The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-09-08
September 5th, 1855,


Last Thursday was fine day for the De-
mocracy of Portage county. We have not
time or room at present, to enter into a
description of the meeting, or notice the
points taken up and discussed in their speech
es, but will reserve our remarks upon these,
for next week.
The meeting was large one, and CON-
posed almost entirely Of yoters-those upon
whom devoves the sacred right and duty OF
exercising the elective franchise in the COM
ing important election. There was an en-
thusiasm and determination manifested
which gave unmistakable evidence, that the
Democracy Of our county are thoroughly a.
reused, and ready for the contest, and that
whether in defeat or victory, they will stand
by their colors and battle on for the ascen-
'dency Of our principles and measures.
The first speech was made by Governor
MEDILL. To those who listened to him we
need say nothing. The earnest attention
given to his remarks, was the best compli-
ment that could be paid to him, and was a
bundsnt evidence of the power and effect oil
his arguments. Slavery, taxation, and Know
Nothingism, each in its turn received atten.
ton. He demonstrated with clearness and
power the position Of the Democratic party.
in reference to the vexed question of slavery,
showing conclusively that this is not legit
innate issue in this contest, and that it is only
raised by our opponents to cover ep and
avoid the living issues of the day. Further
than this, that even so far as slavery is con.
cerned, that the democratic party has done
more for freedom than its opponents. He
then entered upon an examination Of the tax
question, gave the origin and application OF
every item of tax assessed against the peo.
pie of Ohio 10 1854. He also analyzed the
taxes of Portage county. Those who heard
him we think, must be fully satisfied where
the burthen rests, and tekere the remedy re-
ally is. 1t cannot be charged to the State
administration. He then took up Know
Nothingism and exhibited the character ol
its oaths, purposes and objects, and proved
them to be unconstitutional and dangerous
Gov. MEDILL is in every sense, strong
man. AS citizen and member Of society
he commands universal esteem and conf
dence; as Statesman and public officer, h,
is able, prudent and incorruptible. Witt
such man as our standard bearer, we ma,
60 into the contest and appeal to the con
sciencies and judgments of our fellow-citi
zens, with every hope of success. From
present indications, that he will be trium
phantly elected, there is no doubt; and it i
an honor of which any man might be proud
to be permitted to aid in the promotion of thi
able and noble champion OF the Democrat
faith.
Col. DAVID ToDD was the second speaker
That he made a powerful and effectiv
speech, every man in Portage county know
whether he heard him or not; because h
never makes any other. His address wa
every way worthy of his distinguished abi
ty and honorable position.
Ene evening meeting was first addresse
by Hon. ]. w. TAYLOR, of Columbus, in
powerful argument, wherein he exhibite
Q familiarity with American politics and his
tory, seldom equaled by the most eminer
men Of the country. His remarks told wit
convincing power for the Democracy. H
was followed by that talented and eloquen
young Democrat, JOHN McSwEENEY, {
Wooster. McSwEEhEY is one of the mos
popular stump orators we have ever hearc
he passes "irom grave to gay, from lively t
severe," sometimes consulsing his eudi
snce With laughter, sometimes moing ther
70 tears now welding the sledee hammer .
argument and again burning with withsfinl
ssrsasm in aimanner fearful 10 his en-,
"l95Ua9gg s5 Gs. 81