Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-11-13
MIR. IA RIsOUR.
His Speech at the Reception Given
Him Thursday Night.

Mr.. Barbour spoke as follows at the re-
ception given him in Washington Thurs
day night:
Mr. President and FelIow-Citizcns of
Washington ] had no idea in coming here
this evening that should meet with such a
Teception-s reception, let me say, that
deeply appreciate, coming as II does from
the citizens OF Washington, my sister city.
believe that had known that such mag
nlticont demonstration was In store for me
my natural modesty would have induced
Inc TO avoid il, and should have proceeded
quietly on to my home, as at first intended.
But could not under such circumstances
do otherwise than appear here, and j again
thank you sincerely for the compliment
paid me tonight. My command OF
language IS never very large, and it is in
ADEQUATE to this occasion. / have been
abroad for the last four months. ] thought
that a voyage across the ocean might be OF
some service TO me in the future. | have
been among the Scotch, the French. the
German, and the slow-moving Englishman,
and | return nome more impressed than
ever with the grandeur and sublimity OF
the institutions Of America. Ny first ques-
ton on landing was, I" How has the old
Democratic party dOne?" for that is the
dearest thing to me in all the world. So
YOU see I did not know what happened. |
did know that the Democratic party had
not received much encouragement OF late.
knew that the men who did the work
in 1854 bad not been specially recognized.
don't lament for myself. Inever asked
for ANYTHING: never wanted anything; but
do feel that those who have been placed
in power in the high offices OF the Govern
IT frtt aud
| do feel that they should not forget
makes no difference what any one
does, you canno. kill the Democratic
party. You cannot Kill II with a Mug
wump Of to-day. 1t will always live.
believe that the good to he done, that the
reform to be accomplished, must be wrought
by the Democratic party. 1t has been said
OF orr state that we were at the birth OF
he Democracy. We gave ii its father and
we gave it a Jefferson, and | think that
when that party lifts men from obscurity -
places OF power those men should do the
| bidding OF the men OF that party in so far
~ they can within the limits OF the COnsti-
| tuition.
understand that there is some eXuta-
ton among our Republican brethren over
| the result in our State, but can only say
| 10 them that they must not be I'm too great
a hurry. After having wiped the carpet
bagger from the face Of her sacred soil !;
| after having overcome the Fusionists and
the Resdiusters, is it to be supposed that
We intend to allow them 10 steal our State
from The ranks Of the Democracy, where
she rightfully belongs? We had some cause
to complain Of the failure OF the Executive
Department TO recognize the Democracy OF
Virginia. We wanted certain reforms in
taxation in Virginia. but Democratic
friends IN Congress were not so responsive
as we had hoped they would be. Bat what
is politics but a series OF concessions? We
must not, therefore. be too eXacting. The
| prime object is to keep the grand army OF
the Democracy together in harmony and
| prosperity. | am plain, frank man, and
| tell YOU what think. 1 again thank you.