Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1888-05-31
RED LETTER DAY
II
CHARLESTOWN.
Hampton, Kenna, Russell, Ford,
Allen. and Wilson.

forty years-s0 say those who are old enough
to know. The ability, wit and eloqueuce OF
the distinguished gentlemen present repre-
sentiug the several sections Of the United
States the nearuess Of the subjects, which
thev So forcibly handled, to the popular
heart the pride of our people in their own
representatives I'm both houses OF the FEEDER
al Congress aud, more than all, perhaps,
tbe presence of the old hero Of war and
peace. WADE HAMPTON, awakened the en-
,busiasm of the crowds that assembled from
an parts Of the county, regardless of the
weather TO greet the apostles Of Tariff Re-
form and to learn of them concerning the
things so closely connected with their pros
perity.
Early ia the afternoon the meeting hav-
ing been called to order by DR.. j. Y. Sim
mons President Of the Democratic Club,
.B. d. Gibson, Esq, was elected Chairman
and made q brief address stating the OBJ
iecto the meeting and introducing Gen
Wade Hampton who said, after cheers had
subsidized. that hc had come, not TO give po-
Utica. advice. but to see his old comrades
TO be once again face 90 face with men whose
valor he had witnessed aud whose eyes he
had seen sparkle with peculiar brightness
I'm Inc hour of fierce conflict. lie briefly
recalled memories Of the war and congratu-
lated his hearers that once more peace pre-
vail. and the country rgoices in honest and
good government under a democratic adj
mini,ua,ion. He spoke of his personal
confidence in the integrity of purpose, the
courage and patriotism of Grover Cleveland,
and of .herec5rl le is making every day
rs statesman and ,he President OF the
people
The mex, speaker presented to the audi
erce va- Hon. John Z. Russell of SlasSa.
chusc.e Mr.. Russell. was elected 90 the
present Congress, after having made tho
rough canvas. among the factory employees
ofhis district hitherto repubiican-devo-
ting li, campaign 20 discussing the tariff
HcLas since made q reputation in Congress
Jy his brilliant speech on the taridques,on.
dr. Russell said that unlike Gen Hampton
he came without ,te soldiers fame orprcyi
GUS associations 90 bind him Go The people,
but q, plain farmer from the Com
monwealtb Of Massachusetts, that had stood
shoulder to- shoulder wi,a Virginia against
the oppression of "a common enemy From
the aspect oftae country he had concluded
that .ai, Was an agricultural region, and he
congratulated his hearers on the evidences
of inteige1. and careful farming lie re-
ere..ed ,hst .he sun was obscued and the
wea,he, unpleasant but couldn't complain
under the circumstances, for nc knew the
rain was d,isg the wheat powerful deal
ofgo0l." Hc spoke of agriculture as the
foundation of industrial lie and national
prlspcr..y-the oldest of occupations and
that essential 90 the dignity and respecta-
bi.itv ola people. Oue-sixth of our popu-
lati9n live by farming and ,he continent IS
one vast arm. He favored tariff for reve-
nue. bu. uo. 10 benefit the rich man at the
expense of the poor and said the working
man pa'd the taxes and the manufacturer
pat the profit. iD hi. pocket. The farmer
could uo, sell his wheat unit. the quota
tiaus were received from Liverpool where
the priccis fixed the tariff could net proc
tec wheat. ], does mo-, pay the small farm
or 90 raise sheep for wool alone. and the pro-
lection ou wool doesn', compensate the far
mer for what he pays ia tariff taxes. The
demand of fashion for variety 10 voolen
manufactures requires that different kinds
ofwo8l be used. and mo country could raise
It's own supply of wool removal of laridon
wool. therefore. would not iniUre the WOOL
grower. Ohio was the chief Woodworking
State and the republicans expected to carry
it ON that issue. Ohio was 90 be carried on
tine backs of sheep. and So far as he knew
them sheep would generally lie down if
much of d load was placed on them. Tie
gave some excellent advice 90 farmers and
w0ol-erower, SIR. Russell is eloquent and
logical his speech was received with loud
applause aud made fine impression
Mr. Gibson then introduced Hon. VI. II.
Ford. OF Michigan, who. axe Mr.. Russell,
was elected Co Congress from a republican
district on Che tariff issue. Mr. Ford said
this erca, question had reduced the repub.
icau GRITTY I'm Michigan from $4,000 to
$1,000 ina few years. and If the Mills bill
passed Congress the State would east its e.
lec.0ral vote for Cleveland Hcwas FOX the
frs. time I'm West Virginia; was glad to be
hee. and spoke I'm highe,, terms of the
States representatives ia the Senate and
House. Ncssrs Eenna and Wilson, of the
services they had rendered their coastitu-
.uts by their splendid advocacy of tariff re /
form aud .le brilliant record they have made I
The surplus now In the treasury is getting /
.0 be q serious matter-Sl00000O00 is suf- .
icieu, 70 pay the bonds falling due iulS9l. f.
IulS60 the rate Of taxation was SI60 per .
capita and now IL amounts 90 5000. Re .
1ubHcaa- say the the tariff is necessary 70 F
protect .aboring classes, that we can't COM
pete with pauper labor in Europe. but
when there IS q strike for wages enough to
live outAey send 90 Europe and import pau