Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-09-25
we have heard from several old

We have heard from several old
the interesting story OF
the first appearance of Jefferson Davis
before a public audience. He was
then living on his plantation in Missis-
sippi, resigned young army officer.
1t was then that he met Mr.. Prentiss.
the oratorical ideal of Mississippi, at
that time in the decline of his life.
Young Davis was then comparative
ly unknown, but even then he had the
courage of his convictions, and on one
occasion whilst Mr.. Prentiss was ad-
dressing great audience on a ques-
tion of State policy, the young officer
undertook to catechise him and differ
with him, when the people with tu-
multuous derision called Mr.. Davis to
the platform and demanded that he
should reply. to Mr.. Prentiss.
The result was that Mr.. DaYis bore
himself SO we'll in the great and bril-
liant debate which ensued, that he
won the friendship and regard of Mr..
Prentiss and took his place at once as
one of the ablest young men in the
State. From that time forward he
rapidly advanced to the leadership OF
the Democratic party. The meeting
of these two remarkable men remind.
ed some of the audience of the rising
and the setting sun.
1t also suggested to some old Vir-
ginians a great debate, which occur
red at Charlotte Court House between
Patrick Henry in the closing years OF
his life and young Jack Randolph, a
beardless youth, in which was discuss
ed one of the greatest constitutional
questions which ever engaged the
minds of men, with an ability, a bril-
liant force and stately courtesy never
before exceeded on the hastings.
1t was said that Mr.. Henry at the
close of his final speech expressed
great admiration for his young adver-
sary, and predicted for him if he lived
a great career = Winchester Times.
PRESIDENT CLEvELAND's PART
Buzzard's Bay, Mass, Sept. 18.-It
was Just 6. Sc o'clock this evening when
President Cleveland touched the gold
trimmed button, made in Baltimore
which started the machinery in the
Atlanta Exposition. The telegraph
line was run into what is known as the
Seem" Room, an apartment on the
second floor, in which the President
keeps his hunting and fishing para
phernalia. Here the button was plac
ed not far from the telephone cabinet
and here, in the presence of the fami
ly, Private Secretary Thurber, West
ern Union employees and a few repre-
sentatives of the press, the Presiden
filled the part for which he was cast.
The signal which had been arranged
for noon was delayed, owing to {
change in the programme at Atlantis
by which the Presidents act was to b,
the elimination instead of the begin
ming of the exercises. The time a.
Gray Gables is one hour earlier thar
Atlanta time.
Mr.. Cleveland sent this message:
Fully approaching the value and
importance of the exposition inaugur
ated today. am especially gratified tt
be related to it's inception and progress
and to participate in its opening cere
monies. Isincerely congratulate thos,
whose enterprise and energy have &C
complished such splendid results, anc
heartily wish the exposition they have
set on foot will be completely success
full in concentrating all the good re
suits contemplated by it's promoters.
GROVER CLEVELAND.