The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-10-26
obey instructiOns.

Plcuef. fduQulCI GREAT COUmpueI-
The most commanding as well as the
most unique figure in the politics Of
Fauquier is Hon T. q. Pitcher. Of
Midland. whose cut adOrns this page
Mr. Pitcher, who has often been
dubbed by his friends. "Fauquier's
great c)mmoner, has represented this
constituency in the House II Deleg ites
for the past ten years. and during that
period has achieved a reputation for
skill and readiness In debate rs we'll as
for devotion T. the true interests Of
the people. that is limited only by the
boundaries If the commonwealth From
the Tennessee line 70 the seashore.
firm the Northern Neck 10 where the
soil If Virginia mingles with that Of
Carolina public men, generally, know
Pitcher, Of Fauquier " They respect
him for his eminent ability, aud honor
him because Of his unimpeachable
loyalty TO his friends Ia his own
county those who direct the affairs Of
the party are in the closest touch with
him. and his advice is always sought
and usally accepted whenever fight is
on hand.
During the Martin-Lee senatorial
fight several years ago, Mr. Pitcher
who was left untrammelled by instruc-
lions after the withdrawal OF Gen.
Huntou, cast his ballot for Mr. Martin.
For thus exercising prerogative,
which the people had conferred upon
him. be was subjected to TRADE after
TRADE Of unjust abuse by those who up
to that time held undisputed sway in
matters political in Fsuquier. The
decree went forth that never again was
he to set foot in the legislative halls at
Richmond, the duly accredited repre-
sentative Of the Democracy Of Fauquier.
This was the penalty he was to pay for
having dared to vote to suit himself.
The erstwhile leaders, however, who
were planning the political destruction
Of Theo. Piloher, reckOned without their
host. They either little knew the man
or else little dreamed Of the strong hold
he had upon the hearts of the electors
of his native county. Another iegisla-
tive election rolled around An i'm
mense mass. meeting gathered at the
court house TO name the party
nominee. Amid the glad acclaim of
the people, I. @. Pitcher was again
made the Democratic standard bearer,
and the would-be leaders who had plot.
ted against him were retired into
D jlitical obscurity. from which they
have not since emerged. From that
day until now Mr.. Pitcher has been
the foremost man in public life in Eau
quier
At the early age of sixteen Mr..
Pitcher volunteered for service in the
Confederate army, and became a mem
Der of the famous Black Horse Cavalry.
His record for bravery and deeds Of dar-
ing is unsurpassed by that Of apy sol
dier in the army Of Northern Virginia.
After the war be returned to his
parental home in Fauquier and resumed
the life Of a planter. In 1874 he re-
moved to Midland, Va, Where he now
resides. and is engaged in mercantile
pursuit. Possessing rare business tact,
as we'll as the capacity for performing a
large amount of work, his commercial
ventures have naturally been successful
until now he is one Of the most sub
stantial men in the county.
In the Legislature Mr.. Pitcher is no
respecter Of persons He will attack
friend and foe alike IL either should be
40 unfortunate as to advocate measure
that does not meet with his approval.
When he arises to speak the house
knows full we'll that there is something
good in store and consequently yields
its closest attention. Mr.. Pitcher has
ever stood upon the floor of the house
on eager champion of any measures
looking to the relief of Confederate
soldiers. ard some Of his best speeches
have been delivered in support Of bills
seeking to acc )mplish such purpose.