The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-09-26
THE CANVASS OF 1876.
Vance at Edenton-A Chapter Omitted
In Dowd's Life of Vance.
&c, City Economist. J


There have been great political can
yassers in North Carolina in its history
of early contests. The contest between
Graham and Hoke i'll the early Forties
and that between Morehead and Saun-
ders, were very notable, but the most
notable of all was the historic canvass
in 1876 between Vance and Settle.
Great interests were involved. The
State had been under the control of the
Republican party for some years, and
the people of North Carolina frenzied
with oppression and wrong and with bar
barism staring them in the face, finally
reused themselves to one desperate eff
fort to throw off the serpent that was
coiling around their Threats and sucking
out their life blood. The Republican
and Democratic parties had both nomi-
mated for Governor and both were able
leaders. Vance led the Democratic hosts
Settle, the Republican. The Republi-
can party was composed of native scala
wags, mostly office holders or expectants,
carpet baggers, negroes and low whites.
The canvass was opened at Edenton
by Vance alone. Settle was not present
at the appointment. Vance spoke in the
open air near the old John M. Jones'
residence on King street. The streets
were thronged with visitors, many of
them distinguished men from other parts
of the State. There was no parade, no
brass bands or Haunting banners. but
the excitement was intense Vance
spoke about two hours. He was often
applauded, but never interrupted but
once, by a negro who asked him a ques-
ton, doubtless suggested by some low
do xsHIa;fa T.
which Vance gave him silenced him then
and afterward. 1t was very apparent
that Vance was pleased with his recep-
ton and with the impression that his
speech had made. After the speaking
several friends were invited to meet him
at dinner at DIR. Norcom's, on Eden Al
ley. When the time arrived Dr. Nor
com requested us to take charge of Gov
ernor Vance and escort him to his house,
while he attended to some private bust
ness. A little personal incident will il
lustrate Vance's wonderful magnetism.
At the conventional time we started
from DIR. Capehart's office for DR.. Nor
CONS residence on Eden Alley, some five
or six hundred yards away, place we
were long acquainted with from familiar
association. The day was excessively
hot in July. Vance carried 200 pounds
and an umbrella, which he held over
us. We had the advantage OF a pair
Of good legs and the help of his free left
arm. He was at his best in spirits. We
passed the entrance at Eden Alley, at
Miss Smiiy Gardeners corner, without
a pause, and passed on up Broad, the
Governor looking and painting somewhat,
but wonderfully buoyant and entertain
ing. Up Broad we hied, by the now Fair
Grounds. We soon came to the "Coffie
House tract, outside the town, where
we, when a boy in the early teens. shot
snipe, bullfrogs and pond wild ducks
FOR old Lemone. We were both ex-
hausted. Woods and marsh and forest
trees surrounded us. Vance gave out
and with an exclamation of surprise,
said: "Creecy, we are in the country
and out of town and not at Norcom's
yet" We looked around dazed. and
protested we were not after varmints.
He took off his coat, threw it over his
shoulders and journeyed back to Nor
CONS, two miles away, where we had
a "gude time" with large company of
pleasant friends in waiting for us, of
whom w. d. Pruden, of Edenton, Col.
r. G. Mitchell, Of Edenton and ourself
are sole survivors.