The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-09-16
THE GREAT MASS MEETING.
Grand Union Demonstration.

I WAstAAeA OuAOAk COMMUNICATIONS H
The Union Mass Meeting of Friday last
in magnitude and demonstration exceeded al
anticipation. Portage County, in all its his
tory has never witnessed similar congrega
ton of its citizens. Tho people came from
: every direction by thousands, and all will
Bands and Banners, in grand and gala display
To look upon such scene was sight for
lifetime. 1t was demonstration that ex
ceeded any simple party fervor or allegiance
1t was token of the loyalty and devotion
of our people to the Union, and the old flag
1t was an outpouring that strengthened hope
in the earnestness and faithfulness of the peo-
pie in this day of trial of the national life
Nothing could have been added to give il
greater importance or interest 1t was grand
an enthusiasm and activity that will help to
!, lift the veil of opposition that has threatened
to shroud the State in darkness and disgrace.
Ravenna reflected well the spirit of the
hour. Business places and private residen-
ces displayed the Flag of the Union, and up
on the newly erected flagstaff in front of the
Court House, proudly foated the flag of
beauty, protection and loyalty. The process
sions from the townships, began to mass up
OF the Public Square at 10 a. m. Col. II. w.
Bristol, Marshal-in-Chief, had chosen for his
assistants Major F. A. Seymour, W. w. Pat
ton, Capt. j. D. King, Jno. P. Catlin and A.
w. Pinney. As the professions entered the
town from the north and south the east and
west, they were met by marshals and con-
Quoted to points enabling the whole to pass in
succession through Main street, and on to the
Fair Grounds. The arrangements in this re-
spect were admirable, and the immense pro-
cession moved without the slightest Interrupt
ton or arrangement. Col Bristol and his
assistants performed their duties in a mastery
manner, and to them word of commenda.
ton is due. The grand procession occupied
two hous in proceeding from the will age to
the Fair Grounds, and its length was estima-
ted to be at least ten miles, il placed in one
continuous line. The townships coming in
professions had all been at pains and expense
to make good appearance and all succeeded
most admirably. Every procession was ac-
companied by band of music, and some by
two, brass and martial. There were twenty
bands present. and as the main procession
was moving, the very atmosphere seemed to
lmblbe the vivacity and patriotism of the
hour, and every breath and leaf to beat re-
sponse to the glad notes and merry vibrations
with which the air was filled.
As each procession passed in review there
was much that it would be pleasure to no.
tice here, but the privilege of detail is denied
us. A pleasant spirit of emulation was no.
tlcable and to each and all many compliments
were justly paid. In the Streetsboro delega-
ton the States were represented by young la
dies in triumphal car, drawn by sixteen her-
ses. In the Freedom, Shalersvile and Hiram
delegations, were similar presentations. In
the Deerfield delegation were forty young
ladies upon horseback, making an interesting
feature of the display. The Edinburg dele
cation was of mammoth dimensions, and |
made most imposing appearance. The
Franklin delegation was one of the finest in
the train. Prominent in this was grand car,
drawn by ten horses, appropriately decorated,
containing "Thewives, sisters and daughters
of Franklin's brave volunteers" This was |
indeed touching, and yet happy sight
Good old Nelson, though remotely located, |
gave token of her zeal in the cause and made |
good mile in the almost eeaseless train Ran
3olph was lead by cavalcade of young zou-
ives mounted-and thus came the loyal and
true people of Portage to the grand Council.
If one can judge by such dsmonstra ton of |
'arnestness and good faith, it does not seem
possible that any power can interpose between
he friends of the Union and their trium ph-
mt success.
Long before the professions began to arrive
were upon the Fair Grounds, and
It an early hour Hon. R. P. Spalding was in
reduced to fine audience and spoke until an
for dinner His speech was
worthy of better attention than we can give
t here, but the audience who heard it will
1--WE practical heed to its counsels, and treas
Ire up its great truths. In the afternoon the
magnitude of the crowd rendered it necessary
o have speaking from two stands, for the
'oice of no man could be made to reach tho
orders of the congregation, all being togeth-
r. From one stand Gov. Dennison and COL
Anderson spoke. From the second stand
Ion. A. G. Riddle addressed grand audience.
No attempt to report their speeches is made
o-day, though in future publication we
nay be able to present synopsis of them.
The speech of Col. Anderson drew out
reat applause, and every hearer was gratified
nd strengthened by the words of counsel,
nd of vigor and arnestness-delighted with
lis devotion to the Union, and joining with
Inn in his execration of traitors everywhere.
9oy. Dennison followed Col. Anderson. His
peech was that of the true, earnest, digni6ed
'atriot, and in his exhortation to the people
0 do their duty, to stand by the Govern
nent, and to hold up the hands of its admin
'trators; to elect men who will not betray
nto rebel hands the trust loyal people COM
nit to them-we have faith to believe that
here was seed sowH in good ground, that will
leld many fold. The speech of Mr.. Riddle :
Fas an able and brilliant review of the great !.
'sues of the campaign-a plain and faithful
tatement of the duty of every loyal man
nd mastery expose of the course and true
ositlon and animus of the great traitor in
'anada He dealt in stern facts, and unques-
ioned matters of record, and massed them
gainst the disloyal element seeking supre-
macy in Ohio. His remarks were received !