Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-09-19
MEETING IN MECKLENBURC.
A Joint Discussion In which the Repu'hi-
cans Gain No Vantage Ground.

BOYDTON, VA. September 1S.-(Spe-
cial)-Yesterday was a political held-dhy
here, and the Democratic party. with its
intrepid champions, were masters OF the
situation.
Mr. X. T. Thorp. the Republican candi-
date for Congress, was not present, BENG
absent in another county OF the dlstrlct
He had as his representative MAJOR W. f.
Gaines. of Holloway. Early In the Gay d
discussion was arranged between MI
Gaines and Senator T. y. Williams on
the court house square. each to max I"o
speeches of half an hour each. rms us
cussion was listened 10 by all parties. The
Republicans gained no vantage GROUND
here. and Mr.. Williams ably represented
the Democracy.
This was the political skirmish OF the
nay, when at It's conclusion. Hon. WI
liam r. Mckcnney, OF PeiersbHrs' ar
rived At once a debate was afthhHeu
between him and Mr.. Gaines. to take place
In the courthouse. Mr. Mckinney to
open in an hour. MIR. Gaines to reply IN
the same time. and Mr. Mckenney 10
close the discussion. .
This attracted a large crowd OF all
parties, and the building was filled win
an orderly and attentive audience
THE ISSUES.
Mr.. McKenncy was introduced by Sena-
Tor williams. and greeted with loud chtef-
tng. He presented to the people what lhe
Democratic party had accomplished Ioi
them. demonstrated the benefits OF the
present tariff bill. and exposed the IN
,nualitles and burdens OF Mckinleylsm'
The cclusion Of silver plank In the
Thorp Republican platform, auOp'eh at
the Burkevile convention. was NFllly
held up TO the public view. lie ASKED M
Gaines where was the legislation OF inc
nf~Hn aFA. f
hover that Was in the least favorable 10
The southern people? He paused for
reuly. but Mr. Gaines was as silent as the
tomb. Mr. Mckcnney discussed all the
national issues a. rapidly as possible III
his opening and the people mad the ven
removed. from their vision. ana were IN
Ightened as never before in regard 10
the issues, local, as well as hdtlOHd'' Vi
the present canvas.
Mr. Gaines arose with his notes and
briefly replied from a party standpoint
presenting in courteous manner MS
views Of the political situation. His re-
marks were chiefly confined TO the Ola
Republican hobby Of Democrats cheating
at elections when a Republican candidate
was defeated. lie did not expect to ac-
complsh much in this campaign, but 10
inaugurate a movement 10 get cohtrol
of the next Legislature and repeal
the Walton ill. He predicted Inc
next House Of Representatives would be
Republican. and MIR. Thorp would DC
seated whether he got the certificate or
not. He made the remarkable statement
that al the preachers had quit the Demo
cratic party, they could not stand the
Republican doctrines. nor accept the Pop
uilst theories and. having nowhere else
10 go, had joined the Prohibitionists. w ME
they got less fried chicken they had
greater ease Of conscience.
1t was nearly 8 o'clock when Mcheh-
ney rose TO reply. but in few minutes
Mr.. Gaines's assertions were fully answer
ed and his fallacics exposed. bat as MI
q. asked me not to say that Nc
Kenney wiped the floor with him
will not do so.
The whole day was grand Democratic
triumph. and Mecklenburg Will give
large Democratic vote in November.