The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-10-07
GREAT MEETING AT CONCERT HALL.
GOV. A. p. WILLARD, OF INDIAN A
The Speech of the Canvass. =.
Thrilling Enthusiasm.

vi MOnuay evening OOnccrC Hall was
"rammed, jammed, and packed" with our
citizens, anxious to hear Governor A. P.
WILLARD, of Indiana. We have no hesi-
tation in saying that the audience there
assembled, exceeded in numbers, intelligence
anden,husiasm, anylpublic meeting ever con-
vened in this city. Every available corner
of the hall-the aisles, the window-sills,
and the stairways, were covered with live
Democrats. The hall, large as it is, could
Lot contain the number who desired to hear
the speaker, and many persons were forced
to leave, not being able to effect an entrance
into the room. The enthusiasm manifested
exceeded anything that has been witnessed
in the canvass. The cheers and hurras of
the immense crowd, fairly shook the build.
ing.
Before the regular hour of the Club meet
ing had arrived, the hall being full, WM.
SPRIGG HALL, Esq, introduced in an ap-
propriate style, Governor WILLARD, who
had previously ascended the speakers stand,
accompanied by Gov SIBLEY. The former,
on rising to address the audience, was re-
ceived with hearty cheers.
Governor WILLARD commenced by ex-
pressing his cordial thanks for the generous
and heartfelt reception rendered him. There
were doubtless, before him, many children
of his native State, New York and many
others from the State of his adoption
Indiana-a State he loved better than all 9th.
ers, because she had loved and honored him.
He was startled on arriving here, to find a
city like St. Paul, which eight years ago,
had barely an existence and name. Min.
nesota, too, now takes front rank among
the States, in position, in extent, and i'm
portance; and she would maintain that
rank while she proved loyal to the Constitu-
tion and faithful to the integrity of the
Union.
OUR STATE POLICY.
The speaker knew nothing of our State
affairs, nor of our quarrels and differences
about men. He could quarrel with the
Republicans, but never could take part in
differences among Democrats. Minnesota
was almost the youngest daughter of the
Union. She was the child of the Democ-
IdCy' \SuCCISJ VIC WCCuIucu utT iuIO CHc
confederacy of American States, when the
Republicans said she should rot come in.
Yet these same Republicans were now
seeking to degrade and debauch Minnesota
to rob her of her dearest jewel--her pub
lie virtue. Minnesota has given her bond
they cry repudiate it. Cheers.) They
would have reputation your first act. He
did not know whether our past policy as
State was right but if your bond has been
given, and an obligation assumed under the
broad seal of the State, stand to it like men.
Such conduct will do you no harm, but add
lustre to your already spotless honor.
(Cheers.)
Many years ago the speaker had wandered
from his native State of New York, and by
chance became citizen of Indiana. In
diana had been under opposition rule up to
1S43. She had, while under that rule,
failed to meet her just indebtedness, and
pay the interest on bonds issued. The De-
mocracy came into power in l843, and like
all honest parties should do, promptly as
sumed and met the obligations resting upon
the State. We, as a State, were then
worth $l00,OOO,OOO, and had forty miles of
Railroad. From that day to this, Demo
cratic Executives have governed Indiana.
The State has always met promptly the in
terest on her public debt. And to-day, as
a consequence of this honest policy, the