The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-07-27
Tho Portland Wlde-Awakes.
A Splendid Demonstration.

On Wednesday evening the citizens Of our
place were gratifed with Witnessing the most
imposing political demonstration which has
ever occurred in our place. In conformity
with previous arrangement, the Portland Wide
Awakcs. with their friends, numbering about
1900 persons, came out in special train OF
nineteen cars, to respond to the nominations OF
the District Convention. They reached here
about 0 o'clock p. NJ, and were received by
the wije-Awakes Of Saco and this place, who
we're ON hand with torches to receive them and
to escort them to the Hall in which the conyen-
ton was held. On their arrival, there were
hundreds present at the depot, besides the es-
cort. to witness the imposing spectacle. Form
ing in two battalions of about four hundred,
with lighted torches, and to the music Of the
Portland Band, which accompanied them, and
Joined BY hundreds Of live Republicans, they
commenced their march through the principal
streets of our city. On their way they passed
the residence of Louis o. Cowan, Esq, and
hating gave three cheers, rousing ones. for him
and for the Republican candidate for Elec:orin
this Congressional District. Mr.. Cowan hav.
ing been introduced to the company, acknowl-
edged the compliment in brief speech as, fol-
lows:
GENTLEMEN or THE PORTLAND WiDE-AwAKEs,
AND FELLow-CIrIzESs
thank you for this kindly expression. II
there is one thing which prize more than an
other besides the love Of those who are dear to
me, because OF my household, II Is such evil
dence rs you have given me, in this kindly greet
Ing, that in whatever Of personal circumstan-
ces | may be placed, whether OF triumph or
of defeat which brings no reproach, you still
regard me as worthy Of consideration and res
Although in an honorable canvass to-day,
with m honorable opponent, have been beat
en-, still am triumphant, because the defeat,
II indeed II can DO called such, does not take
away your personal kindness. To be beaten,
and yet to be SO beaten as to be triumphant, Is
the experience which few have the good Tor;
have been sustained by those who have known
me longest and best, As few men have been sus-
tanned. because the harmony OF our party Is
preserved, and its success In this Congressional
aistrict secured; and this success, though not
10 be attained through my carrying the stands
ard, Is my triumph, as II Is yours.
In contests such as We are engaged TO secure
the great and vital principles Of liberty, men
fade into insignifcance- they are nothing they
live and pass away, but the maintenance Of
principle Il every thing-not for ourselves only
but for the welfare and prosperity OF our CON-
mon country. Were I wanting In patriotism,
In duty to my country. In love for that great
Organization 70 which No are attached, might
have personal regrets; but I have none, and
Won do me but simple justice when you testify
by these expressions to the confidence you feel
that win TO the extent Of my ability faithfully
uphold, Is in days past. the Republican cause
and Republican nominees. (Applausc.) lear
ly learned to love the grand central idea on
which stands the Republican party. Mans
right 10 his personal liberty, truth which the