Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-08-25
Letter from Indianapolis.
.[For the spEcrAToR.[

Dear Spectdt0r:-Since my last letter l
lave had the pleasure and privilege of at
tended the Democratic State Convention of
Indiana. 1t convened in Tomlinson Hall
and was composed of 1881 delegates of the
representative Democracy of the State. 1t
is conceded by the organs of the opposite
party to be the finest-looking body of men
convened here in Is years. The convention
was presided over by Senator Voorhees,
He was surrounded by the distinguished
men of the State, and on the platform was
a line body of newspaper reporters bright,
gentlemanly-looking fellows. Perfect har-
mony prevailed throughout and an enthusi-
asm Which made one feel it was good to be
there.
The State ticket gives harmonious salts
faction SO far. The resolution in the Dem
ocratlc platform bearing upon the temper
ance question is considered good one. 1t
was necessary that the party should take a
bold stand on the question which is upheav
ing the nation in different localities. The
State is not ready for prohibitory rule yet.
High license will not conflict with sumpt-
uary law, but will tend to keep down "dog-
geries,' the number of which is certainly
increasing. This license tax is to 90 for
the school system, which will advance the
mental and moral.
The longer one lives in this State and be-
comes accustomed to the manners, and bet
ter acquainted with the people, the greater
the admiration for them, and the more
truly wonderful we think her advancement
is for State SO young.
In the first settlement there were those
who had career of hardship, literally hue
ing their homes from the forest. There are
no prairies like in her sister State, Illinois,
that invite one to settle on their broad
domains, as all things are made ready, but
this hueing out their own fortunes created
a hardy, independent generation, and then
as the State opened up a class came from
the Eastern States with their brain and
muscle the families interchaDged and inter-
mingled in marriage, muscles and brains,
until the native Hooser, when man or
woman of intellect-and there are many
such-are strong in their ideas of advance
ment. They know no such word as fail,
but keep right on to the goal for which they
have started. They are great people to do.
They don't calculate till some other party
carries off the prize, but make the venture,
and if they fail, they try again.
So Indiana, with such force in her pop
ulation, such perfect school system, with
such railroad facilities, soil capable of
producing every variety, and a climate now
becoming healthful as the State is becoming
densely settled, she will rank among the
first in the Union.
"The Mountain Evangelist, Barnes" has
returned by way this city to his native State,
Kentucky, from his trip around the world
as missionary. He held series of meet
ings here before his departure, four years
ago, during which time he had "a stormy
time," as he expressed it. By stormy
time he meant the opposition he was assail-
ed with by the orthodox clergy, as they
called themselves, notwithstanding the as
sauts made by the shepherds of the various
hocks, the sheep followed "Brother Barnes"
aud hung on the sweet words which fell
from his lips. He is truly remarkable
man, one Of strength of character, intelli-
gent, and greatest of all, faith in God. He
never takes up a collection, never asks for
means, has but little of this worlds goods,
simply relies on faith in God, whilst he is
doing his part to provide for himself and his
family and all is supplied. 1t is wonder
full verification of the promises in this age of
unbelief. When he was here before his
tour, his lovely child-his daughter Mary,
or 'Mareah," as he calls her, the sweet
singer and reader-was with him, now his
son and another daughter form trio.
Sunday morning he held service in the
Christ Episcopal Church-he is a church
man now-and at night in the Hall, with
an audience of at least 1000. His gospel
is so cheerful and falls so sweetly in it's
Christly love upon the heart! He was ed
ucated strict Calvanist, and this simply
means preaestination, foreknowledge, fore
ordination. and all those complications
which tend to mystify those who believe
Christ SO loved US that He died for us. So
Mr.. Barnes has drifted into the divine love.
He breaches God and Father too good
and wise to err or to be unkind. He gives
the devil the power to damn SOUL and
gives US the free will to choose whom we
will serve. He says, "Christ stands at the
door of every heart and knocks, knocks,
knocks. but He will never force His way
in.' He teaches that Christ bore the
weight and degradation of our sins, and
He pleads with us to come just as we are
and take Christ just as He is, not fearing
an avenging God, but looking upon Him
as loving Saviour. He pleads SO elo-
quently, and his great earnestness and
faith, with his advantages Of thorough ed
ucation and travel, make him extremely
instructive and interesting. He is doubt
less sowing that he may reap an abundant
harvest when the time comes to ''gather in
the sheayes."
Speaking of gospel messengers, noticed
in your last issue an item which proves
''the memory Of the just shineth more and
more unto the perfect day''-the building
and dedicating Of church at McGaheys-
vile to the memory of John Brown, D. d.
He has been resting from his labors nearly
fifty years, yet his labor is bringing forth
good fruits in the hearts of the children
who were blessed by his ministry. All,
truly we have two immortalities, and bless
ed is he or she who is immortal in good
works
Whilst l vas writing I was attracted by
music, combination of the martial and the
dirge-like sound. found, on going to my
window, procession going up Illinois
street in honor of Senator Bruce, of Miss,
attended by the military and dignitaries OF
his color in the city This was the martial
part. Up Meridian street, one square far
Their East, was travesty on human life and
death-a saloon keepers funeral process
sion. A band of music and saloon keepers
in advance; the elegant hearse, followed by
the mourners. On one side of the process
sion boy rolls rapidly by on bicycle; on
the other side man was faithfully pushing
a wheelbarrow. A gay hanson swept past,
and on the corner stood some light-hearted
girls and young men keeping time to the
music. Such is life. L. M. L.
Indianapolis, August, 1885.