Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-07-28
MONDAY. july 90. 1869.
The WAR MEETING ON THE COMMON.
Speeches of Mayor AldrIch, Col. Wells,
Gov. Andrew, and John Ii. Cough.

could be desired. Nearly all places of bust
ness in the city were closed during the
hours it was together, and very many of them
were profusely decorated with the national
colors. Thousands of people thronged upon
the old common at the ringing OF the bells
aud the firing of the national salute. The
band of the thirty-tourth regiment furnished
music for the occasion, occupying with the
national airs the time before the arrival of the
speakers who had been announced. 1t was
nearly eleven O'clock when the mayor, ac-
companied by his excellency the governor,
and other gentlemen, assembled the platform
amid the increasing applause of the large
assembly. The mayor called the assembly TO
order, and addressed them as follows -
SPEECH OF MAYOR ALDRICH.
Fellow citizens No ordinary occasion has
called together this grand assembly of the
people-no ordinary cause could, at this bust
est season of the year, have induced men to
leave their usual vocations and assemble here
as they have done to-day. The farmer has
left his scythe by the side of the unknown
glass; tilt NV
tradesman has left his place of business and
is here with all his customers, the great man
ufacturing establishments that fill all these
valleys with the busy sounds of industry have
stopped, the banks and other public institu-
tons have closed their doors, and citizens of
all classes have come up here together for
the purpose of considering the great ques-
tons of public interest which are at
this hour forced upon the attention
of every thoughtful man and true pat
riot. And we are here to consider
what is our duty in this momentous crisis and
what we intend to do in the performance of
that duty. We have met not as parties or
partizans, but as citizens of the republic,
whose very government is threatened with
destruction by wicked rebellion, which, even
yet, raises its audacious front almost in the
very presence of the capital. A little more
than twelve months ago vast armies, obedient
to the call of the government, gathered from
all the northern States marched to the banks
of the Potomac, the Ohio and other portions
of the border, for the purpose of repelling
the hosts of traitors that were threatening the
capital and the loyal states with invasion.
These armies during the twelve months that
have passed. have won for themselves immor-
tai hOnors in the service of their country
But their thinned ranks now need reinforce
ments to enable them to complete the utter
overthrow of the foul revolt against the laws
of +bo IT,,s,, ii A.
dent of the United States having calledfor 300
600 additional volunteers, the governor of this
commonwealth has appealed to the people of
this state to furnish its quota. These rein
forcements are needed nop. But have sew
eral times recently addressed you upon this
subject and will not now occupy your atten-
ton moment longer but hasten to introduce
to you Col. Wells, who has been in the fore
most ranks of our advancing armies from the
first outbreak of the rebellion, and has inst
passed through the fearful and bloody seven
days fight in front of Richmond, and is here
to take command of the 34th regiment now
encamped in this city.
Gov. Andrew then proposed three cheers
for Col. Wells, which were given with will,
and repeated; then three for the flag, and
three more for those who should enlist that
day.
SPEECH OF COL. WELLS.
When the long-continued applause subsidized
Col. Wells came forward, and said He came
not there to make speeches, for that part of
his business was ended He came to ask as
sistance for the army of the Potomac. The
army asks it, he said not for its own salvation
but for yours. 1t is not disorganized, dis
heartened set of men pleading for assistance
to hold its own. They were never stronger,
more brave and resolute, than now-never
more ready to meet and repel the assaults of
the enemy. 1t is in no such spirit that we ask
for help. | remember that in the battle Ct
Williamsburg, Gen. Hooker found himself Sc
verely pressed by the enemy, and when he
sent for three thousand fresh troops, he did
not say, "Come and help me- need rein
forcements, or l shall be obliged to retreat"
No thought of defeat ever had entered that
brave and loyal heart He could still fight.
but with the reinforcements he could whip
and drive the rebel foe. So now we want
your help, not to save Mcclellan, but to take
Richmond But If you want that done you
must give your general the means and the ma
terial. Now, will you do it? That's all-the
simple question to Massachusetts and the
country to-day 1t is your danger, not ours
Two opposing armies are in the field, and one
or the other must be whipped. Shall southern
horses be watered in the Merrimac, or snail
ours be the victory. 1t is but the matter of a
few more men, money, little time, and the
question is answered forever. "a voice. "And
a better generally Something is said about
better general. My friends, | have found
on the battle field foemen brave and worthy
men for whom can have some respect. enc
mics though they be. But have no respect
for those who stand five hundred miles from
the post Of danger, and endeavor TO weaken
the confidence of the soldier in his leaders
Loud cheerS.) | can meet a brave enemy
lace TO face, and respect him while | strike.
put Tor these cowardly traitors who remain NJ
nome to critcise and discourage enlistments
there Is in the heart of the soldier bnt ana
thought-on his lips but one word. Give con-
dence IN his general to the soldier. mn mate.
whether that generals policy NAV annonr o.,
you unwise. Remember that the cnnedanso
of the soldier in his leader is three fo,,r,ta rt
the battle. That seven davs' 6ybt an az VI
treat-hardships endured without Z ,,m nU w.
without anything but the most brave conf.
dence that the movement was rirht-,yo,,Id
H. 100 II -.