Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-26
THE STATE CANVASS.
MONTAGUE AND EcHoLs STEAK
AT STANTON.
SENATOR DANIEL At HOUSTON.
I.rx. Audiences at Both Gatherings.
Rain Iuterferes 81 Orange-Otey I'm
bedford City-Progress of the Cam
pafgn mt Other Points.

sTAUNTON, VA, october 25.-(Spe-
cial. 1-Hon. A. J. Montague spoke here
to-day 10 a large crowd In the court
house His speech was regarded by com
petent critics as one of the ablest
speeches In behalf Of Democracy that have
been delivered here for twenty years.
In fact. the wcl-named disciple OF De-
mocracy, Andrew Jackson Montague, IS
being spoken Of tonight as a cracker
jack. Mr.. Montague was introduced by
the Hon. Edward Eohols and spoke two
hours. Despite general apathy pre-
valent, so captivating was Mr.. Mon
tague's speech that his audience In
creased each minute from post TO finish.
lie delineated with ability the praise
worthy legislation OF the Virginia De-
mooracy and whilst refrainlng from
personalities, asked his audience II they
were willing that the County and Cir
cun judges who were 10 pass on their
property and personal liberties should be
selected from the opponents OF the Vir-
einia Democracy. With a soulfelt sin
certify of speech he elaborated the praise
worthy policy OF the party in its pro-
vision for the Confederate soldiers. the
NATIONAL ISSUES.
Touching national issues. he discussed
the currency question with force and |
clearness which has never been sur
passed by any one speaking here on The |
subject His Illustrations on the currency |
question were happy. pointed, and prac- |
tlcal. and showed an originality of con- |
oeption, together with unique presenta-
ton. His references TO William Jen-
nings Bryan and Senator Daniel, both
of whom he portrayed with handsome
praise. were eheered TO the echo. He
was especially powerful in his exposure
Of the plea OF the so-caled intrinsic
value Of metals as money-making
medium. declaring that the value Of gold
and silver was I'm no sense intrinsicy but
purely extrinsic-made By legislation Of
man.
Mr.. Montague's speech was one Of The
nblest arguments i'm favor OF the Chicago
platform that has ever been heard here
Departing from diadictical discussion.
he impressed on his hearers the neces-
s!ty Of putting into effect their views
on national legislation by voting for
the Democratic legislative candidates,
who would elect a United States Sena-
tor.
ECHOLS SPEAKS.
The Hon. Edward Echols. candidate
Tor ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, followed Mr.. !
Montague in a short speech, and the
rounds Of applause which greeted him ,
showed how well Mr.. Echols is beloved
here at his home.
Bankers, attorneys, and other promi-
nent goldbugs who fought the Democ-
racy last year went TO Mr.. Montague's
rooms 10 tell him that in this fight they
were with him. 1t was noticeable that
many negroes in the gallery listened '
to the young Democrat from e
Tonight Mr.. Montague.
accompanied by Mr.. Echols, spoke at
Basic City.
The Republican candidate for Gov =
'rnor, Pat McCaul. was billed TO speak. =
'ut though Mr.. Montague was ready TO a
meet him in joint discussion, the prefer. d
made fifteen minutes before the Demo- (,
ratio meeting by the Republicans was a
declined before Mr. Montague was ap- i
'rised Of the challenge. McCaull did u
Tot speak, but spent the day in hand o
making about the town. He speaks at
'lifton Forge tomorrow night.