The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-10-04
The Wide Awake Denomination Last
Night.


The Wide Awake Denomination Last
Night.
The metropolis went through the mixed pangs
and pleasures of another sensation last evening,
in the procession of the black republican clubs
known as Wide Awakes. The parade was not
20 great in numbers as its projectors anticipated
it would be, but it was still very large, aud,
unless closely criticised, somewhat imposing.
There could be only one opinion as to the
beauty Of the spectacle, as the line Of light-ex-
tending from Astor place, down Broadway,
around the Park and up the Bowery to Fourth
avenue and Union square--fashed upon the
crowds which filed the great thoroughfares and
made up 9 coup DOLL the brilliancy Of which
could not be surpassed, If equalled, anywhere
else in the world.
AT the same time it must be remembered
that the Importance Of this parade of the Wide
Awskes, as political demonstration, is liable
to be very much overrated. In the first place,
the city clubs are composed in part
(and in many instances q very large part
of nou-voteIs. This is the case with all politi-
cal associations organized for the purposes of
parade and outside show. Many man who
never voted till 184S can remember carrying
banner in 1910, or shouting for Polk and
Dallas or Harry Clay in 1914. There is a pc
culiar fascination about the semi military or
ganization, drill and uniform Of the Wide
Awakes which attracts to their ranks thousands
Of young men between the ages Of eighteen and
twenty one, and although 1t may be alleged that
only voters are received as members of the
clubs, such statement will deceive no one for
moment because, admitting that the officers of
the clubs were sincere in enforcing the rule.
they can have no means Of ascertaining whether
candidate has really right to vote or not.
Then, again, in reference to the demonstration
Of last night, it must be recollected that the
procession was made up in good degree
from the rural districts-delegation brought
here free Of expense to themselves, en-
tertained at the cost Of the New York re-
publicans. and treated to the great delight of
the Yankee heart-a gratuitous spree. In order
that the morale Of last nights demonstration
may be thoroughly appreciated, We have
caused the elements of which the procession
was constituted to be carefully scrutinized. aud
the result OF the observations Of our reporters
is summed up in the subjoined table,
TOTAL NUMBER OF CLUBS.
Cty, ........... .....'....- -..............- ~
Total number Of Wide Awakes in procession. 10 70l
OF these the number Of voters (estimatsd)
Leaving non voters. ....a.................a ,7ol
The sum total expended for the demonstra-
ton estimated at. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. So go
So far as the metropolis lie concerned the Wide
Awake game is hardly worth the candle. The
republican committee gave us "a good show,
and paid roundly for it. They went out into
the highways and byways and brought forth
by means Of uniforms, lanterns, torches music
and other devices took away good deal of
custom from the theatres and the negro min
strels. They gratihed their own vanity, pleased
the ladies' tickled the children, and gave the
street-loungep something to look at and talk
about-otherwise the Wide Awake parade
amounted to nothing. AS for any political
effect that may have been hoped for from this
affair the Wide Awakes may as well have been
fast asleep. The voters Of the city Of New
York are against Sewardism, In the proportion
Of at least three to one, and no such nonsense
AZ midnight parades Of email boys and abo-
litionists from the rural districts will gain one
vote for Lincoln and Hamlin. So the Wide
Awakes might as well have saved their time,
oil and money.
ADVENT OF THE INDIAN SuMxyR.-After seve-