Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1894-11-01
Mr.. DAYTON and Mr.. Elkins.


the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. has
come and gone 1t was in Shepherds
town on Monday, and our people who
saw and heard are wondering why in
thunder the Republican party ever
nominated Mr.. Aston Gordon Dayton
for Congress. Our people didn't have
high expectations-but, great Scott !
Disappointed? That doesn't express it.
A very large crowd of persons were
in the town hall Monday night, among
them many Democrats and number
of ladies-also an immense contingent
of the colored brethren and sisters.
There was general desire to hear the
famous Stephen B. Elkins and to see
the gentleman who was put up against
our own Mr.. Wilson. Mr.. Elkins
was introduced by Mr.. VIM. a. Chap
line, and was generously applauded.
Stephen B. is a big, fat, smooth-faced,
jolly-looking fellow, with a very pleas
ant manner and taking way of talk
ing. He made an excellent speech.
True, it was full Of sophistry and would
not really have fooled the primary
class in our public schools, but it was
entertaining and free from objectiona-
bic features. He incautiously closed
a sentence once with the name of VIM.
L. Wilson, and there was burst of
irresistible enthusiasm from the Dem
ocrats that came near upsetting him.
But he waited until the cheering was
over, and then, with twinkle in his
eye, said, "Give me chance. | know
where l am" In a good-humored
way he got in a great many sly digs
at Mr.. Wilson and the Democratic
party. The whole burden of his speech
was protection-a plea for his own
pocket-book that was quite palpable.
He made guarantees for Mr.. Dayton S
course if elected that quite comedies
with the general belief that he is that
gentleman boss. Mr. Elkins was
frequently applauded, and the temper
ate tone of his address gained for him
respectful attention. 1t pleased the
Republicans, who were only too glad
to swallow the sophistry and overlook
the weak points. One st0ut-lunged
darkey cheered wildly when Mr.. Elk
ms spoke of Democratic solecism.
After Mr.. Elkins had concluded,
Editor A. B. Smith, of Martinsburg,
made himself useful by carrying the
floral offerings from the ladies to Mr..
Elkins, and then introduced Mr.. Al
ston Gordon Dayton. Mr.. Gordon came
forward, and the faithful cheered him
until he held up his hand in an I'M
pressive manner and implored that the
tribute cease. 1t ceased. Then he
spoke. Blessed are they that expect
nothing, for they never get left. Mr..
DAYTON was never cut out for a
campaigner. We think he was not cut
out for Congressman, either. He is
rather small of stature, plain in ap-
pearance, and has dark hair and mus
tashe. There is nothing striking about
him to the casual observer His ges-
lures were voluminous, but painfully
awkward. His voice was harsh and
unsympathetic and strident not a
vibrant tone in it-of wooden cali
Der that pains one to listen to it. He
had only spoken short time until the
audience began to leave. The people
soon saw and heard enough to satisfy
them. Nobody was stuck on the Re-
publican candidate, and their pride in
Mr.. Wilson was increased by the PAIN
full contrast.
What Mr.. Dayton said in his speech
is best expressed by the following: