Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-11-03
For the Standard.
For the
GRAND BELL-EVERETT POLE-RAISING IN
RICHMOND, COUNTY

RICHMONDs COUNT4.
Having previously heard it extensively noised
abroad that there was to be grand Bell-Everets
meeting and pole-rasing at the Ellerbe Springs, on
the goth ult, and supposing from the fact of this
precinct having heretofore been the stronghold of
Know Nothingsm and Whigism in Richmond coun-
ty that it would be an imposing affair, attended.
On the way, / met several coming from towards
the place OF rendezvous. Twas somewhat surprised,
and asked II they were not going to attend the great
Bell meeting. They answered that they were not,
as they did not wish "to encourage such fix"
Well, we arrived at the Springs about eleven o.
clock, a. m, and judge of our amazement, when we
looked around and beheld crowd of some thirty or
thirty-fvc sous-litle boys, negroes and all-coun-
ted. As a matter of course all of them were not
for Bell. I noticed some five or six Breckenridge
men. In this vast concourse, the counties of Rich
mond and Montgomery and the States of Mississip-
p, Tennessee and South Carolina were respectively
represented
Soon after arrival wagon, containing the
pole and drawn by two oxen and two mules, made
its appearance. The noble little band, with their
characteristic love of union now gathered around
the pole, and soon splced it together with pegs and
bands OF IRON But, this being accomplished very
serious difficulty now presented itself to them. 1t
was evident to all that since the pole was together
there not Bell muscle enough in the crowd to
raise it. The leaders were now growing uneasy
and began to cast about for means by which they
might bring their philosophy 10 the aid of their
weakness Although, after some little consultation,
leaving the workmen TO make the necessary ar
engagements they called off and repaired to shelter
to make the speeches.
TWENTY-FIVE or thirty men having assembled nm
der the shelter, S. H. Christian, ESQ.,, of Montgom-
cry county, was called upon and took the stand
This gentleman stated in conversation, before the
speaking commenced that he honestly believed that
Lincoln, if elected, would in every instance faith
fully execute the fugitive slave law, and seemed to
think he would make very good President gencr-
ally. shall not attempt sketch of this or of any
OF the other speeches, it would require too much
space | will, however state that this speaker
charged the Democratic party with being the cause
of the present critical condition of affairs and of all
the misfortunes that have happened to our
country or people. ! won't assert that he said it
was the cause Of the small pox or of the bad corn
crop this year. He read an extract from a speech
published in the n. Y. Tribune, which proved John
Bell to be more uncompromiSing Southern man
than John c. Calhoun. lie charged the Brcckn-
ridge party With the avowed purpose of severing the
ties that bind together this glorious Union, and
dwelt most touchngly the horrors Of. civil
war, &c
Gen. Dockcry followed, charging on the subject
Of civil war, and with many procstatonS Of devo-
ton to 1.-THE Union the Constitution, and the en-
fore mcnt Of the laws"
Neither of these speeches seemed to enrapture or
in any degree alarm, their thirty hearers, no.
reading newspaper for most Of the time while they
speaking, and others eating grapes and apples
forgetful of the terrible civil war into which the
Breckenridge party were about to plunge the
country.
Col. j. W. Cameron now arrived ut being about
halfpast three o'cocl) and was called on. He COM
menccd speaking, but in a short time the workmcn
at the pole having got every thing ready, raised
shout for help. The Colonel did not seem to take
| the hint, and continued speaking. His audience
was fast leaving him and making for the pole, but
he still spoke At length of the leaders who
understood the thing, and said he sorry TO
interrupt him. but it took all their force to raise the
| pole and suggested that he discontinue his speech
until they got the pole up. All hands now repaired
to the Of action and by of kinds of pull
lies formed by attaching one end of rope to the
! pole and throwing the other over limb of an ad-
! joining tree and with the aid Of very ablebodied
! politician, who strenuouSy applied his shoulder,
they at length with considerable difficulty, sue
ceeded in setting it up.
! Col. Camerons speech now closed the programme.
He is pretty speaker, and tells an anecdote well,
! but think he is at present to much occupied with
his professional duties to pay much attention to
! politics.
! Breckenridge will, l think, get larger vote in
this county than any other Democratic candidate for
/ President ever has. John Bell don't suit many OF
his party men, and they fast coming to us.
| As for Douglas, don't know of man IN the coun-
! ty who will vote for him.
! ALPHA