Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-08-09
Meeting Last Night
Speeches by Messrs. IL. Taylor Ely
son. Claude A. Swanson and Sam.
uel W. Williams.

Speeches by Messrs. IL. Taylor Ely
son, Claude A. Swanson and Sam.
uel W. Williams.
There was large gathering of ladies
and gentlemen last night at the Opera
House to hear speeches of Messrs. Claude
A. Swanson, candidate for Governor;
R. Taylor Ellyson, candidate for Lieu
tenant Governor, aud Samuel w. Will
Jams, candidate for Attorney General.
Music enlivened the scene and there was
considerable enthusiasm.
The speakers reached the hall about
8 o'clock and after the band had dis
cOursed for few minutes, DIR. W. Nj.
Smith arose aud in few well-chosen
remarks introduced Mr.. r. Taylor Ely
son, who was the first speaker
Mr.. Ellyson was received with consid-
cradle applause. When it had subsidized
the speaker began by saying he would
be brief He spoke about fifteen min
utes, and merely alluded to the several
issues now confronting the voters OF
Virginia. Mr.. Ellyson in his reference
to Mr.. James r. Cation, of this city,
who at the beginning of the canvass was
candidate for Lieutenant Governor,
paid deserved compliments to that gen
teman, among other things saying that
at the outset he experienced pleasure at
the realization OF the fact that he had
had such a worthy competitor. He also
felt grateful to Mr.. Cation for the man
ner in which he uad withdrawn from
the contest later and for his kindly ex-
pressions toward him. He would ever
feel thankful to Mr.. Cation, whom he
regarded as a worthy and capable gentle
man. Considerable applause followed
Mr.. EllysOn's expressions toward Mr..
Cation. The speaker said there were
many questions he would be pleased to
lay before the voters of Alexandria had
he the time, but, as he had promised to
speak but fifteen minutes, it would be
impossible to do them justice in so short
time. He took up the subject of edu-
cation and in concise manner called
attention to the needs of the system.
Among other things he referred to Cen
eraI Lees observations concerning the
education of the people. The speak
er said better teachers were needed
for whom better pay should be proyid-
ed. Mr.. EllysOn said the salaries
of public school teachers had increased
but slightly since 1871, the year in
which the system was formulated.
He produced a number of interesting
fac.s in connection with the public
school system. The speaker subsequently
referred to other matters which are new
claiming attention in the State, and an
nounced his approval of the employers
liability bill, his opposition to convict
labor entering into competition with
honest labor, but his approval of work
ing convicts upon public roads. Ia con-
clusion Mr. EllysOn alluded to the ROa-
noke convention and the dreams OF those
who were abOIt to nominate Stale
ticket to oppose the democratic nominees.
He said, as chairman of the democratic
State committee, he could positively
forecast another sweeping victory for
his party next November, no matter
who the democratic candidates may be.
Mr.. ElIyson was vociferously applaud
ed as he took his seat.
After more music by the band DR..
Smith again advanced for the purpose of
announcing Mr.. Swanson. The doctor
made a short but appropriate speech in
ntroiucing Mr.. Swanson, in which he
paid many compliments to that gentle
man, making special reference to his
'andidQcy for Governor four years ago,
his defeat at Norfolk and his subseque Mt
earnestness in entering the canvass in
the cause of his successful competitor.
Among other things DR.. Smith said:
"Great, indeed, must be the inducement
to tempt me from the quiet pursuit Of
my profession to the limelight ofpolitics
but feel compensated in having the
proud privle.e of introducing to this
audience the fairest and gamest fighter
that ever threw his castor into the politi-
cal arena" In reviewing Mr.. Swan
sons .areer he described him as "lOyal
20 his friends, lofty in his ideals, heroic
in defeat, and clean morally and physi-
Cally." He described Mr.. Swanson's
conduct after his defeat at the Norfolk
and said that convention
had made two governors of Virginia,
one to succeed the other, for thousands
who went to the polls and voted for
the nominee, were thinking
Of Swanson and were only awaiting an
to vote for him.
When Mr.. Swanson advanced the APP
plause was deaiening and prolonged. |
When it had finally subsidized the speaker |
began by saying that ne appreciated nr.
Smiths expressions Of friendship, and |
whether he carried Alexandria or not
will carry Alexandria'). |
he was proud of such friends. Mr..
Swanson said he always liked Alexan-
dria; it was The first city he carried four
years ago. 1t was his Marengo-his
Waterloo was elsewhere. He placed
himself at the disposal of the people of
and would do anything
within reason for them. The speaker
hen made reference to the number OF
ladies' in the audience and after some
pleasant remarks concerning the fair sex,
he began his speech in earnest
~ announcing his candidacy for
Governor of Virginia. He alluded
o criticisms which had been made