The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1868-02-24
GREET RATIFICATION MEETING SAT.
URDAY NIGHT.
House Crowded on Short Notice.
Good Speaking, Enthusiasm, and
Splendid Music.

Notwithstanding the notice for the
ratification meeting on Saturday night
was issued only on Saturday morning
and no posters were circulated. at an
early hour Mozart Hall was crowded
to its fullest capacity with enthusias-
tic Union men, who eyinced their
readiness to rally to the standard Of
Grant, Baker. AMI the great Union
cause. 1t was really matter of the
greatest qualification to see so many
who had rallied to the Union cause
before, turn out promptly on such a
short notice. 1t proves that the peo-
pie are still ready to do battle against
the cohorts Of treason at moments
notice.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. J. P. Elliott, who moved that
Mr. Philip Horabrook be called to
the chair, which was unanimously
adopted.
Mr.. Hornbrook, on taking the
stand, thanked his fellow-citizens for
the honor conferred.
On motion, Col J. w. Foster, Of
the JOURNAL, and Capt. Isadore Ess-
linger. of the Union, were made Sec
retaries of. the meeting.
Col Hornbrook then stated that
the object of the meeting was to hear
the report of delegates to the Con-
vention, and to ratify the nomina-
tons made, and endorse the platform
adopted. lie, therefore, called on
Judge A. L. Robinson to come for
ward.
Mr.. Robinson, amidst enthusiastic
applause, took his place on the stage,
and congratulated his fellow citizens
that so large a crowd of people had
assembled at so short notice. He
spoke of the Convention and its ac-
ton. the harmony and determination
of the delegates, and the enthusiasm
that animated them, in strongest
terms of commendation, and said
that it was a happy day for him.
when he saw so many delegates from
all parts of the State, who are still
ready to buckle on the armor and do
battle for the great cause of the
Union.
He sale. that we now had the same
enemy to fight that we had at the be-
ginning of the war, and that the issue
was not whether greenbacks were good
or not, but it was whether loyal men
or traitors should rule this country.
General Grant had led our armies to a
glorious victory over the rebels, aud
he had been chosen to still lead the
loyal people to another glorious vic
tory over the enemies Of liberty and
freedom F
He made happy comparison Of the
rebel government to a pirate crew of
ship, who had mutinied, and seized
and thrown overheard the command
ing officer, subverted the government
of the ship, and then declared that
they were the lawful commanders of
the ship-and continued a searching
review of the plan of reconstruction
proposed by South Carolina and
other rebel States.
He then referred to the President,
and regretted that it had been our
misfortune to have so bold aud bad a
man in a seat of power. He reviewed
in a, clear and forcible style, the acts
Of usurpation on the part Of the
President, and rejoiced that, although
Andy johnson had allied himself
with the rebels 10 elevate them to
offices Of honor aud trust, the great
loyal masses would still stand by the
flag, and that all the territory belong
ing to the United States would yet be
ruled and governed by only loyal men
He also gave a clear and forcible
expose of the Democratic bugbeal
about the financial question, which
was we'll received. 1t is out of the
question to give a full review Of his
speech, but suffice it to say, it was
well received and the speaker enthu,
siastically applauded throughout. Al
the close of his remarks, the Ores
cent City Silver Band struck up and
played with admirable skill an en-.
livening piece of music There is not
another band in the West, perhaps