The Portland daily press., 1865-04-04
A Great and Glorions Mating.

q. At an early hour last evening the people
began to flock to City Hall to congratulate
each other on the fall of Richmond, the dwell
ling place of arch traitors, and the nursery OF
that bantling secession, which was born IN
Charleston. The band Of the 18th Regulars,
under the leadership of Poppenburg, began to
play some of their martial and patriotic pieces
In front of the building, aud soon the streets
were thronged with crowds anxious to add
their voices to swell the anthem of praise
that rose in every loyal heart to Him who
rules all armies. We have never witnessed
greater enthusiasm on any occasion. than was
manifested through yesterday and last even
ing. There seemed to be but one thought. and
that absorbed all minds, Richmond has fallen
and Grants army victorious" was on every
tongue, and all ages and both sexes, greeted
each other with smiling faces and overlooking
hearts. s 2
The news had thrilled every heart with joy
and gladness, and all differences OF opinion
and party seemed to be forgotten in the gen.
eral jubilee. We don't know but the Star
Spaugled Banner was run out from the win
dow of the Argus office, and we dreamed that
"Dion" could never again find any room in
the Advertiser for his disloyal communica-
cations, and that the Spiritual Organ" had
lost its vocation, and began to bestow some
thoughts on terrestrial affairs, but this might
have been "all a dream" One thing is GER
tain, however, the whole city was alive and
full of rejoicing. That the rebellion has re-
ceived its last blow, and has found the 'last
ditch" seemed to be the almost universal
impression, and the boys in the streets could
not restrain their young hearts from rejoicing
over the glorious news. 1t was day long to
be remembered.
But to the nesting. Soon the spacious hall
was filed with "sea of upturned faces" and
ali hearts beat in unison. The meeting was
called to order by our Mayor, who proposed
Senator Fessenden for Chairman. The an
nouncement of his name was received with
great and enthusiastic applause. On as ,um-
Ing the position as chairman, Mr.. Fessenden
addressed the great congregation in his usual
style. His remarks were characterized by
sound common sense, great clearness, sharp
points and true eloquence. He was received
with much enthusiasm, and his speech often
interrupted by rounds of applause. He car
ried his audience with him, and all felt fresh
impulses of true patriotism. The hall was so
densely crowded and all the passage ways, that
1t was impossible for us to hear distinctly
enough to give even synopsis of his argu-
ment. 1t was speech full of the right spirit
for the occasion. He was brief and to the
point, f84ta
Rev. Mr.. Allen of Chestnut street Church..
then made fervent prayer, which was listen
ed to with profound attention. DR.. Bosworth
was called upon and spoke eloquentIy, and his
remarks had the ring of the true metal, and
found ready and earnest response in every
heart BE was followed by DR.. Carruthers.
who made one of his off-hand impressive
speeches, which was received with much en-
thusasm, Gov. Washburn followed with one
of his rousing patriotic speeches, which never
fail to bring down the house.
He then alluded to the Ladies' Sanitary
Committee, and read over the names of several
gentlemen who had subscribed literally in aid
of this society. Gov. Washburn then called
out Hon. Samuel E. Spring, who is always on
hand when this Commission comes up for
donations. He spoke in his usually playful
good humored style, and touched those chords
ofthe heart which generally vibrate to the
purse strings and unloose them. From the
way the hats went round, we Judge very
generous contribution was taken up. In ad-
dition to this, liberal sums were subscribed.
The amount subscribed previous to the meet
lag was about $1,000. The amount of sub
scriptions aud contribution at the meeting
was over $500. This latter sum is to be
equally divided between the Ladies' Sanitary
Committee, the Christian Commission and the |
Maine Camp Hospital Association.
The exercises of the evening were occasion
ally enlivened by music from Shaw's Quartette.
and the band of the 18th Regulars, which ad-
ded much TO the interest of the meeting. Old
Hundred was also sung by the congregation.
Its familiar and powerful tones made deep
impression upon the audience, and all felt that
the nation could now sing that good old tune
with the spirit, and with the understanding
also Seldom has our spacious hall enclosed
within its walls SO many joyous and grateful
hearts on any occasion. The meeting was the
most enthusiastic one we have ever witnessed
In this hall. There was deep current of
feeling running through every heart, and all
were impressed with the solemnity of the oc-
cason. No wonder the people rejoice and
feel generous and grateful on such an occa-
sion. We trust the day is not far distant when
union and peace will be restored to our coun-
try and all the States hav ono orand ;nh;lea
! that shall gladden. the hearts of all good men
the world over.
The meeting closed with an original song
by Mr.. E. w, Lock: ave are marching on to
Richmond," sung in good style and taste by
tine author-the choir joining in the chorus.