Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-16
ISSUES OF THE HOUR.
STAFFORD DEMOCRATS ADDRESSED
BY THE PARTY LEADERS.
Independent Hume Backs Down from n
Discussion-JonesS Speaks at
Fredericksburg.
lspecIal tslerrnm 70 tho nI.n,,ch1

FREDERICKSBURG, VA, October To-
The regular monthly term of the County
Court OF Stafford began to-day, but there
was little business OF importance before
the court, and at IL O'Clock the court
room was given to the Democrats, who
had previously announced that there
would be public speaking. The meeting,
which was a large one, was presided over
by Captain ID. VI. Lee, chairman of the
party, who announced that a committee
had waited upon Mr.. Frank Hume, the
Independent candidate, who was present,
and offered to divide time in the speak
ing which was about to begin.
HUME DECLINES.
After few minutes the committee re-
turned and notified the meeting that Mr..
Hume declined to discuss the issues.
This was received with laughter.
Mr. Il. T.. Meredith, of Prince Will
liam, was then introduced, and he de-
livered an able and impressive address,
which was frequently and loudly APP
plauded He also paid his respects to
Hume for the manner in which he has
acted in coming out as an independent
candidate.
GENERAL LEES SPEECH.
He was followed by the nominee,
General w. h. +. Lee, in speech of
over an hour, in which he gave an ac-
count OF his stewardship while 10 Con-
gress and forcibly presented the issues
of the coming canvass General Eppa
Hunton, OF Warrenton, then closed the
speaking, which lasted over four hours,
in an able and fOrcible manner, and
urged the Democrats, as did both OF the
other gentlemen, to stand by their
nominee. At the close Of his speech
three hearty cheers were given by the
crowd present, and when the gentlemen
emerged from the courthouse a large
number grasped their hands.
AWAKENING TO THEIR DUTY.
There was considerable enthusiasm
and the Democrats are now awakening
to the supreme duty Of the hour. From
whnt information your correspondent
could gather to-day the so-called dis
satisfaction is gradually growing less
and it is now thought will amount to no.
thing.
THE MEETING AT FREDERICKSBURG.
Tonight the Democracy of this city
were addressed in an able and mastery
speech by our nominee, Hon. William
| A. Jones. which was his first appearance
on the hustings in this city, and here as
elsewhere he was warmly greeted. His
presentation of the tariff and force bills
was mastery and received the earnest
consideration of all present
STREET PARADE.
The Jeffersonian Democratic Club
paraded the streets, headed by Bower
/ ing's brass band, and much enthusiasm
existed. They escorted Mr.. Jones from
the hotel to the courthouse. This
was the first public demonstration since
the canvass began, and was really the
opening Of the canvass, Which will be
vigorously prosecuted from now until
the setting of the sun on the 4th of No
vember next, when there will be waited
| from the First district to her sister dis
ter districts the glad tidings of our nom
inee's election and the good news that
the old First has been redeemed and is
once more in the fold of Democracy.
REFLECTED.
At q meeting OF the Democratic Exec
utige Committee held here last night
Mr.. L. McCracken was unanimously re-
elected chairman and the plans for an
active and vigorous campaign mapped
| ont