Wichita eagle., 1888-03-30
ANY BRAND TO SUIT THE CROWD.
How Zeb Vance Explained his Religious
Faith and Captured the Votes.
Atlanta Constitution.

Atlanta Constitution.
Zeb Vance said that one time away
back when he was running for congress
against Holden he had TO get over a
mountain range and down into valley
where he had never been before. The
humble people in that valley were
almost cut off and hid out from
that side of the world in which 5tr
Vance lived. He knew nothing
about their politics or their religion.
North Carolina is a curious state,
said he. Her religion is spotted and
speckled like it had the measles. In one
valley you will find the people all Epis-
copalians, however poor and primitive.
The ancestor of first settlers came from
old England and brought that religion
with them, and as nobody moved In or
moved ont, their descendants kept the
faith of their fathers. In another valley
you will find them all Presbyterians, be-
cause the ancestors came from Scotland.
In another they viii be all Methodist OF
Baptist. And every one of these sep
arate communities will have an old pat
riarch working in the lead, and he is
looked upon as the belwelter of the flock.
Now, it ..is necessary that a politician
should know the religious faith of those
with whom he is Iectioneering' for
votes If he cant chime in with it eX-
actly he mustn't say anything 'agin' it.
Now" said Vance, when | got over
into the valley to meet my appointment
/ found about seventy-five OF the SOW
ereigns gathered at the cross roads
where there was little store
and a Westinghouse. They had
on their homemade clothes and were
standing around chewing tobacco and
talking about craps and waiting for me
to come. l soon got familiar with them
and got them in first rate humor, but
as Holden was to come over in a day or
two l wanted to fix things in some way
so that he couldn't unhX them. Holden
was Methodist and | was afraid that
these people We're. noticed an old man
sitting off on a chunk and marking in
the sand with his loug walking stick. He
had on big brass spectacles and his heavy
shaggy eyebrows and big nose indicated
character, and so | set him down as the
bellwether of the flock After while |
got UP close to him and was about to adj
dress him, when he gave prayerful
grunt and got up and braced himself on
the stick and looking at me in q solemn
voice: ''This is Mr.. Vance, l believe?'
Yes, sir said giving him my hand,
And | am Emanuel Stenor,' said he.
and | suppose you have come over the
mounting TO talk to my boys about their
votes? Yes, sir, said |, that is my
principal business, and l. Well, Mr..
Vance, said he, interrupting me, before
.oI g., L, ti, hot E,l1T
ness | would like to AK you question or
two Certainly, sir, said l; certainly
We'll, Mr.. Vance, allow me to AK you
what church you do belong to-
"Well, that was a sockdolager and it
came right straight at me, and for
| was demoralized, but | rallied
and. as the boys had all gathered around
to hear the old man put me through. |
cleared my throat and said: That Is a
fair question, my friend; a fair ques-
ton, and | will tell you about that Ny
grandfather came from England and as
over there the established church was
of course he was an Epis-
copalian.
'Ipaused moment to see the effect
of this, and there was none that was
more favorable. The old man marked a
little more in the sand and spit his tobac-
co away off on one side. So | continued:
But my grandmother came from Scot
land, and you know that John Knox
left his mark upon that whole nation.
and so, of course, she grew up Presby-
terian. | paused again, but there was
no sign, no awakening, no chord struck,
and the old man marked some more in
the sand. But, my friend, my father
was born and grew up in a Methodist
who We're in this country,
and converted by John Wesley. and
of course, he became a Methodist.
| thought that now | had him sure, but
[ didn't. There was no sign of sympathy
from him or the boys, and SO / took my
last shot. But my good old mother. sir.
was born and raised Baptist, and it's
always been my opinion that man has
got to 90 under water before he can get
o heaven. a CLEAN of satisfaction spread
Ill over the old mans face as he said: |
Give me your hand, Brother Vance. |
Boys, | told you SO; told you he was a
Baptist before he come. He is a man. !
fou can all vote for him, but Holden |
Won't do nary time, for they do say that !
lie is one of these shouten, cavortin |