Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-11-01
DEMOCRATIC RALLY.

Lewis III. Machen. Hon. j. +. Rixey
and Hon. Holmes Conrad.
Many of those who went TO the Opera
House last night for the purpose OF hear
ing Senator Daniel speak imagined they
were greatly disappointed when they
learned that the Senator would be unable
10 be present, but by the time the meet
ing cot under way it was evident that IL
was TO be an interesting occasion from
start to finish. People began to enter
the hall from the time it was opened,
and as the hour of eight drew near the
auditorium was well-flled with repre-
sentative and appreciative audience.
Many ladies appeared in the gallery,
which had been reserved for them. En-
Iivening music was ever and anon dls-
coursed by an orchestra, and when Mr..
Charles Bendheim, the speakers OF the
evening and others walked on the siege
there was much applause.
After the orchestra had discoursed
more music Mr.. Bendheim advanced to
the footlights and stated that, to his re-
gret. he had received a telegram from
Senator Daniel announcing his inability
to be present and make speech, as had
been announced. Mr.. Bendheim, how
ever. said the committee had been for
tunate in securing other well-known
speakers who, he vas satisfied, would
prove interesting. He introduced Mr.
Lewis II. Maehen, formerly of Fairfax
county, but now of this city.
As Mr.. Machen advanced he was re-
ceived with much applause. The speak
er began by testifying to the efficiency OF
Senator Daniel and Hon. j. +. Rixey as
worthy representatives OF the Old Do
minion in the councils of the nation, re-
ferring to their labors in the interest OF
their constituents and their sagacity and
watchfulness over everything which ten
ded to the welfare of Virginia. He
subsequently, devoted his remarks to
present conditions in the State, the et-
feet of the new constitution. comparing
it with the old and showing the improve
ment on the former regime. Among
other things he avowed that by the in
strument and the new registration a
white mans government had been given
Virginia. Mr.. Machen, turning his at
tention to national affairs, roughly
handled the Executive referred to Mr..
Roosevelt's entertainment of Booker
Washington, his attempt to thwart the
exertions of the republicans OF the South
to eliminate the negro from politics and
other acts which have provoked crit
icism. The speaker excoriated the trusts,
showed the injustice of the present tariff
system and exposed the methods OF the
republicans in fostering institutions and
enacting laws which were burdensome to
the entire nation for the purpose of keep
ing in power. In the course of his re-
marks Mr.. Machen referred to the course
of Mr.. James r. Cation, Delegate in
the Legislature from this city and coun-
ty, in getting the present jim Grow law
passed and commended him for his ex-
ertions, as well as Mayor Simpson for
enforcing its provisions.
Mr.. Bendheim next introduced Mr..
Rixey, who was, as is always the case,
received with uproarious applause. Mr..
Rixey began his speech by referring to
the fact that enthusiastic meetings had for
years been held in Alexandria on the
eve of an election. Although there was no
danger ofAlexandria showing falling off
in the number of democratic votes, the
people of the city we're wont to manifest
their interest in democratic principles
and fealty to party by such gatherings.
Alexandria was always true to the party,
and it could be said of Virginia that
while some other States were political
seesaws, first going republican and then
democratic, the Old Dominion was al
ways in the democratic column. There
was virtually no opposition to the demo-
cratic candidates for Congress. 1t was
true some had been nominated without
the ghost of a show of being elected, but
they would doubtless be given something
else. The speaker then in an interest
ing manner drew a contrast between the
old and new constitution of Virginia,
and said the latter represented the wis
dom of men who could be trusted for
such an important work. When more
fully understood it would be liked better
The speaker recited many of its sections
and explained them in a lucid manner.
Branching off on national affairs Mr.
Rixey exposed the extravaganza of the
party now directing the destiny of the
nation, and explained in many of its de-
tails the expensive colonial system now
saddled on the taxpayers of the coun-
try. The last Congress, he declared,
had lavishly appropriated billion OF
dollars, which meant Sl2 on ca a and
every man, woman and child IN the
land, or $50 on every family, counting
four persons to household He then
proceeded to contrast present conditions
with the history of the democratic
party from the foundations of the gov
eminent. He also traced the growth of
the present tariff system and explained
to his audience how every consumer of
coffee and sugar was being robbed by
this unjust measure in order to cater
to trusts and monopolies who materially
aided in keeping the republican party in
power. He also exposed the hollow
pretentions of those of that party who
were posing as tariff reformers or who
were attempting to make people believe
they want an examination into the
methods of the trusts. In closing Mr..
Rixey said there was no little dissension
in the republican party at present over
the present tariff There were ominous
and the party seeing breakers
ahead was endeavoring to steer clear of
the rocks. He referred to the fact that |