The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-10-30
A Day of Political Rejoicing.


Radford. Oct. 2s-Special.-This has
been day of rejoicing and feasting with
the young as we'll as the old Democracy
OF this city. The day dawned crisp ana IN
vigoratlng, and with its Inception the
committee having in charge the barbecue
were astir, preparing the feast for the
multitude which was expected TO come
from every point Of the compass.
At an early hour they began to arrive
and long before the hour OF noon the
streets were filled with the young, middle
aged and the gray-haired Democrats.
procession was formed in the west ward
at noon, headed by the cornet band, and
composed of members of the Radford
Cleveland and Stevenson Club, which IS
one of the most flourishing in this sec
ton, carrying a beautiful silk banner
bearing the legend: Unnecessary taxa
ton is unjust taxation" Then followed
distinguished visitors in carriages, includ-
ing the speakers of the day, Hon Holmes
Conrad, Of Winchester. and Robert I.
Kent, of Wythe.
The march was down First street to the
Norfolk and Western railroad depot, and
up to Third street, and thence TO the
beautiful grove on the HILL overlooking
the city, where a stand had been erected,
and was handsomely decorated with
bunting and flags. IL Is estimated that
between 1000 and $500 people were on the
grounds, eager for the speaking to COM
mence.
Atl245 r. J. Noell, the city chairman Of
the Democratic committee. called the
meeting to order. and. In fitting terms,
welcomed the throng, and concluded by
introducing as the first speaker or the
day Hon. r. c. Kent, who came forward
amidst the applause OF the Democracy,
and In a mastery way discussed the is
sues OF the campaign. Mr.. Kent spoke
as farmer TO farmer, and showed TO the
farmers of Montgomery that their only
hope Of relief from the woes and burdens
which Cypress them was in the Demo-
cratic party.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Kents speech
| Colonel John Hampton Hoge introduced
~. Holmes Conrad, Of Winchester, who
devoted most of his time TO a concise and
scathing exposition of the Force bill.
During all this campaign 1t has never
been our pleasure to hear more COM
plete, unvarnished and practical Mus
tration Of the operation OF this iniquitous
bill. He showed how, under its proVls-
ions. the sancity of the ballot is ue-
stroved and how the suffrage was taken
from the people and placed In the hands
of a paid Federal officer. The speaker
pictured a deputy United states marshal
invading the homes Of our hberty-loNinS
neople and arresting and dragging TO jail
a citizen of this Commonwealth, because
he had disobeyed the mandates OF the
chief superior of elections appointed uh-
der this measure.
We feel safe in saying that no speech
delivered in this county during the pres,
ent campaign has accomplished more goou
for the cause of Democracy than TINS au-
dress from Major Conrad.
After the speaking bountltui dinner @
was served In the grove, ana ehJoyeu "
! all.
There died at his residence, on New
! river. a few miles below this city on
Tuesday the 18th instant, Mr. j. Edgar
| Eskridge Mr.. Eskrldge represented thiS
county I'm the state Senate during the Ise-
| adjusler regime.