Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1886-05-20
PUBLIC SPEAKING.

A very large and attentive audience, ladies'
and gentlemen, assembled in the Court-House
on Tuesday afternoon, attracted by the an
nouncement that political addresses would be
made by Hon. W C. P. Breckenridge OF Ken
lucky and other distinguished members OF
Congress. At about half past two Hon. VIM.
L. Wilson entered, accompanied by the above
named gentleman. also by Hon. H. 5. Van Ea-
ton of NJ ssissippi and Hon. Eustace Gibson OF
West Virginia. He proceeded to introduce 10
the assembly Col Breckenridge, saying, thatl
the three years he had represented this district
he had never had the opportunity to make
political speech TO a 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-person-
al friends-to do so, and these gentlemen had
consented to perform the work. Col. Breckin-
ridge at once proceeded to make one OF the
most eloquent, graceful and interesting ora
tions ever delivered in Charlestown, inter-
spersed with pathos and humor. He spoke on
politics in general-the return OF the Demo-
cratic party to power after twenty-five years,
its honest efforts to correct Republican abuses
the difficulties by which it is beset. The
present administration has its faults, but 1t IS
earnestly striving to consult the interests of the
whole nation and he advised the people TO
stick to the party even tho things do not all
at once 90 on to please eyerybody-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 Democratic
REPRESENTATIVES who is exerting all his energies
TO the work of retaining part of the millions
of acres of government lands which had been
given to railroads and other monopolies by the
RepubHcans-thus robbing the people to ena
bic the few 10 build colossal fortunes.
Judge Van Eaton's address was brim full OF
wit conyulsing his hearers with laughter at
every utterance but conveying none the less
a strong impression Of the i'm. ortance of every
man standing up TO his principles, and uphold
ing the Democratic party. His illustrative an
ecdotes were irresistible, calling forth storm
Of laughter and applause, and were admirable
in their application, and carried conviction TO
the hearers.
At the close of Judge Van Eaton's remarks
Mr.. Wilson again arose and spoke in terms OF
the greatest friendship and respect OF his iei-
Representative 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 ear
nest. impressive strain of one who speaks from
his Utmost heart. and feels the vital truth and
importance of what he says. With firm, al
most unvarying tone, he hesitated not, fatered
not, but condemned the policy and practices
of the Republican party which had reduced the
nation 70 the condition of the few enriched by
the impoyershment of the many held it to
a responsibility for the depreciation of the cur
ency and for the lack of navy which renders
all our ports liable TO capture; and in strong
terms condemned it for squandering the pub
lie domain, &c. All these consequences Of
twenty-five years of Republican misrule he por-
traved with a master hand, and the remedy he
suggested-the only genuine specific; stick to
the Democratic party, stand by it, and the fu-
ture of this nation will be one of grand pros
perity such as the world has not seen. In con-
clusion 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 was joined by both of
the honorable gentlemen, who ardently upheld
our young congressman. We regret that lack
of time prevents our giving fuller report Of
these very able addresses. i was q most in
teresting commencement of the Fall campaign
and we hope will be followed up by other adj
dresses from these and other gentlemen who
will always be cordially welcomed to ourcoun-
~