Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-10-18

2lnla FARMER; ne possessed no orauoEy,
but was earnestly willing at all times
to speak e word for Jefersonian de-
mocracy. There was sp old fellow, the
Major said, who would occasionally get
tipsy, and when he did he invariably
became pious. He went to church in
that condition one night and the preach
er fixed upon the evils of strong drink
as his theme. In the course of his SER
mon the reverend gentleman became
warmed up, and after picturing the
horrors of the abuse of liquor, turned
to his hearers, and said 'show me the
drunkard," with the purpose offnrtber.
caricaturipg him, when the old fellow
Strengthened up and said "Here he is"
Great sensation followed, but the
preacher kept on and later sidetrack-
ed from intemperance to hypocrisy.
"Show me the hypocrite," Numbered
the occupant of the pulpit, when the
old codger again rose and said, "Stand
up, now, Deacon Jones, it's your turn
to answer" Prolonged laughter
The major said, like this old follow,
drunk or sober, be was ready in season,
out of season, to speak word for the
old democratic party. The present ticket
he said, was very interesting to him, and
should appeal to the prejudices OF all
classes. 1t had black. headed,
red-headed and bald-headed man on
it. 1t should also appeal to the
prohibionists. Montague drank Dan
river mud and appolonaris water, and
Echols didn't know the difference be-
tween pokeberry juice and poke wine.
Such ticket with Barley on it should
sweep things. Gold and silver expon-
ents alike were its friends, aud for all
the speaker knew to the contrary Han
ma was for it too. The Major, after
telling number of pointed anecdotes,
gave vent to more serious vein and
exploded the halluciation that pros.
perity had made its advent with the
republican administration, and success
fully controverted all such fallacies by
appealing to facts which none can gain
say nor resist. Ha then gave sue
cinct history of the country during the
past few years, in which he showed
times bad slowly grown worse after
every act (supposed to be for relieD OF
the republicans and their allies, the
gold bugs. a Virginia farmer had apt
ly said that the lands of the State had
become so poor that eventually we
would have to purchase fertilizer for
our graves. Major Tyler in the course
of his speech produced some interest.
ing statistics which showed the gradual
decline in products and labor during
the last decade, and close by urging
his hearers to stand by the principles
of the democratic party, which will
eventually produce the reactiug rem
edy. The Major is one of the most
graceful speakers in the State. He
has an easy, good natured manner, and
smile is on bis features continually.
His stock of pointed anecdotes seems to
be inexhaustible, and during the hour
he spoke he kept his audience convuls-
ed with laughter. Loud and continued
applause followed after he had taken
his seat.
After some spirited music Mr.. Kemp
or again advanced and said Hon. J. F.
Rixey had honored the occasion with
his presence, but could not speak, his
physician having forbidden him to do
so in consequence of throat trouble. On
some other occasion, however, he
would be glad to address Alexandrians.
More music followed and many of
the audience, including ladies, went for
ward to shake hands with Major Tyler,
Congressman Rixey, Mr.. R. w. Moore,
Mr.. ]. E. Willard, and others who had
occupied seats on the stage.
1t was generally agreed that the
meeting was one of the most interest
ing ever held in this city.
TT, auyr an nnADTIS DANk