Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1868-10-10
The Union Meeting.

Leger's Hall was crowded, Monday eve
ming last, for the purpose Of listening to tina,
most eloquent champion Of the Republican
party, Hon. Henry Edgerton. A large num-
Der of ladies-for whom seats had been espe-
cially reserved-honored the occasion with
their presence. another bright link in the
chain Of evidence which proves that woman,
with her enlarged sympathies, kind heart and
devotion to truth, is always to be found on
the side of justice and humanity. Long be-
fore nightfall, delegations from the surround
ing towns began to arrive, and when speak
ing commenced our streets were filed with
people. In the evening a fine display Of fire.
works, arranged in the form Of immense let.
ters spelling "Grant and Colfax," were Sc,
of, producing most brilliant effect and ca |.
ing forth hearty cheers from the spectators.
The fireworks were the production of Mr..
D. P. Clark, of our town, and "refected''
much credit upon that gentleman. "Old
Abe" spoke in laundering tones, awakening
multitudinous echoes among the hills and
through the glens. arousing the enthusiasm
of Union men. proclaiming defeat to Copper
heads and traitors, and-shaking the glass
out Of Leger's windows. At 8 o'clock the
immense audience was called to order by
Hon. James Barclay, Chairman of the County
Committee, who nominated the following
gentlemen as officers of the meeting: Presi-
dent, J. G. Severance; Vice Presidents, o..
F. Tibbits, Charles Faville Secretary, Rob-
ert Austin. They were unanimously elect
ed. After some excellent vocal music by
the "Glee Club" the President introduced
Henry Edgerton, who was received with vel.
coming cheers. We shall attempt no descrip-
ton of his speech. It would be worse than
useless. Those who heard it will carry its
impress indelibly stamped upon their mem
ories; those who did not, can form no con-
ception of the wids comprehensiveness, sub
Unity Of thought, beauty of expression, fer
vid eloquence, true sentiment and profound
research which characterized it. 1t was q
solid. searching. unanswerable argument,
put forth in polished language and graceful
sentences, embellished with the choicest fow-
ers of rhetoric. Mr.. Edgerton contrasted the
platforms and candidates of the two parties.
their past history and future policy. present.
ing the Democracy in their true character
to the audience. He reviewed the Reconstruc-
ton Acts at length, exploded the Democratic
theory that the States were never out of the
Union" quoting from International and Con-
stitutional law to prove his propositions, spoke
of the taxation of bonds" the suffrage ques-
tion, and, in fact. went over the entire ground
now at issue before the people. He stripped
the Democratic platform of its glitterins
sophistries and showed that beneath it.
planks the fires Of revolution are still glow
ing. For three hours he held his audience
entranced with his impassioncd eloquence-
the most thrilling, stirring and patriotic ap.
peal to which we ever listened. Upon the
conclusion Of his address, the audience was
entertained with song by the Glee Club,
when, with three rousing cheers for Gran,
and Colfax, and three more for the gifted
speaker. the meeting adjourned. We can
never forget that ws have listened to Henry
Edgerton.