Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1909-09-08
CAMPAIGN OPENS
Senator Halsey and Mr.. McGav-
ock Discuss Issues

Senator Halsey and Mr.. McGav-
ock Discuss Issues
The political campaign opened
in Rockbridge Monday with a joint
discu ssion in the Courthouse be-
tween State Senator Don P. Hal
sey of Lynchburg, who represented
the Democratic cause, and Mr.. j..
W. McGavock of Wythe county,
who spoke for the Republicans.
Both speakers were billed to
speak here Monday, and after
their arrival a joint discussion was
agreed on, Senator Halsey to open
In a speech of forty-five minutes
Mr.. McGavock to occupy one hour
and Senator Halsey to have fifteen
minutes for a rejoinder. The
speaking began at noon and con-
cluded shortly after two o'clock.
The attendance was not very
large. At no time was the Court
room filled, and little enthusiasm
was aroused by either speaker.
The audience, however, gave res
pecttul attention.
Senator Ha'sey was introduced
bv Mr.. Frank Moore. chairman OF
the Democratic Executive Com
mittee, and the speaker at once,
with only slight preliminary re-
marks. entered on the discussion
of the issues of the campaign. He
stated that the challenge for a
Joint discussion had come from the
Republicans, and he did not wish
to decline. -,
The unterrified and intrepid
Democracy, said he, meets Its an,
Gent and historic enemy, ano
points with pride to its record oil
the past. 1t has no apologies to
offer. 1t needs no platform tc
commend it to the people, but re-
fers to it's achievements of the
past wherein Virginia has made
rapid strides in every field OF en-
deavor. The management OF hel
finances, ne declared to be mar
yelous as showing greater devel'
opment of her resources and ad'
vancs ment along the lines OF civic
and material Improvement, thar
that of any other of the States Of
the Union.
The speaker referred polntedlJ
to shortcomings of the Nationa
Republican party, and particular
| " to State Republicans, who hat
enunciated platform OF Frincl
pals artsully expressed to catcl
the unwary. He than discussed
the recent tariff law, which wa
enacted in the interest of the priv
ileged few and not for the bench
Of the many, taxes increased o.
revision and not reduced as wa
promised, and demanded by tn
people and advocated by the fres
ident The State Republicans, de
clared he, gloried in their record
which should be their shame. ina
party must repent in sack clotI
and ashes and bring forth fruit
meet for repentance before tn
people of Virginia will accep
their declarations.
MI. McGavock was introduce
by Mr.. Thomas Shewey, chair
man of the Republican Executiv
Committee. Mr.. McGavock wo
the attention of his audience wit
bis first words. He said he was
plcin farmer and had come here I
ask the Democrats to vote the he
publicsn ticket. The Republican
needed no such invitation, const
ouently he was not after them ou
after the sinners. Mr.. McGavoc
told his audience that he bad bee
Democrat, in fact had voted wit
every political party except tn
Prohibltionists.
Mr.. McGavock stated that b
was Confederate soldier an
when the war closed his prelude
gainst the Republican party wa
strong as that of any men. No
he was Republican because tht
pa Wy represented to him the bel be.
int rests of the State. lie al
not feel unkindly towards tn
, Democrats, because he understoo
their sentiments. He rejoice
that the colored man had bee
eliminated from politics, and co!
demned the action of the Republ
can party in giving him the flgi
to vote. 1t was great mistaf
and even the Republicans now sa
that.
! Mr.. McGavock spoke in conve
sational style and his message WI
earnestly delivered. Lexington WI
not strange to him. He spel
l several years at the Virginia Mil
tary Institute, and was memb'
+. of the gallant New Market cade
b. who won fame in the Civil War. L
. is successful and wealthy farm
h. and stock raiser of Wythe count
: Altogether he is a pleasant ar
agreeable gentleman.