Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1863-09-18

The day itself is linked with the most sig-
nal event in American history, as the an
niversary of the adoption of the Federal
Constitution, giving birth to the Federal
Union; and it was all-beftting that the
true defenders Of that sacred instrument
should, ON that day, assemble at the home
of its most able living expounder to coun-
sci for its preservation amid the perils now
threatening its existence. Unhoppily for
the occasion. the day was not one of sun
shine and beauty as had been most anx-
iously hoped; clouds and rain accompa-
MED it throughout; but neither clouds, nor
rain, nor tempest could have deferred the
thousands of earnest Democrats who, de-
spite the forbidding prospect, poured into
Dayton from all points of the compass.
THE PROCESSION.
At 9 o'clock, in the morning, the streets
of Dayton were thronged with enthusiastic
Democrats. Coming from every direction
into the city-on horseback, in buggies,
carriages and wagons--their tumultuous
shouts for VALLANDIGHAM and PUGH bur
dened the very air with continuous rever-
beration. The various delegations from
the townships proceeded through the prin-
cipal streets in regular procession under
the guidance of Hon. WIN. II. GILLESPIE,
Chief Marshal, and the subordinate Off
GERS Of the day, whose canduct merited
and received the praise of all. The pro-
cession was, indeed, grand one, as it
moved over its length of four miles, TO
the Fair Grounds, with thousands of ban
ners Of every size, bearing as many pa
triotic devices, all enlivened by music from
different bands and the unceasing cheers of
the multitude. Too much praise cannot
be awarded to the patriotic ladies and men
of the various townships represented for
the skill and taste displayed in the pre-
lparation of the numerous emblcms and
devices which so much contributed to the
interest and impressiveness of the day.
We noticed large Rumber of notices
pregnant with patriotic meaning in these
peculiar times when the people, despite the
wickedness of their rulers, have determined
to rescue the country from impending ruin:
"rhe Constitution as it is, the Union as
it was - equal and exact justice to all
men :" "Vallandigham, Pugh and Liber-
ty;" peace - "Vallandigham, the peo-
pies friend, the tyrant's foe''-these were
some of the notices emblazoned upon
banners and wagons and then there were
wagons, drawn by thirty four horses, con-
tanning young ladies all dressed in white
[ with bows and sashes of ribbon, red and
; blue, representatives of the States of the
, Union and there was "Lincoln's Bas
tile" with its prisoners ofgState, so fitting
ly typical of the times and many other
attractive and significant features, all con
ttioutihB W ihaho 'ho PioVSsHloH hSel
; convey great lesson to the people.
THE CROWD.
5 Arriving at the Fair Grounds we en-
: deavored to make some estimate of tn
1 crowd. In computing its numbers, W,
? had the cooperation of numerous gentle
men accustomed to "measuring" large as
: semblages. We concluded that not les
. than 80, 600 thousand of the gallant yeoma
ry had met together, notwithstanding tina
a thousands still had been kept at home b.
e the very inclement weather We hay
: never witnessed more enthusiastic as
!, semblage
2 THE SPEECHES.
l. We were at one time quite fearful tha
! the rain would deny the people the oppol
tunity for hearing the distinguished an
n able Democratic orators who had come I
IS address them, but little while convince
It us that speeches were to be made and tn
1t people were determined to hear them, !,
n the weather do as it might
ID AT about one o'clock, the Hon. THoMA
so w. BARTLEY was introduced to the crow,
IL This gallant gentleman proceeded to d
e. liver one Of the most interesting argumen
o. on the questions of the day which we ha,
le heard during this campaign. He review
ne ed with terrific power the LINCOLN A,
a. ministration and presented with markt