Virginia Free Press

Virginia Free Press.
Wednesday Morning
December 22
GEN. ZACH. TAYLOR
for President.

The meeting of the friends of Gen. Taylor on Monday last was well attended, when it is considered that the call originated after the publication of our paper on Wednesday last, and was not generally known to the people of the county. The opening speech of Anthony Kennedy, Esq., was a most vigorous and manly effort in behalf of Gen. Taylor. Mr. K. remarked that he came into the meeting, willing to meet his democratic brethren on the same platform—that though a Whig in principle, he felt impelled by the situation of the country, and particularly that of the South, to throw off the restraints of party, and accept him, whom of all others, was peculiarly fitted to weather the storm that was gathering back the dark clouds that were lurking around, and become indeed and in fact, the second savior of his country.

The remarks of WM. B. Thompson, Esq., were of a truly gratifying character, and served to place that gentleman still more prominently as a speaker of no ordinary powers. His remarks with reference to the Sage of Ashland were of a feeling character, and the tribute paid to that great man's worth was acknowledged with applause. Whilst however his admiration should not cease for Mr. Clay, he heartily espoused the cause of Gen. Taylor, and was willing to meet those with whom he differed in politics, on the Taylor platform, and there battle for the Hero of Buena Vista: One who was endeared to the hearts of his countrymen, and whom the people would love to honor by an elevation to the first office in their gift, despite the clamors of demagogues.

The views enforced by Mr. J. H. Kelly were, that the people had already marked their champion for the next Presidential struggle—that Gen. Taylor was worthy of their confidence and suffrages by the devotion of his whole life to the service of his country—that in every situation in which he had been tried he had been found equal to the emergency—that Gen. Taylor's name had become associated with deeds of immortal renown—deeds that had elevated the character of our nation and added a bright page to the record of the glory of the country—that gratitude, together with a peculiar juncture in the affairs of the nation, should induce the sovereigns of the country to forswear former party allegiance, and unite in the elevation of one, who like Washington, would "resist with care, the spirit of innovation upon the principles of our government."

The movement of the people of Jefferson is but one of a series that will soon take place throughout Virginia and the whole country. Prominent men in Congress, both in the Whig and Democratic ranks, have come out plainly and boldly on this question, and ere long an invincible phalanx will be presented, which taking the motto of the Old Hero, "will never surrender." In Maryland, Mr. Constable, who has been regarded as the leader of the Democracy, has thrown off party allegiance—and avowed a decided preference for Gen. Taylor. Such too we understand is the position of John McManus, Esq., who has held no irresponsible place in the ranks of the Democracy in Maryland. And what is true of Baltimore and Washington, will soon be experienced and demonstrated throughout the length and breadth of our Union.