The Shasta courier., 1864-11-05
Grand Union Demonstration.

exceeoed anytnlng OF the Kind ever known
in this county. In numbers the meeting
consisted Of at least 1000 souls, and among
them we should say were 600 to 800 Union
voters; 30S joined in the torchlight process
sion, and even at the early hour it marched
there were many who seemed to prefer look
ing upon the display to making up the num-
bers.
As the delegations from the various dis
tricts came in. with flags flying they would
pass through the town. giving cheer after
cheer for the Union, Abe and Andy, and
everybody who takes their part. But It
remained for Millyille to draw OFT the last
&c holler" from the throats of those who wait
ed along the street to welcome our visitors
Yes, one of Kentucky's sons, who is in him.
self better likeness of Uncle Abe than we
have seen, had evidently made up his mind
I, do something demonstrative. To his
wagon was harnessed four fine horses. The
wagon itself was rugged with broad plat
form, capable of accommodating twenty per-
sons, and on the platform had been hoisted
veritable rail cuts of respectable size. AS
Kentuck's wagon moved slowly through the
town, he, with his assistants, gave specimens
of what was supposed to be Abe's skill in
splitting out the rails. Bang went the maui
that forced the wedge and opened the seam
then slash went Kentuck's axe, opening
the log from end TO end; another slash with
that axe, and rail of full and lawful di-
nensions was flying in the air, then DIR pping
to be picked up and admired by the crowd
that followed the Rail Splitter's car. This
unique conception on the part of our repre-
sentative of Old Abe in his early struggles
with the world brought down cheer upon
cheer, and the supply of rails found ready
market among his admirers. All other
wagons and carriages were exclusively de
voted to the carrying of enthusiastic Union
men and women, with their flags and other
insignia of loyalty to the Government. To
describe this gathering of loyal souls. and to
describe it SO as to give faint idea of the
enthusiasm shat prevailed, is beyond our
powers. We cannot do the subject justice.
1t was not o crowd assembled who needed to
be stirred ap by some artificial means to make
it enthusiastic or demonstrative but it was
a crowd that contained within itself the ele
ments of enthusiasm, ard as each member
saw the magnifcence of the assemblage, he
felt. indeed, as if there was still power to
save the Nation, and will to do it.
The procession formed at 64 o'clock, under
the guidance of Marshals chosen for the
occasion, of whom John S. Follansbee was
chief, and moved from Armory Hall up Main
street, on to High street, and down High
street to its junction with Main, and thence
up Main street to the place of starting, when
the procession was disbanded amidst the most
enthusiastic cheers, firing of cannon, flying
of rockets and other fire works. Red, white
and blue were the colors given forth by all
eombnstlbles, and red. white and blue had
its reign in the atmosphere in all possible
shapes, and IN the hearts of those witnessing
the display, as shown by glistening eyes and
firm set lips. 1t was readily seen that there,
too, red, white and blue had a firrely fixed
abiding place.
Judge Garter was chosen to preside at the
meeting, and addressed the masses of intelli-
gent faces surrounding the stand for few
minutes, as preface to what was to be
extected from the speakers for the occasion.
Messrs. Bidwell and Sargent. The old Union
war horse was aroused the occasion and the
surroundings thrilled him, even as the buge
call infects the charger on the battle field,
and in the few words of his opening address
there was fire and patriotism. which was
communicated to his audience as by magnet
ism.
How Bidwell and Sargent can speak, and
how they are appreciated by the people of
this Congressional District, and of the State
at large, needs no comment or eulogy from
US. They have been heard beyond our circu-
lation. and have a deserved popularity which
was sustained fully on the evening in ques-
ton.
When Messrs Bidwell and Sargent had
closed, Truman Head California Jo.) who
had served campaign under Mcclellan. was
called ap by his friends and mounted the
rostrum, when he was welcomed by shouts as
never before was man greeted from the same
number of throats. 10. was brief but point
ed. He said he was not of those who were
down on the Irish as class he had seen
them on the battle field, had witnessed the
grand courage with which they coald fight,
and the calm resignation with which they
could die in good cause, and he had an
abiding faith in the material of which they
are made that whenever such men are dis
loyal it is no error of the heart but want of
teaching to the BRAIN
The meeting closed shortly after IL O'Clock,
and the masses sought some place where they
might lay their heads. too happy to care
what sort of place it was, provided it was a
Union rock upon which they were placed.
MORE INDIAN DIFFIcULrIEs.-Mr. Robert
Shaw, residing near Arbuckie. in this coun-
ty, was nearly victimized by the red devils