The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-09-16
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1s, 1868.
Philadelphia Demonstrates.

Philadelphia Demonstrated.
Our streets, last evening, presented rare and
attractive sight. The great demonstration
which had the corner of Broad and Chestnut
streets for its central point or pivot was the
most imposing in proportions, the most earnest
in spirit, the most enthusiastic in all respects
of any which have been Witnessed in Philadel-
phia for years past. The only rival it has had
of late was the grand welcoming which was
rendered the Southern Log alists in September,
1866. Through all the principal streets, until
the small hours of the night, the various Clubs
were marching and countermarching, while
Broad street was vast sea of flaming torches
and upturned faces. Not less than fifty thou
sand people participated in the affair."
which from first to last was conducted in the
most orderly and agreeable manner. Among
the speakers at the four different stands were
numbered some of the ablest orators in the
country, and at their hands the lofty themes
of the occasion were done full justice. The
great event of the evening was the speech OF
General Sickles, the hero of Gettysburg, who,
unlike Rosecrans and Hancock, speaks as he
fought, and is not seen consorting with the
men whose hands are still red with the life
blood of the nation. 1t was a mastery and
impartial review Of the situation in all its
aspects, and cannot but exercise an important
Office in bringing the people of this city to a
realization of their duty to themselves and to
the country.
Last year the Republicans permitted the
opposition to carry Philadelphia by default,
and the fate-of the State was decided by the
dereliction of the party in this city. At the
coming election we are fairly justified in hop
ing for better result. A clear majority of
our voting population are unquestionably in
sympathy with the cause of the Union and
impartial justice, and it only remains for them
to speak their mind in October to insure the
redemption Of the city. Against the ticket
which has been placed before the people not a
word Of objection can be raised; in every re-
speot 1t is superior to that presented by the
Democracy. There are no petty local
jealousies, no small side issues, to divert the
votes of the party into other channels. The
grand question which has 80 effectually y
aroused the entire Republic, to which Ver-
mont and Maine have responded in such en-
phatio tones, is practically the issue before us,
and it should be met in large and liberal
spirit, in spirit that will not consent to fur
ther dallianoe with rebellion, that will not
entertain the thought of compromise with
treason at the South or North. II the people
of Philadelphia are thoroughly aroused to the
momentous proportions of the struggle, if
they are thoroughly imbued with sense OF
the vitality of the pending issue, victory in
October is assured; and victory in October
will save the nation in November beyond all
shadow of q doubt.
The great demonstration of last evening,
therefore, assumes an Importance which would
otherwise be wanting. 1t was test of the
temper of the people, and in this view III can
be contemplated in the most encouraging light.
When there is such commotiOn on the surface
as was seen last night, there must be grand
upheaval below the surface. Such great
cloud of smoke could proceed only from great
confagration. We regard the scene which our
streets presented as sure and unmistakable
index of the sentiments of the people, as an
indication that they are awake and alive, and
determined to do their full duty, to oversha-
dow Maine and fairly to rival Vermont. Let
us then to work, for by work alone can vic
tory be made to perch upon our banners.