Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-05-03
UNION MEETING!

UNION MEETINGS!
Speeches, Music, Cheers, Singing, orsa
Enthusiasm and Good Time Generally
Last Tuesday hanbills we're circulated cal
ling an Union meeting at OvERxAN's Hall
on Wednesday evening. 1t was not inten
ded that the occasion should be great ant
studied effort, but rather the spontaneous
gathering of our own citizens, regardless o
party, to give expression to the love that we
~ . community, have for the Good Old Flag
and the Union it represents. Though thu
notice was short, the crowd that assembled
at the Hall last Wednesday evening wa.
large, tho room being full, and many ladies
lent the grace of their presence. The hal
was tastefully decorated with flags and mot
toes. Athalf past eight j. JAY LAMAN, Esq
called the meeting to order, and after stating
the object Of the gathering, proposed Hon
Z1xsr SrREErER, for President. The meeting
heartily approved the nomination, and Mr.
SrREErER to, K the chair, briefly thanking
the audience for the honor bestowed upon
him. Upon motion the following gentlemen
were elected Vice. Presidents: A. MORRISON,
r. P. SPEER. j. KERR, B. F. WHITE, E. w.
BABcocK. john II. BRowN and II. A. Per-
x1Ns were appointed Secretaries. On mo.
ton committee Of three on Resolutions, was
appointed by the chair, consisting Of Messrs.
A. F. BRowS, A. MULLARKY and J. P. Pow
sRs. The committee retired, and the time
was improved by speaking.
DR.. kerr being called for arose and spoke
briefly, but to the point. He spoke ofthe trail
torsaand tories of the revolution, thought there
was more excuse for them, than for those OF
the present time, and drew comparison
anything but hattering to later-day traitors.
They would not only sell their country, but
betray their God, were it possible. They
were class of men that could only be held
in check by fear ofthe halter or penitentlary.
B. F. WHITE being called for arose and
stated that he was not in the habit of making
public speeches, but, (pointing to it, there
was his flag, now and forever, and proposed
three cheers for it,-ani they were given
with a will.
Rev. Mr.. JuDsoS, Of Illinois, responded to
call. He stated that he was proud to &C
knowledge himself an American citizen that
under the protection Of our national flag men
were enabled to traverse all countries, and
all seas with perfect safety. That some OF
the stars represented on its ample folds were
now wandering stars, --or at least were hid
den behind dark cloud he hoped the cloud
would soon be brushed away, and the stars
reappear, furnished though they would be-
He thought thatif our Southern brethren were
attempting to remedy evils, they had jumped
from the frying pan into the firc,-for they
were now begirt with fire. uc thought
that the time for compromise had past, and
action was the thing now called for. He
briefly addressed the Greys, who were
present, and reminded them that the cause
in which they were likely to bear arms was
sacred and holy one; to deport themselves
in manner becoming American-citizen-
soldiers, and above all things, no matter
what other movement they might perform,
never make retrograde one; never retreat
until victory should crown the banner Of our
Country. His remarks were very interesting,
and were interrupted by frequent bursts Of
applause.
Rev. Mr.. PEER, of Benton County, was
called upon. He took the stand and made an
eloquent appeal. He stated that he was for
the Union, the whole Union, Liberty or
death was his motto. The day Of compro-
misc had passed the South had forced the
issue upon us, and he thanked God that we
were ready to meet them. The colors must
be nailed to the mast, and never lowered
He defined his position, which from his strong
Union sentiments can readily be inferred
He found it hard work to keep himself from
vOiuntcerlnS, anu Wuen u oeCathe HoeSoSaiy
was ready to go and fight. He spoke Of glo-
rious old Massachusetts, upon whose soil was
shed thu. first blood Of the revolution ard
whose sons, in this the second war Of Inde-
pcndence, were the first to bleed for freedom
Mr.. P. thought that there was not quite as
much patriotism, or at: least enthusiasm, ex-
hibted by our citizens as by those in other
parts of the State The Chairman, Mr..
SrREErER, thought the gentleman was labor
ing under wrong impression, which should
be corrected, and proceeded to do SO BY re-
sorting to his particular forte" viz: telling
An anecdote applicable to the subject. He
said A gentleman in Washington was one
day discussing with Senator W1GrALL the
relative bravery of the Northern and South
ern men. The gentleman told WIGFALL that
they of the South took q drink, and then
talked big; then took another drink and
talked bigger; but we Northcrners first set
down and look at the matter calmly, count
tine cost, and see if it will pay; then having
made up our minds, pray, and after prayers