Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1868-10-09

.)olsr DIscussloS-We attended the
Political Discussion, ut Mount Vernon,
Iowa, on the 9th inst, between the
Hon. VIM Smyth, Republican candi-
dalc for Congress, in the I'd District;
and the Hon. VIM f. Leilingwell,
Democratic candidate for the same
honors.
Preparatory to this occasion the De
mocracy Of Linn rallied their forces in
tie adjoining counties, and marched
them in procession through the princi-
pal street of the place, to the grounds
prepared for the meeting in College
Grove. The procession consisted of
IIorscmcn, 56; Teams, Il; Persons in
procession, 3.2..2. and carrying banners
with various and silly notices. We
suppose it is fair to presume that they
had the major part Of their force III
the procession, but we will give them
300 more, making 500 Democrats, in
Guiding their little ones and women.
True to their instincts some who were
in the procession after it had passed,
while walking on the sidewalk, cheer
ed for jeff. Davis, they were, howev
ey, peremptorily made to play quits :
One of these fellows was afterwards
seen carrying a banner inscribed, III
you want things done on the square
vote for Lciiiugwell, Seymour and
Blair
The Republicans of gallant Frank
lin knew nothing of the efforts beng
made by the Democracy to rally their
forces unit oh Saturday, and the dis
cussion came off on Monday follow
ing, hence they had no time to drum
up" crowd, not even handbill had
been sent out; but the Republicans Of
that township are always where duty
calls them, who always "till their quo
ta,' came by the hundreds, and out
numbered their opponents three to
one. The Mount Vernon Silver Band
were employed by the Republicans,
and the Marion Brass Band by the
Democracy.
The discussion was opened by Col.
Smyth in speech OF one hour. He
confined his remarks to the Recon
struction acts of Congress, demonstra-
ting the constitutionality of the same by
irrefutable arguments. lie concluded
his speech in the most touching and
pathetic appeal that we ever heard
uttered by any man. His powerful
arguments and searching logic-rivcted
conviction to all unbiased minds, even
his opponent could not resist their pow
err, but yielded to their demands.
Judge Leffingwell followed III a
speech of an hour and half lie is a
fine speaker, he claimed to be anti slay-
cry in sentiment, opposed to secession,
loved the American Union and the
Stars and Stripes, would not interfere
with negro suffrage in those States
recognized by Congress, endorsed the
18th and 18th Constitutional Amend
ments, they We're now part of that
constitution which was right, he would
NOT vote to hinge it though cleo cd 10
Congress-, the arguments of his distin-
gulshed opponent were correct, lie
then passed to the financial question,
favored paying the bonds as the
contract specified, certain of the bonds
were payable in coin, it was not thus
specified that the 5,20s were to be
paid save interest, hence he would can
eel them with Legal Tender Notes.
Col. Smyth then closed the discus
sion in speech Of half an hour lie
congratulated the Republicans on the
very recent and distinguished acces-
sion to their ranks of His Honor, the
Democratic candidate for Congress in