Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1908-08-27
JUDGE TAFT
MEETS VIRGINIANS
Addresses More Than Five Thousand
People at Hot Springs, Va.
HE Is VERY EETHUS-
IASTICALLY GREETED.
Mr.. Taft Reviewed the Record OF the Dem
Ocratic Party From the Time Of the
Last Democratic Administration.

Ocratie Party From the Time Of the
Last Democratic Administration.
The most notable Republican gather
ering that ever assembled in Virginia
was seen at Hot Springs on the 21st
inst, when five thousand or more of
Virginia's citizens journeyed there to
meet and greet Judge Taft, the Repub-
hcan candidate for President. Hot
Springs is very beautiful and popular
resort, but remote and difficult to reach.
When this is considered, it is remark
able that such large numbers should
have undertaken the journey. But
those who did make the trip were
amply rewarded for their labor. 1t
was a most enjoyable and profitable oc-
casion to all who were there. They
were given an opportunity to hear their
distinguished fellow-countryman, the
great Republican leader and future
President of the United States give his
reasons for the faith that is in him,
and to grasp his manly, cordial hand.
1t was the fortune of the editor of this
paper to be among this fortunate num-
Der, and we have never met a man or
citizen of this country who impressed
us more favorably than did Judge Taft.
The great meeting was held on the
baseball grounds near the hotel. A
special stand had been erected for the
speakers, committee of escort and dis
tinguished visitors. At o'clock Judge
and Mrs. Taft entered a carriage and
were driven to the grounds, escorted by
the following, who composed the escort
committee:
S. Brown Allen, VIM. C. Pen
dleton, W. C. Franklin, D. L.
Groner, S. B. Carney, John Kimberley,
G. B. Grayson, C. G. Smithers, Floyd
Hughes, w. T. Hopkins, Geo. A. River
comb, R. E. Chase, w. A. Daugherty,
]. M. Parsons, R. E. Cabell, T. G.
Peachy, T. C. Middleton, R. A. Full
wiler, John Acker, Chas. NJ. Keezell, C.
B. Gibbons. C. T. Holtzmer, j. W.
Stewart,P. H. McCaull, w. c. Merrick
When Judge Taft arrived at the
scene he was received with cheers and
many demonstrations Of good will by
the good natured and enthusiastic
crowd of Virginia people.
The meeting was called to order by
Hon. C. B. Slemp, State Chairman. and
Congressman from the Ninth District.
In performing this duty he made a
brief but felicitous address. He de-
clared that it was a most happy occa-
sion for every man present and would
usher in a new era in the politics Of the
State. In closing he said:
"For nearly forty years the electoral
vote of Virginia has been regularly cast
for the candidates of one political party
regardless of the policies advocated by
that party. Governed by a species of
party tyranny unknown to many parts
Of the Union, our state has alternately
supported ultra conservatism and
dangerous rsdicalism. This Is not like
the Virginia Of old, when the fathers of
the republic were steadfast in their
convictions, but is Virginia governed
by respect for a party organization
regardless of party principles.
''In his recent speech of acceptance
the Democratic candidate for president
announced for his campaign slogan
"Shall the people ruler" Can it be
possible that he had reference to the
political situation in Virginia? Does he
not know that under existing laws 60
per cent. Of the white and 80 per cent.
of the colored population Of voting age
have been disfranchised? Does he not
know that they have no voice in the
government Of either this state or the
nation? And can he call this q rule of
the people? No wonder Mr.. Bryan will
make no political speeches in the South.
Conditions here do not square with his
battle cry"
At the close of Mr.. Slemp's remarks,
he introduced S. Brown Allen, who in a
brief speech introduced Judge Taft.
He was received with such loud and
earnest applause that it was several
minutes before he could proceed to
speak. The speech was a condensed
but masterful review of the records of
the Republican and Democratic parties;
and a most satisfactory argument
against abandoning the sound princi-
pies and policies of the present Admin
istration for the uncertain and danger