Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-11-10
The Senatorship,

Tn 1888 Virginia was in the very abyss of
despair. She had lost, and the clouds were
dark and gloomy in every direction. Look
which way you would, there was nothing to
cheer. The federal government was in the
hands of the republican party. The State
government, in all its departments, was
controlled and dominated by the Malone
renubIican alliance. Under these circum-
stances. and surrounded by these condi-
tons, the democratic party met in conven-
ton in Lynchburg. The general feeling
throughout the State was, to whom shall we
look for Moses? BY spontaniety OF
choice, all asked for one man. A spectacle
was presented in this convention never seen
before The convention selected its leader.
By vote the chairman was elected, notify the
committee, as heretofore, but by the con-
vention then aud there assembled. With q
patriotic loyalty that was at once unsellish
and without hesitation, John S. Barbour ac-
cepted the high commission thrust upon
him. We fought that fight and won that
victory. Barbour gave his executive abili-
ties to the fight. He gave his time, his po-
ltical wisdom, his money, and we won. In
| 1854 another fight confronted us. 1t in
volved the Presidency and the Virginia del
egation in the Congress Of the United
States. Again with unanimity uDparal-
| leed, all called for Barbour. Again he re-
sponded with q patriotic alacrity to The
CALL Again he gave his time, his ability,
his means to the contest, aud again we won.
In 1885 a struggle needed all of the
ability and executive power that could be
obtained, for here and now Virginia was
invaded as never before. The contest of
1869 was before us again. Never, in the
history Of this fair land Of ours. were the
issues graver or more solemn. Every thing
was in peril. VINO now should be our
leader? From the mountains TO the sea,
with great accord, all called for John S.
Barbour. He came forward. He spent his
money, his time, and his ability, and won.
To him all honor, glory and praise.
1t is said that Mr. Barbour cannot speak.
He spoke and the dead came forth. He
worked and labored, and Virginia was
saved John S. Barbour has given express
sion to energy, unsel6sh devotion, loyalty
and patriotism. He asked no reward-he
expects none, but sharper than q serpents
tooth it is to have thankless child" and
Virginia would never deserve success-her
glory should pass from her-her victories
should be turned to ashes and agonies, if
she did not offer the highest honor and the
best entwined wreath to this her great son.
He asks nothing, and opposes nobody but
Virginia will see to it, that he is laurel
wreathed. He and his friends do not desire
contest, and will oppose no one, but graft.
tude will stand forth and say, honor him
with the greatest need ofpraise. While We
honor others, let him go and sit where Hun
ter. Mason, Withers and Johnston have been
pleased to represent US. Virginia presents
him with all praise, and will give him tic
prize fredericksburg NewS.
| "Who will be Mahone's scccessor in the
Senate" is question you often hear aske
here now. 1t seems quite certain that Mr..
Barbour's chances are better than those of
any other aspirant for the place. He will
be quite apt to have the members of his own
Congressional district pretty solid for him,
and yes" said welliniormed democratic
| journalist here, 1.-The members from the black
belt, and closely contested counties in other
portions of the State will feel very friendly
toward Mr.. Barbour" It is rather soon to
be indicating the result Of the contest for
the Senatorship, but at this early day, when
the flush Of victory has not yet had time to
cool of, Barbour's chances look mighty
goo1.-Rich. Cor. Norfolk Ledger.