The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-10-08
MASS MEETING or TIE REFORM PARTY

MASS MEETING OF TIE REFORM PARTY
AT ASHLAND SQUARE,
In accordance with the published call the friends
of the Reform movement assembled in Mass Meet
ing in Ashland Square. In point of numbers the
meeting was the largest one which has been held
for number of years, while in point of respecta-
biity and character, it far surpassed any political
gathering in that locality which has taken place
since the reign of terror commenced. One wear
ago it would have probably cost many lives to at
tempt one, and even at such sacrifice, a meeting
could not have been held. The "Ashland," "St.
Lawrence" and "Rose Bud" clubs, then held un-
disputed sway, and tn, r ourages and nfamies were
perpetrated unchecked, while the authorities looked
on and chuckled.
This locality was formerly one Of the strongholds
OF the rowdy element of the city. The head-ouar-
ters of one of the clubs were in Little McElderry
street, near Aisquth. 1t was the fortress of the
Sixth ward and just previous to the last election
was perfect arsenal. All the neighborhood, and
particularly Little McElderry street through tn
the Belair Market, had been the scene of many an
outrage and the field for riot and bloodshed But
change has come over the spirit of the place.
Citizens can pass without fear the dens where the
members OF the clubs were wont to gather and in
suit or MAIN with impunity those who had the har
dihood to go near their quarters. On Saturday
night few of the remnants of the once terrible or
ganizations gathered on the corner of Aisquith
and Gay streets, but their action was decorous.
and not one of them had ieer or slur for thu
immense crowd in the square.
At eight o'clock the meeting called to order
and the following gentlemen proposed as officers
who were unanimously selected President-Jas
F. Purvis, Esq; Vice Presdents-John B. Frey,
Dr. Charles Il. Bradford, George w. Mowbray
James johnson, John |. Gross, George W. Corner,
Richard Fonder, William Cotton, Henry Wilson,
Samuel Kirk, Peregrine Gorsuch Stirling Thomas
VIM. II Roberts. Col. p NJ HOhrOok nd L Obn
p. Tidy Secretaries-W. IL. b. Fusse,baugh
John r. Blake, James Webb and Joseph Roberts
Volandts celebrated Brass Band was in attend
ance and played several airs in the most mastery
manner. Samuel Kirk, Esq, then introduced
George M. Gill, Esq, who delivered powerful
address, in which he complimented the Eighth
ward for its noble conduct at the last election, and
dealt severe blows against the present municipal
administration. He referred to the extravaganza
and waste which characterize it, and the shameless
manner IN which the power of Office had been used
for the advancement of partisan purposes. He
continued to address the meeting for an hour,
earnestly enjoining upon his hearers the necessity
OF careful discharge of their duties as good cit
zens and lovers of order on Wednesday next.
AT the close of Mr.. Gils remarks, which were
received with cheers, the band again played; after
which there were loud cries for MIR. Wallis in
response to which that gentleman was introduced
to the meeting by Mr.. Kirk.
Mr.. Wallis appearance was hailed with deaf
eniDg round of cheers; and when quiet was re-
stored, he commenced his remarks by saying that
he experienced novel feelings in rising to address
an asSemblage in that locality and on the subject
of reform without the fear of mOestation There
was time when such spectacle could not have
been presented, but thanks to efficient and un-
corrupted police, those days of terror and blood
had passed away. Mr.. Wallis next considered the
qualifications necessary for the proper discharge
Of the duties of the MayOralty, which he declared
were not those required for President of the
United States Honesty, intelligence and energy
were all that are required for municipal offices.
Mr.. Wallis continued to speak for about three
quarters of an hour, deIighting his audience, who
responded to his remarks with cheers and shouts of
laughter. As the reporter had no facilities for
writing, he would only be doing Mr.. w. injustice
by attempting even a synopsis of his remarks. We
need only say that Mr.. Wallis spoke in his happiest
vein, and that his observations were calculated to
exercise most salutary influence.
Prior to the opening of the meeting the Sth ward
came in long procession with band of music and
flag, bearing large transparency on one side of
which was the inscription: ''The Sth ward good for
l. 500 majority for Geo. VIM. Brown" and on the
other the figure of an a,ol followed by the words,
''isms in Baltimore played out" Considering the
locality, the short notice and the fact that the meet
ing was held on Saturday evening, which is market
night at the Bear market, it was successful beyond
all anticipation.