth congress
sional district?'
The majority will exceed that of
last year. If the people of Eastern
Virginia will do their part, they need
have no fears for the Southwest. We
are earnestly at work with good or
ganization and are determined to win."
ARAMINTA.