The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-07-13
OLD OXFORD IN A BLAZE.
Immense Outpouring Of the People
5000 Oxford Bears In Councili

which Il was our good fortune ever to wit
ness took place on Tuesday last, at Paris
Hill in Old Oxford. Some time ago tho Re
publicans of that good old county, who do
not suffer themselves to DO surpassed by their
brethren anywhere, In devotion to the good
cause, and who are active as they are earn
est, arranged for gathering Of the "Oxford
Bears" at Paris Hill, the native place of our
Hamlin the future Vice President, and there
beneath the trees which his hand planted, to
give him and the Hon. Israel Washburn Jr.,
the next Governor Of Maine, also q native OF
old York, the warm and cordial greeting
of honest hearts, and to rclight in that most
beautiful spot the old council fires, which
ever burn with so much brightness among
the hills and valleys Of that mountain dis
trict of Maine.
Brightly broke the morning, and from the
mountain sides, and from the sequestercd
glens. from the smiling villages which lie in
picturesque beauty along the valley OF tho
Androscoggin, from the field and the work
shop, to the music Of the drum and fife, In
carriages, on foot and on horseback, mon
with brave hearts in their bosoms who have
breathed in with their mountain air the
breath of liberty, with their wives ana child.
dren by their side, young and old came tho
people in mighty throng to welcome and
do honor to OIford's noble sons, and to re
kindle tho old camp fires which are to burn
brightly among the hills and vallics of the
Switzerland of Maine.
The morning train from Portland brought
up large delegation from other counties
and with them came the Portland "widc-
awakes" 100 strong, together with the Port
land Band to do escort duty on the occasion.
In the train was the gallant Burlingame,
who spoke 10 effectively in our city tho
night before, and who, being kind Of cous.
in german BY way of marriage to the "OI-
ford Bears" had been invited to the family
gathering. The wide awakes' were In grand
order for service, and contributed by their
enthusiasm and by the fine appearance which
they made very much to the interest Of the
occasion. After the arrival Of the train
procession was formed and the entire space
between Paris Cape and Paris Hill, q dis
lance Of three miles, was occupied with q
continuous line of carriages and horsemen.
The place prepared for the speaking was
directly in front Of the 'IIamlin mansion
where our distinguished Senator wis born,
and which displayed our national flag from
its roof. Flags bearing the names Of Lin
coin and Hamlin were waving in the breeze
in different parts Of the village.
The village itself which is one of the most
situated In Maine, on smiling
hill which rises in the centre Of o vast ampi.
theatre the western bounds Of which are the
''rock ribbed mountains, was in gala-day
apparel, and prcscpted fno appearance.
Around the stand rs was estimated, from
Eve to eight thousand people had assembled
10 listen to tho strong and comprehensive
ogic of washburn, the straight forward,
manly eloquoncc Of Hamlin, the icrvid Inn
FASHIONED oratory Of Burlingame. and the
patriotic addresses from other distinguished
men.
The meeting was called to order'by Hon.
Rufus r. Goodenow, who after pertinent re-
marks nominated John J. Perry rs President
# the day. The frst..specch, We may say
without dispangement to the efforts Of 9th.
rs, the strong, massive speech Of the occa-
ion was from the Hon. Israel Wshbum the
,ext Governor Of Maine. Mr.. Washburn
vas received with cheers, three times three
,ur Portland wide awakes doing their part
1ully on the occasion-and during the time
occupied in his remarks, near two hours,
vas frequently interrupted by bursts Of sP-
plause. With logic a. hard as the hardest
teal. and with arguments that arc unan-
Mr.. washburn demonstrated tho
correctness Of the Republican POSITION and
how the iallacy Of the grounds occupied BY
heir opponents.
Our limits will allow but hurried sketeh
# tho meeting. In the afternoon, Hen.
Hamlin was introduced a. the fu-
,urs Vice President ofthe United States, and
,ur pen, should Il attempt the work, would
al b describe the enthusiasm with which
% was received. Chsg sfise cheer want up