Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-10-07
Gen. Fitz Lee in the Southwest.

Gen. Fitz Lee in the Southwest.
CHRIsTIANsBURa, Sept. 29-Gen. Fitz
Lee and Hon John E. Massey addressed a
crowd of nearly 1000 in the courthouse
yard to-day. They were escorted from the
depot to town by six or eight hundred cav
airy, and three bands of music. Cheer af-
ter cheer was heard all along the line, and
when they entered town, one spontaneous
shout was heard from one end Of the town
to the other. Gen. Lee spoke for nearly
two hours and convinced the people present
that he knows how to speak. Many per-
sons, including ladies, mounted the seats
and gave vent to their feelings by cheering
him. He discussed national and State af-
fairs in that craftsmanship manner that
characterized the man not only as states
man but soldier. He was presented
number of beautiful bouquets by Hon. A. A.
Phlegar, as token of loye and affection
from the fair daughters of Montgomery
county.
Mr.. Massey was received with deafening
rounds of applause, and his speech was de-
livered and received with more enthusiasm
than any he has made during the canvass.
1t is said that the speech Of Hon. Rufus
A. Ayers at Newport, in Giles county, on
Saturday last, was the best one and that he
accomplished more for the cause of democ-
racy than any speech ever did in that coun-
ty.
General Lee left this evening for Floyd
courthouse, and Parson Massey for the
east Mr.. Ayers spoke to-day at Newcastle,
Craig county.
FLOYD COURTHOUSE VIA BANGS, Va.
Sept 30-Gen Fitz Lee arrived at this
place from Christlansburg to-day at 10
O'Clock, notwithstanding The enemy had
blockaded his way on the mountain by
cutting trees across the road, thereby en-
deavoring to prevent his arrival
here. He was not detained, however, for
his advance guard had cleared the way.
Had breastworks been substituted the
Gen. might have had slight skirmish,
but the enemy being deserters and bush
whackers they fled at his approach.
He was met some three miles out of town
by nearly three hundred mounted cavalry
men, and triumphantly escorted into town,
amid the shout and huzzahs of nearly one
thousand persons, including many ladies.
He addressed them for over two hours, and
enthused new democratic life into the par
ty. His speech was grand. convincing and
soul-stirring, and its affect was wonderful.
He left ia the evening for Salem, amid
cheers and shouts of a happy people
Floyd county will be redeemed.
SALEM, October 1.-Gen. Fitz Lee spoke
in Salem to-day to large crowd of people.
HIS reception in this place was grand one
Over roo men, mounted on horseback, es-
corted him from the depot Mr.. Whalen,
of Roanoke, had the black stallion "Mo-
hawk" ready for him, and when the Gen.
| mounted, shout rent the air that could
| be heard for miles around. The General
made a very eloquent address to the people,
| who in their eagerness to show their appre-
citation Of his remarks shouted themselves
hoarse. The General said: when I see
the farmers, lawyers and mechanics, leav-
| ing their duties and manifesting such joy
at my presence, do not take it to myself
| but.I feel that it is because come to rep
resent the democratic party"
Gen. Early has joined the cavalry, and
when we see this accession to our ranks,
it means that the infantry and artillery are
coming to the support of the cavalry.
| The General was introduced by Gen.
Jubal A. Early amid rounds of applause.
Rufus Ayers Joined the procession and
drove little dog cart around the town.
He is addressing the crowd at this time !;
not less than 2 900 being present.
The ovation was the grandest ever seen
in South west Virginia, and the enthusiasm
of the people unbounded.
Lee is now speaking and will be followed
by Dunlop, of Richmond, and others.
Gen. Lee will be escorted to Roanoke
this evening by an immense procession,
and will speak there tonight.
| ROANOKE October Clouds of dust.
waves and pillows of dust, encircled the
Roanoke contingent of Lees legion on its
march from Salem to the city this evening.
Before mile had been traversed, men,
horses, drums, bugles and banners seemed
all to have been remanded to the elemental
dust, and the speakers tonight all had dust
in their threats, which they had rather had
thrown in their adversaries' eyes. A big
street parade led the procession through
town to the Roanoke, and another led to
the stand in Rorer Park tonight.
Phlegar led off in sharp arraignment of
Mahoneism for nearly an hour, and was
followed by Fitz Lee, who had lot of
Roanoke turnpike added to his hoarseness.
He spoke something over an hour and after
a few minutes regained his voice SO that
the three thousand people who listened
could hear every word.
| After the usual flower presentation
Rufus Ayers made short and effective
speech. Numerous other gentlemen were
called on until finally loud calls for Huff
man brought out the little game-cock of the
Alleghanies, who made a ringing speech to
his fellow citizens.
The speaking closed in grand round of
cheers, tigers, and waving of hats. Two
beautiful incidents of the evening were the
presentation to Lee of bouquet by a
granddaughter of Andrew Lewis of revolu-
tionary fame, and one from the northern
ladies' of Roanoke. A splendid display of
fireworks entertained the audience during
an interval in the programme. Lee and
Ayers leave here on the western train at s
o'clock tomorrow morning for CARROLL
There is splendid feeling here tonight,
and have heard several northern gentle
men heretofore Republicans, give cheerful
praise to Lee and the other speakers.