Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-12
POLITICS IN STATE.
THE PROGRESS OF THE VIRGINIA
DEMOCRATIC CANVASS.
The First Speech Of the Cnnvass-
Fine Discussion Of the Issues-
Daniel mt Buckingham Court
Housc--A Mig Rally.

rhNDERICkSBURG. VA, October H.
tSpecial)-The citizens of Fredericksburg
tonight turned out en- masse to hear
their able and honored representative in
Congress. Hon. w. A. Jones. present the
issues OF the canvass. 1t was the first
speaking here of either party during the
present contest, and among the large
audience were quite a number of Repub-
hcans. Mr. Jones arrived hero on the
morning train from Caroline, and spent
most OF the day in consultation with
members of the City Democratic Execu-
tive Committee and other prominent party
leaders. Shortly after his arrival he re-
ceived from Governor Tyler telegram
extending to him an invitation to be
resent and deliver a speech at the pre-
sentation OF the flag to the Third Virginia
Regiment, but owing to previous engage
ments was forced to decline. Speaking
of 1t to the Dispatch correspondent. he
regretted exceedingly his inability to be
present and participate in the cero-
monies, adding, 1T would have been es-
pecially pleasing for me TO have been
present. since one of the companies and
a number OF young men In other COM
panies. all of whom wee personal
friends. and many of them my warm
political supporters, are from my dis
trict.' His first information OF his loss
by fire at Warsaw, which Is two houses.
instead of one, was made known TO him
through the Dispatch, which ne obtained
on the train.
At s o'clock the Democratic Executive
Committee and number Of citizens,
preceded by the band, marched to the
Hotel Daunehl, where ne Is stopping. ana
escorted him TO the courthouse, where
the speaking took place. As soon as he
entered the crowd land standing room
could not be had) gave him three hearty
cheers the audience rising i'm a body.
After quiet had been restored Captain
Terrence McCracken, chairman of the
City Executive Committee. in well-chosen
and appropriate remarks, introduced him.
His speech occupied about two hours and
was frequently interrupted by applause.
While the war-revenue tax, the war
bond act, and the Encouragement OF the
war were eloquently discussed. he paid
more attention 10 the money question
than any other subject, saying, notwith-
standing all other questions that OF
money and finance were the paramount
issues, and the present canvass was only
that OF two years ago removed and the
Introductory of that two years hence.
The silver question he discussed In a
general way. but devoted most OF his
time upon this subject to the broad
or and wider view Of currency re-
form; the history of our various forms
of currency, and bond Issue since the
civil war. and the discriminating tax
laws enacted by Republican Congresses
His arraignment of the Republican party
for their failure to keep the promises
made to the people. their perpetuation
and fostering OF trusts and combines. and
his eulogy OF Wheeler, Schley, Hobson,
and Bagley were heartily applauded and
elouuently presented. In conclusion, ne
earnestly warned the Democrats against
| overconidence, and urged the polling OF
| the full party vote. He was not In any
way alarmed about his election, but the
larger the majority the harder the re-
buke 10 the party OF mismanagement
and MISREPRESENTATION. His speech tho
roughly aroused the Democrats. and from
now on they will work for the casting OF
their usual strength
Mr.. Jones will leave tomorrow Tor
washington.