Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-10-29

Mother Of Presidents. seven of whose sons
have filed that high Office. to-day greets
President who for the first time meets
Vlrginians upon Virginia soil TApplause. !
I congratulate myself that my first in
PRODUCTION to the people of Virginia oc-
ours at time when they are surrounded
by the exhibits of the PRODUCT, enAss and
prosperity of their State. Whatever there
may be of honor In her history, and how
ever much of pride there may be in her
traditions, her true greatness is here ex-
emplifed. In our sisterhood of States the
leading and most commanding place must
be gained and kept by that Common
wealth which, by the labor and intelli-
gence of her citizens, can produce the
most of those things which meet the ne
cessities and desires of mankind. But the
full advantage of that which may be yield
ed to State by the toll and ingenuity of
her people, is not measured alone by the
money value Of the product. The efforts
and the struggles of her farmers and her
artisans not ouly create new values in the
field Of agriculture, and in the arts and
manufactures, but they at the same time
produce rugged, self-reliant, and indepen-
dent men, and cultivate that product
which more than all others ennobles a
State-a patriotic, earnest American citi-
zenship. [Applause.1 This will flourish
in every part of the American domain;
neither drought nor rain can iDjure it, for
it takes root in true hearts enriched by
love Of country. There are no new varie-
ties in this productions; it must be the
same wherever seen, and its quality is
neither sound nor genuine unless it grows
to deck and beautify an entire and united
nation. nor unless it supports and sus-
tains the institutions and the Government
founded to protect American liberty and
happiness.
The present administration of the Gov
ernment is pledged to return for such hus-
bandry not only promises, but actual ten
ders of fairness and justice, with equal
protection and full participation in ma
tional achievements. lArplause.]
If in the past we have been estraneed
and the cultivation of American citizen.
ship has been interrupted, your enthusiast
tic welcome Of to-day demonstrates that
there is an end to such estrangement, and
that the time of suspicion and fear is sue
ceeded by an era of faith and confidence.
In such kindly atmosphere, and be-
meath such cheering skies, l greet the peo-
pie of Virginia as co-laborers in the field
where grows the love of our united coun-
try.
God grant that ia the years to come, Vir-
ginia-the Old Dominion-the Mother of
Presidents-she who looked on the nation
at it's birth-may not only increase her
trophies of growth in agriculture and
manufactures, but that she may be among
the first of all the States In the cultivation
of true American citizenship. [Great
cbeering.''1
The President ia plain, matter. of-fact
speaker, but he puts his points clearly, and
has very clear voice.
Next followed the introduction of the
members of the Cabinet and Commission
or of Agriculture. Each came to the
front and bowed.
HAND-sHAKING-THE PREsIDENT's RE-
CEPTION IN THE BOOTH HOUSE.
After the review the presidential party
bad an informal reception, at which it
was understood that he desired to meet
and shake hands with the people.
1.-THE Ieople' were not slow to crafty
his Excellency in this matter, and for
about an hour and half there was con-
slant stream of people pouring through
the room, shaking hands with the Presi-
dent and saying kind words, which were
very graciously and pleasantly received.
The President remarked at one time
during the day that he could shake hands
with 5000 persons per hour. If he did his
work at that rate yesterday, counting the
time that he was at the Booth House, and
his like performances elsewhere in the
city, he probably grasped the hands Of
from 8 900 to 10000 people.
While the President was shaking hands
with his visitors down stairs, Governor
Lee, the members of the Cabinet, and
others were upstairs, on the porch, view
ing the grounds and gaily chatting.
The President stood to his work heroi-
cally. White snd colored were received
alike. He had a pressure of the hand and
smile for each. and, being in q small,
close room and hard pressed by the crowd,
he perspired from every pore.
TEN MINUTES AT GOVERNOR LEES
MANSION.
The carriage drove into the Square
through the Ninth-street gate. The Presi-
dents carriage paused in front of the
Washington statue, and the occupants
admired the magnificent statue.
The whole party dismounted and enter
ed the Governors Mansion; where thew
were most agreeably entertained.
The digni6ed and accomplished mother
of Governor Lee, his charming first lady
of the Commonwealth. Miss Winnie
Davis, daughter of Jefferson Davis, and
other ladies, the Governor himself, and
the committees did the honors of the oc-
casion in very beautiful style, and the
guests seemed delighted with their visit.
The President made himself very agree.
able to all, petted and kissed Mrs. Lees
baby, and shook hands with all Of the
children.
AT THE CONFEDERATE VETERANS
HOME.
The President drove to the Soldiers
Home in the afternoon. Major Brander