New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-03-29
THE CONTEST IN RHODE ISLAND.
Correspondence Of The N Y. Tribune.

4
| PROVIDENCE, March g. 1860.
| u bas occurred to me that a slight sketch Of the
progress of our struggle in Rhode Island might be in.
| terestrg to the readers of The TRIBUNE. Never,
since 1872 has political excitement ragged ercy at
prtant. Every element seems to have combined in
one mad effort to crush if possible, Republicauism in
this State Disappointed factions and aspi ants, the
whole Democratic party and vast wealth Of the
SIraeues are all combined In desperate attempt TO
eaIy tie State and TO the Democracy and their
allies at least temporary triumph. Notwithstanding
ell these opposing elements and untowaid circum
ssIces the Republicans Of RHODE Island, far from be-
ing disbsaItened, have entered upon the mpaign
with earnestness and vigor which have disappointed
Their enemies and justify the confidence with winch
they look forward to decisive victory overhe motley
host Of their opponents. Everywhere they have mani
tested the utmost zeal and determination. Large and
enthusiastic meetings held daily in all parts OF the
STATE, and addre ssed by Repub leans from abroad
and by our own citizens. The Hon. Abraham
Lincoln has spoken twice-once at Providence,
and once az WOonsockot TO crowded and most
enthusiastic audiences, and has left behind him a
most enviable reputation alike az speaker aud
satssmsn of profound and liberal views. On the
asst occasion, a large Dnmber OF the Republic
csIs of Providence went up 70 WoonsocSet, to
hear bim-all except the singers of the Glee Clab
paving their own fare. Not 10 be 0utdone,
the Sprs que party have organized similar excursions
which, by dn of an unlimited distribution OF free tick
there unfortunately, the responsibility ends. On the
lest Of these occasions about thousand went mp to
WoODsocket, where large portion OF them devoted
the period of their stay TO making night hideOus with
all the riotous demonstrations which crowd of drunk
en- rOwdes can invent. Drunkenness oh 3centy, aud
profanity ruled the hour The usually quiet streets of
the village were filed with this riotous crowd ripe for
mischief in every direction, and ii was great reliefto
the good citizens of W0Ousocket when their unwei-
come visitors departed. The result Of this affair has
been decidedly beneficial and has opened the eyes OF
great many to the true character OF the mass OF the
Sprseue party.
Among other Republicans from abroad who have |
come 10 our aid and done good service here, John
L. Swift of Boston who is deservedy great favoTlte
and hiss spoken TO crowded audiences deserves noce.
His eloonence on the stomp is too we'll known to need
any eulogy OF mine. But the great meeting of the |
campaign so far was held 10 this city last evening.
How ard Hail. the largest hall in the State was dense
y packed by one of the largest and most enthusiastic
audiences ever assembled in Rhode leland. Tie Hon.
Henry b Stanton of New York gave us one of his |
most eloquent and stirring speeches, which was re-
ceved with unbounded applause. The Hon. Benz. +.
Thurston of this city followed in a highly acceptable
and truly forcible speech The Democrats held their
first meeting the same evening, which, though well at
tended fell far short OF ouis both in numbers anu en-
thusasm, Mr.. Stanton has also spoken TO large aud
enthusiastic audiences in Bristol and Newport He is
doing good service in the Depend upon it that,
If earnest and resolate determination and gorous
eItion can secure victory, Rhode Island is cafe.
REPUBLICAN,.