The Portland daily press., 1866-09-06
sGlorious HoI1v.

There was tremendous gathering last eve
ming at Deering Hall, of the true Union Re
publicans. Before the hour of meeting, the
hall was filled to overhowing, and many were
unable to obtain entrance 1t needed not the
splendid music of the Portland Band to draw
out the people on this occasion. They came
of their own accord to listen to the eloquent
men who were to address them. On the stage
was large number of ladies' a3
The meeting was called to order by N A.
Foster, Esq, on whose motion Thomas E.
TN itchell was called upon to preside. On as
suning the duties Mr.. Twitchell made a few
remarks in which he stated that the Collector
ship of this port had been offered to promi-
nent Republican merchant, provided he would
use his influence and that of the Office for "my
policy, and was given until Tuesday, to de-
eide: but he had Indignantly spurned the
bribe. The chairman then introduced to the
audience our distinguished Senator, Hon.
William Pitt Fessenden.
On stepping forward, Mr.. Fessenden was
greeted with the most enthusiastic applause,
which lasted some minutes. Mr.. Fessenden
said he was not insensible to this manifesta-
ton, and he took it for granted that his course
in the Senate met their approval, and that
their feelings were with him, rather than with
the President
Significant applause greeted this remark.
MIR. Fessenden then addressed the audience
In his usual earnest manner, sketching the
progress of events for the past five years, the
result of the war, the demands of the rebels,
and the detection of the President from the
principles upon which he had been nominated
and elected. As to the action of the Presi-
dent, Mr.. f. said he should speak of it, but not
in such terms as the President employed in
his remarks upon Congress He, (Mr. F.)
would treat the Chief Magistrate respectfully,
though he has been most disrespectful towards
Congress. I must defend that body, said Mr..
F. am Senator from Maine, and in that
respect am as good man as the President.
Tremendous applausel.
Mr.. Fessenden then reviewed the proceed
ings of Congress and defended its action
He secuted the doctrine that there was no
Congress without every State being represent
ted, and went on to show that if such doctrine
was correct we had had no Congress for five
years. But the President has recognized that
We are the Congress, Notwithstanding his inu-
endoes and assertions. Mr. F. then proceeded
to show what Congress had done. He review
ed the Constitutional amendment and defend
ed the doings of the committee of fifteen,
which is so great a bugbear to the copperheads
as well as to the President He stated the diff
ficulties which that committee had met with,
in the prosecution of, the work entrusted to
them by Congress- and claimed for the men,
bers honesty Of purpose and desire for the
pest good of the whole country in their delib-
erations and doings. l ea
In conclusion Mr.. Fesscnden said, my friends,
have been talking an hour and three-quar-
ters, and haven't said half / have confidence
in the people; believe all these things will
come out right; but expect you to work.
Every man owes day, ay, many days if need
be to his country. If you have influence use it;
II you believe Congress is right vote it; it you
believe the President is wrong, vote it. know
you are anxious to hear from my friend who is
waiting. will consume no more Of his time
and yours. 2h
Alr, Fessenden's speech was one of the most
effective ever heard in Portland. Our report
gives only faint outline of its course without
attempting to reproduce its vigorous statement
and lnyincible logic. The large audience hung
upon the words of the nations foremost states
man. In the light of his clear intellect, the
question of the hour was presented ON its SIM
pie merits, divested Of every touch of sophis-