Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-09-20
SPEAKING IN MECKLENBURG
Williams and I1ournoy Address Demo
Gratis Ross Hamilton the Populists.


BOYDToN. VA, September 19-Yester-
day was the regular County-Court day
for Mecklenburg. The attendance was
farmers.
The political campaign opened auspic-
iously for the Democracy.
In front OF the court house a meeting
was held TO re-organiZe the Democratic
party. and William T. Atkins was re-
elected County Chairman.
Senatorial Candidate Thomas y. VIII
lams then addressed the people In
strong and eloquent speech which was at
tcntively heard, and confirmed the eN-
pectations Of the Democrats that neither
their confidence or honor had been mis-
placed in placing their standard in his
hands. Mr. Williams announced his
readiness TO meet his opponent at any
time in discussing the issues Of the can
vass. Mr. Burwei the Third-party candi-
date for the Senate was not present at
this court.
After Mr. Williams had concluded,
Judge Henry W. Flournoy, OF Richmond.
was introduced. He commenced by say
ing that he was here at the Confederate
reunion three weeks ago to speak about
a liberty that was lost and to-day he
would speak OF n liberty TO be pre-
served" For one hour Judge Flournoy
held his audience, which listened with I'M
diminished interest TO his mastery speech.
That he strengthened the weak. gave con-
fdence to the hesitating, enlightened, the
uniformed and inspired the truly loyal
Democrat to greater devotion TO party
service for the triumph OF the Demo-
cratic ticket, was evidenced by the demon
STATIONS Of approval and support mani
tested by the crowd. Judge Flournoy is
well-known In this county and II was
fortunate selection In sending him here.
The people love to hear him and his in
luence Is always potential in behalf OF
Democratic candidates and principles.
A MOTLEY CROWD.
In another part of the Courthouse
square there were assembled "A fine crowd
where the negro element greatly predom-
mated, which was addressed by Thomas
Y Allen. Populist candidate for the
House Of Delegates, Harry Smith and the
irrepressble Ross Hamilton. Their
speeches were distinguished for announc-
ing nothing new or interesting, but re-
hash OF abuse OF the Democracy generally;
something akin to the repetition of the
harangues Of the Republicans heard here
for a quarter OF a century. The Republi-
cans will make no nominations for the
House or the Senate. and urge coalition
with Third Partyites To defeat the Demo-
Gratis. Wherton, a colored orator, at an
other stand spoke TO his race In opposi-
ton TO a support az a party Of the Popu-
lists. He preferred 10 adhere TO the Re
publican party and make campaign on
his own lines, nor was Ross Hamilton
very enthusiastic for coalition, but he
would 20 for anything and everybody In
trying to put down Democratic ascen-
dancy. He took so many texts from Holy
Writ as he termed II, that many thought
he was going TO preach a sermon.
Take II all together the opening dem
onstrations OF the Populists were very
tame and devoid " any special signih-
cance. Outside Of the Republican ranks
they have made no progress in adding
strength to their party In this county
since the campaign OF last year. In their
ranks YOU see the same faces and hear the
same voices OF last fall without new re-
crult to break the monotony OF the eXhi-
biuon.
HOW is THIS. MIR. EPES?
1t is astounding and inexplicable TO the
Democrats OF this county, who have al
WAYS with answering fidelity stood by
the marty. to behold Ross Hamilton, the
most rabld Radical negro politician In
the State now holding a Federal position
at Washington. having been appointed by
the Harrison administration, coming TO the
county OF Mecklenburg and speaking IN
opposition 10 the Democratic candidates
and banding together his negro cohorts
TO form an alliance with any elements to
defeat Democracy. Great heavens, what
an anomaly!
Then again the most lucrative Federal
position in this county, the one OF POST
master at Chase City. IS filed by the Re
publican John NJ. Sloan. who never allows
an opportunity to escape without de-
nouncng in unmeasured terms the leaders
and principles OF the Democratic party.
There are other post-ofiices In the
county in a similar predicament. Ana
vet the Democratic party controls the eN-
ecutive and legislative departments OF
the national government The people OF
virginia are now struggling 10 elect their
officers to control the State government
an dthe Federal offices in their midst are
occupied by the enemies OF their party
whose success Is their salvation.
"Can such things be once overcome az
like summers dream without our
Special wonder.