Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-09-25
GREAT DAY IN HALIFAX. d"
Kerry, Hoge, and FtgGat Deliver
Ntsrrtng AddreSsess

Especial telegram to the Dispatch.l
SoUrH BosToN, Va. September a.
This has been a great day for the Demo-
Gratis OF Halifax. The announcement
that Hon. w. w. Berry, Hon. j. Hamp-
ton Hoge, and Hon. J. II. II. kiggat
were TO address the people attracted
large crowd, and when County Chairman
h. w. Watkins called the meeting TO or
der the courtroom was crowded with
earnest and interested spectators. Wood
Bouldin, Jr., introduced in an eloquent
manner Major Berry, who was the first
speaker. 1t is impossible in a brief tele-
gram to attempt any report of hisspeech,
which was directed strictly to a discus
sion OF the tariff
He opened with a reference to the sur
plus of Sl33, 100000 Major Berry then
explained the Democratic position as
held 10y President Cleveland tOwardsthis
surplus. Leaving this matter, the Mills
hill was discussed IN all its important
features 1t takes the tax Off manufac-
tured and smoking tobacco, which Is
about all that our people need, and prac-
tically abOlishes the most Objectionable
features of the internal revenue.
The speaker ridiculed the glowing
beauties of the so-called protection theo-
~ of the Republicans, and showed that
the benefits doctrine was confined to
the one single idea that our people must
tax themselves more and more sell their
products cheaper and cheaper, and pay
higher and higher prices for all they con
sumed. His allusion to the Hon. james
q. Blaine was splendid. Cheer after
cheer greeted the orators strong argu-
ments and eloquent periods.
He referred to Hon. Paul c. Edmunds
in most complimentary terms, and told
of the bright outlook all over the dis
trict. He urged the Halifax people to
be up and doing for their fayorite son
and the districts choice, or else Bedford
would lead his native county III an
enormous majority.
Major Berrys speech was undoubtedly
most able one, and produced pro-
found impression upon his hearers.
Captain Henry Edmunds, in his usual
pleasant manner, introduced the next
speaker, Captain j. Ii. II. Figgat, of
BotetOurt.
Captain Figgat said he was proud to
stand before and speak to such an au-
dience, and he came to bring greetings
from Botetourt to Halifax for Paul G.
Edmunds, our next congressman, and to
ask the people OF Halifax to stand
shoulder to shoulder with BotetOurt in
this important contest. The speaker
then reviewed the history of the Repub-
lican party and its deceit and hypocrisy.
All its legislation has been to make
the rich man richer, while the
condition of the poor man was
made worse and worse by the trusts and
monopolies and organizations fostered
by the party. He maintained that there
were other issues than the tariff In this
campaign, and urged his hearers to re-
member these things. He related hui
morous incident of President Cleveland's
recent fishing trip to Virginia, when by
bis acceptance of chew of tobacco he
proved himself an old-time, unaffected
Democrat. He concluded 10y saying that
Botetourt could magnifcently respond
TO the call of Halifax in the congress
sional race, and that Paul G. Edmunds
would he elected. Captain Figgat was
frequently cheered. He is favorite
in Halifax. and his presence was vel
coined by all.
Major John w. Riley introduced Hon.
J. Hampton Hoge in most feeling and
eloquent tones, abiding to former visit
Of Colonel Hoge to Halifax. When
Hoge arose he was greeted by a perfect
storm Of applause and it was several
minutes before he could proceed. Colo
mel Hoge is greatly admired here and he
evidenced his appreciation OF his recep-
ton 10y one of the most eloquent adj
dresses ever delivered upon this historic
hastings. In a most pleasing manner he
referred to bis cheerful abandonment OF
business to respond to the call to come
TO Halifax, and said he would always he
Glad 10 meet such men and take
council with them for the Democratic
party and the liberties OF this country.
His heart had often ached over the fallen
condition Of his county-Montgomery-
which had been SO long Republican, but
he wanted to say now to the people OF
Halifax that Montgomery would assured
ly and without doubt be redeemed and
give a majority to Paul c. Edmunds.
He took up the tariff, and although the
ground had been so fully explored by the
two preceding speakers, Colonel Ho9e
extracted new and striking facts and ar
guments from the subject, and presented
them with clearness, force, and ability
seldom equalled.