The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-10-12
Visit to Now York.
The Monster Torch Light Parade.
SEw YoRK CT

center OF commercial power, influence, and ac-
ti,ity, with two objects in view, the first bus
ness one, and the last, to witness the Grand
Wide Awake Demonstration, which had been
herslded to come of on the Ord instant in this
city. Taking the cars with our friends at the
Biddeford station. We were cordially welcomed
by detachment Of the Portland Rail spltters
ofPortland, under the command Of Lieut.. W. L.
Quinby, who, about 60 strong, were, like our
selves, bound to New York to participate in the
comiag pageant. These Rail splitters were.
physically. as well as in other respects, worthy
representatives Of the corps to which they be-
longed. Stout and stalwart men, none OF them
less than FIVE feet 10. and most Of them exceed
ing six feet in height,-they stood each, like
Saul Of old. head and shoulders above their fell
lows The addition to their number at Bidde-
ford, did not diminish their physical proper
tons, for among our company were several
tall fellows Of the somewhat above infantile
proportions Of SIX feet 3. Our major was at
all points the observed Of all observers, stand
ing 8 feet 3t,-he was q splendid addition to the
Rail Splitters' battalion, where both worth
and figure must unite to gain admission.
On our arrival in Boston, we were met ut
the cars by q detachment Of the Boston Rail
Splh,ers and the Tri Mountain Club Of Wide
Awakes, escorted to their quarters in Bowdoin
SQUARE, and cordially welcomed by John A.
| Novel;. E.q.. President Of The Rail Spttters.
native Of old York. but long resident OF Bos-
ton, and by c. p Chandler, one Of the Tri
Mountain officers. also son Of Maine, in elo-
auent speeches. Leonard Andrews, Esq, in be
halt Of the Rail Splitters Of the LIST Congress
ional District Of Maine, District which never
fails, responded in fitting terms to these well
coming speeches. After partaking Of the pre-
pared collation., which, though said by our
Boston friends TO have been got up in short no.
tice, was all that could be wished, we again, at
a O'Clock. took up our line Of march. The
route to New York was by Fall River line; and
rs the night was pleasant, both the ride in the
cars to Fall River, and the sail in the steamer,
was comfortable.
At the landing place in New York, we were
met by -Cspen. Esq, formerly OF Portland and
q native Of Maine, and accepting his generous
proiiered hospitality, marched to Tammany
Hall, and successfully storming the old wig
wan, filed il with representatives Of Republic
can Democracy. The entrance Of q stalwart
company OF men, bearing aloft the banners OF
the Republican army and with huzIas for Lin
coin and Hamlin, into this old stronghold Of
Democracy, even now adorned with the ban
ners of the Douglas faction, caused the surging
crowd to halt and enquire Of each other, II
among the political trades Of the day. there
had been bargain and sale Of the "Tammany
Democracy" to the Republicans.
The parade was splendid success,-the
weather was perfect. and the myriads OF peo-
pie who thronged the streets through which the
procession passed, conducted themselves with
the greatest propriety. Illuminations abound
ed, and FIRE works Of every description blazing
In all directions, added TO the excitement Of the
occasion. Broadway, from the Park to the Un-
ion Square, distance of q miles, was one
line Of light, and the procession marching in
sections. sixteen deep, and occupying near two
hours in passing given point, presented a
most brilliant and imposing appearance. 1t
was a grand rally of banners of light, number
ing some twenty thousand torches,
The Rail Splitters Of our State were accorded
the post OF honor - that OF forming the
guard and escort Of the Chief Marshal, Genl
Hobert Ward. Preceded by the Gov. Morgan
Light Artillery, company Of some three hun
dred men with their guns mounted, and which
were fired at different points and squares on
the line Of march, they marched in hollow
square. the first section composed OF the tall
est members Of the corps. Their unique and
snowy uniform was shown of to great adyan-
tage by their brilliant lanters, which were dec
GRATED with the emblsmstical axe and maui.
and as they passed along the route with the
Chief Marshal aud his Aids enclosed in the
hollow square, they attracted much attention,
and were frequently cheered.
II is impossible within any reasonable space
Of letter writing. to set forth in detail descrp-
ton Of this grand pageant. IL was scene to
be remembered,- that river Of fire, those strains
OF martial music from the many bands, the
military precision Of the Heightened march, the
inverted shower Of colored fires, the blazing Of
the rockets as they shot upward, the cheering
Of the spectators, and the hurrahs Of the Wide
Awakes In answer to the cheers, are not soon
TO be forgotten by those who had the good for
tune to be there and to witness the inspiring
march OF the Wide Awakes Of the Empire City.
The closing scene Was at Union Square. Here,
near the Washington monument, the whole pro-
cession marched in view before the Chief Mar
shall. The SQUARE was illuminated with most
brilliant lights and as column amer column
marched in review. the air was rent with cheers
and shouts, cannon were fired, every species
OF FIRE works were displayed, and "yolcanic
pyrotechnies' showered forth their fiery con-
tents over the heads Of the thousands who
filled the square, and lined the streets and
walks in every direction. The head Of the pro-
eessiou reached the square about IL, aud the
last column did not pass the review until near
~ one O'Clock, A. NJ, when the divisions were
dismissed. and the various companies scattered
| In every direction in the line Of march TO their
quarters, or to take the boats and return
home.
Our detachment Of Rail spltters were taken
in charge by the Young Mems Republican
Union club Of Wide Awakes, and marched to
the Stuyvesant Institute, where q fine COLLATION.
was spread for them, speeches were made by
Senator b. Z. Maurice Of New York, Messrs,
Rogers and ShephMd and other New Workers,
and the response to the welcome. and the &C
acknowledgement to the generous hospitality
given by Lieut.. ouinby. and the writer
Speeches and eatables were equally satisfac-