Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1886-05-25
PubIie Speaking.
IFrom the Free Press.l


IFrom the Free Press.1
"A very large and attentive au-
dience, ladies and gentlemen, assem-
ibIed in the Court House on Tuesday
afternoon, attracted by the announce
ment that political addresses would
be made by Hon. w. z. c. Breckln-
rid6e-of kentucky and other distin-
ouished members of Congress. at
about half past two Hon. VIM. l..
Wilson entered, accompanied by the
above named. gentleman, also by
Hon. II. S. Van Eaton of Mississippi
and Hon. Eustace Gibson of West
Virginia. He proceeded to introduce
to the assembly Col. Breckenridge,
saying, that in the three years he had
represented this district he had never
had the opportunity to make politi-
cal speech to general audience like
that before him, and the happy
thought occurred to him that instead
of speaking himself it would be well
to bring some of his colleagues-per-
sonal friends-to do so, and these
gentlemen had consented to perform
the work. Col. Breckenridge at once
proceeded to make one of the most
eloquent, graceful and interesting
orations ever delivered in Charles
town, interspersed with pathos and
humor. He spoke on politics in gen
eral-the return of the Democratic
party to power after twenty-five
wears, its honest efforts to correct
Republican abuses-the difficulties
by which it is bcset. The present
administration has its faults, but it
is earnestly striving to consult the in
terests of the whole nation; and he
advised the people to stick TO the
party even tho things do not all at
once go on to please everybody-it
is the only hope of the nation.
Following the address of Col.
Breckenridge, Mr.. Wilson introduced
Judge Van Eaton of Mississippi, as
one of the fearless DemocraticN Rep-
resentatives who is exerting all his
energies to the work of retaining
part of the millions of acres of gov
ernment lands which had been given
to railroads and other monOpolies by
the Republicans-thus robbing the
people to enable the few to build CO.
lossal fortunes.
Judge Van Eaton's address was
brim full of wit, convulsing his hear
ers with laughter at every utterance,
but conveying none the less strong
impression of the Importance of every
man standing up to his principles,
and unfolding the Democratic party.
His illustrative anecdotes were ire
sistible, calling forth q storm of
laughter and applause, and were adj
mirable in their application, and car
ried conviction to the hearers.
At the close of Judge Van Eaton's
remarks Mr.. Wilson again arose and
spoke in terms of the greatest friend
ship and respect of his fcllow-Rcprc-
sentative from this State, who had
stood by him and upheld him in his
work, and whom, in the loneliness of
Washington life, he had felt to be
nearest to himself in their common
interests, etc. -
Mr.. Gibson's remarks were made
in the earnest, impressive strain of
one who speaks from his Utmost
heart, and feels the vital truth and
Importance of what he says. With
firm, almost unvarying tone, he hest
tated not, faltcred not, but condemned
the policy and practices of the Re-
publican party which had reduced the
nation to the condition of the few en-
riched by the impovcrishment of the
many; held it to a responsibility for
the depreciation of the currency and
for the lack of a navy which renders
all our ports liable to capture; and
in strong terms condemned it for
squandering the public domain, &c.
All these consequences of twenty-five
years of Republican misrulc he por-
traycd with q master hand, and the
remedy he suggested only gen.
uine specific: stick to the Democratic
party, stand by it. and the future of
this nation will he one of grand pros
peritv such as the world has not seen.
In conclusion he recommended to this
District the reelection of its present
Representative as the man in congress
who is growing in the esteem of his
peers. In this he joined by both
of the honorable gentlemen, who ar
IDENTIFY upheld our young congress
man.