Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-10-10
T9E CAMPAIGN OPENED.
Enthusiastic Welcome to Hon. HRe' L.
Wilson, "First citizen Of the
Commonwealth"

man William L. Wilson, chairman OF the /
WAYS and means committee aud Trainer Oh
the Wilson tariff bill, took place here on
Monday at his home. The gathering oil
Democrats was the largest and most enthu'
siastie ever held in this county. The DAY
was auspicious-it was Cleveland ana
wilson, weather" The Democrats oil Jel-
ferson county turned out by the hundreds
10 hear the distinguished Congressman
speech. and large number attended from
washington and Frederick counties, Mary
land and Clarke and Frederick counties,
Virginia, and Berkeley and other counties
Of this district.
The meeting was held in the court house,
which was decorated with bunting for the
occasion. Back Of the speakers stand hung
norlrai,s of President Cleveland and Con-
Gresham Wilson. A large Cleveland and
Wilson banner streamed across Main street
IN front of the courthouse, and from bust
ness houses and private residences bunting
vas flung 10 the breeze. The Charles Town.
Shepherdstowu, and MaDniHg's precinct
Bands enlivened the occasion. A crowd eS'
.imated between three and four thousand
people attended.
Other banners bearing the Inscriptions,
Gree Government is Self Government
'The Trusts Must Go" being extracts from
Wilson's speeches were displayed across the
street.
At twelve O'Clock a committee OF more
than one hundred prominent Democrats lett
Charles Town by special train for Harper's
Ferry. where it had previously been ar
ranged to meet Mr.. Wilson on his way from
Washington. Capt. j. c. Holmes, presi-
dent of of the Cleveland aud Wilson Club
had charge of the procession Of reception
committeeman.
At Harper's Ferry, when the train carry
Jog ar. Wilson arrived, there was an I'M
mense crowd gathered to welcome him to
Vest Virginia soil. As Mr. Wilson step
ped from the train he was met by John NJ.
Daniel. chairman of the executive commit
tee. Capt. J. c. Holmes, Of the State exec
utive committee Col R. p. Chew, Gustav
Brown, mayor Of Charles Town, aud Col +,
W. Brown. who composed special reeep'
ton committee Mr. Wilson was accompa-
MED from Washington by Hon James Kerr,
clerk of the House of Representatives, and
Col. J. T. McGraw. chairman OF the con-
qressional committee for Mr.. Wilson's dis
trict The Charles Town COrnet Band ac-
companied the committee, aud as Mr.. VIII
son stepped Of the train the band played
"Home Again" aud Hail 10 the Chief. '-
There was tremendous cheering aud a great
rush TO get first glimpse Of the great states
man. Col. Forrest W Brown, in behalf OF
the committee. made 8 happy address OF
welcome to Mr.. Wilson Just before the train
left for Charles Town aud said that Mr..
Wilson's constituents welcomed him not
only as a fellow citizen friend and neigh
Dor. but because he WAS great statesman
and represented the true principles Of Dem
Ocracy.
When Mr.. Wilson arrived at Charles
Town he was given the most enthusiastic
reception he ever received from his fellow
citizens and home people. He AS at once
driven in a carriage 20 che courthouse
The scene on the appearance of the receP-
ton committee with Mr. Wilson was ex-
ceedinely enthusiastic and exciting. As
they appeared in the hall the band struck
up. "Home Again from a Foreign Shore ~
which evoked from the immense audience
thunders of applause.
As Mr.. Wilson ascended the platform the
whole audience, including many ladies,
united in q cheer which was heard many
squares from the courthouse Mr.. j. N.
Daniel, chairman of the Democratic county
committee. introduced Col r. Preston Chew,
as the presiding officer Of the day. Col
Chew ,peech introducing Mr. Wilson was
brief but exceedingly appropriate, and when
Mr.. Wilson came forward the reception was
perhaps. the most enthusiastic ever accorded
20 a public speaker In Charles Town. The
band played Dixie aud for fully five
minutes Mr.. Wilson stood before the audi
ence before he was allowed TO proceed with
ais speech.
Throughout his speech he was enthusiastic
ally cheered. His alusion to bis speech
before the London Chamber of Commerce
was heartily applauded, and he struck a re-
sponsiye chord when he referred 90 the signs
Of returning business prosperity. His de-
scriptiou of the proAigacy Of the Congress
which passed the Mckinley bin, voted sub
sides, &c, and the attempt to pass the force
bill was graphic and scathing, aud made
deep impression or the audience When
the speaker mentioned the name OF Cleye-
land the audience interrupted with thunder
Gus applause.
At the conclusion Mr. Wilson was pre-
sented with several beautiful bouquets of
flowers.
Among those on the stand during the de-
livery Of Mr.. Wilson, speech were Gen H.
Kyd Douglas. Of Maryland Hon R. T.
Barton and Col. J. Mortimer Kagour, Of
Virginia Col. Richard Randolph McMa-
hon, Col. G.. w. L. Black, Hon. Frederick
J.. Nelson, Of Frederick City, Nd; Hon