Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-10-30

ing the spirit of emulation and applying 1t
with determined resolution, it served to
Stir them to the highest purposes and sent
abroad burning light guiding up to
great victory over the would be spoilers OF
Virginia and the enemies of her people and
their every interest. The preceding day
was cold and cloudy, and wind and rain
closed in the night that betokened nc
bright morn or genial October sun for the
morrow. But when the mists of the night
rose up as the sun CT Thursday sent its
rays aslant over the tall mountains and
across the beautiful valley Of the South
river, the sp 'rits of the Democrats were re-
vived, and the people, including scores Of
ladies assisting in the good work of prepa
ration for the feasting of the multitude
with the good things of that prolific ant
fruitful land, came in hundreds to conse
crate day for their country and to make
sure work of the strength of their Creates
majority for the honor and safety of Vir
ginia.
Our vigilant and untiring County Com
mittee had co-operated most efficiently
with the Waynesboro' Democratic Com
mittee and workers for the occasion, ant
distant, in addition to our own local.
champions were engaged to speak en- The
occasion. In response to enquiries the
day before, because of the untoward circum
stances already adverted to, it was impossi
Bile whether to say come or ply your efforts
at some other point, perhaps more ex'
posed. As it was,- we had "big FOUR
and more than sufficient they were tC
sweep the field clean and to encourage
every aspiration of success and dispel al
gloom and the last doubt, if any existed,
as to the part Augusta Democrats would
play in the wipding-up days of the fight
and to welcome the crowning victory Of
the contest.
The people in numbers, six hundred or
more, assembled bright and early. Owing
to the dampaess of the ground, the stand
and seats on the lawn where the feast was
spread were not occupied for speaking
during the forenoon. The large town
hall with its excellent seating capacity
could accommodate, crowded as it was,
four hundred persons, and it was completely
jammed, and many ladies occupied the
stand adding impressiveness and adorn'
ment to the scene.
Captain Geo. NJ. Cochran, Jr., opened
the discussion. Before he uttered word,
it was an easy matter to discern what were
the thoughts of the audience The first
reflection which crossed the mind Of every
person was in connection with the pleasure
the public derived from the fact that his
superior abilities were to be consecrated to
the service of the people of his native
county, with whom he had been reared to
his splendid manhood, and for whom, more
than all other considerations he was willing
to strike effective blows in their honor and
as well as for the safety of Viz
ginia and her government. He presented
the strong points in the canvass in bis
clear, logical manner, and carried his
hearers to positive conclusions as to
the duty of the hour and the efforts which
should be adopted 10 the impending con-
test.
Mr.. Edward Echols next took the stand.
His close attention TO the study Of the
questions at Issue, and his familiarity with
the Malone tactics made him master of the
situation. Like Captain Cochran, he
pleased the audience as he drew a contrast
between Democratic government and the
fatal simeon of a Malone bosssm aud
tyranny. His concluding appeal for action
and effective work was eloquent and had a
telling effect.
Captain James Bumgardner, Jr., then,
on behalf of the Waynesboro' Committee,
invited the multitude to the feast which
was provided On the lawn fronting, on the
river near the mils--a charming location
for such an occasion. 1t YVES served on the
regular picnic order by the Committee,
With full detail OF assistants, and ladies'
taking an active part in seeing that all
were Toasted ont of the OVERLOOKING bounty
provided.
The crowd gathered around the stand
and were seated upon the benches in FROM,
and seemed to prefer that the bright,
balmy day should witness the
close CT the scene upon the grassy lawn
appropriated for all the exer-
cises of the occasion.
First came to the front, the old white
haired veteran, Mr. A. B. Lightner. He
talked soundly aud earnestly. He pressed
The necessity of continued activity with
force, and illustrated his views with good
hits hat enlvened the large audience.
After dinner, and especially as the day
vas far spent, and hundreds Of those who
lad participated in the first Of its scenes
we're thinking Of returning to their homes,
s not the time any speaker would prefer to
,ut in his share of work. Captain James
3umgardner, Jr., who followed Mr.. Light
Ter, had the honor of the closing speech,
md to the qualification Of the audience and
Inspiring to the speaker, for the
Iour and a-half tho thought Of going
.ome was not entertained by the people
vho crowded around and close up to the
tand and eheefel their eloquent and in
repid leader as his words fell fast and his
trong blows sent Malone aud his eEaw to
'Dayy Jones' Locker" The Captain has
strong way Of his own in stating his
oints and making his comments. 1t
semed that all OF Mahone's record and his
lethods had been gone over before he
,ok the stand, yet he presented some new
,atures, and his manner Of bringing them
ut drew from his large audience repeated
manifestations Of approval and interest in
is speech, which gould not cease even
18th the going down of the SUI,
The people of Waynesboro' and that
opulous and wealthy section of country !
ill net coon forget the handsome tribute !