Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-08-19
rue AIKEN MASS MEETING.

WADE HAMPTON, Judge ALDRIcH, don. u
W. HILk1ARD, Gen. NJ. C. BUTLER and Col.
LEROY F. YouMANs delivered eloquent and
thrilling speeches, all of which were rocife-
rously received by the large and intellisent
audience. We regret that our space epreeludes
our publishing the remarks Of each of the
above mentioned honored gentlemen. Below
however weappend the speeches of HAMPTON,
BUTLER and YouMANs, and to their able and
mastery efforts in behalf of the success of
the Democratic party-tbe only and last hope
for the redemption of this country-weinvite
the careful attention of our readers.
Tile ceremonies were opened with prayer
by the Rev. Mr.. CORNISH, after which the
Hon. Mr.. FINLEY came forward and spoke a,
follows:
Fello,o Citizens I'm this eventful crisis of
our country's history, tits cheering to know
that in every part of our State, and in every
quarter of the Union, there is heard the
tramp Of the phalanx of brave men, who ale
buckling on their armor in the cause of con-
s,itational liberty, and who are making ready
to take an active part in tn contest now
pending. reverence the names of Pierce,
Brooks. Hancock, Ysllahdigham, Hill and
Gordon, whose names will stand as landmarks
upon the hills of fame. God forbid that any
of us should pluck leaf from the laurels
which crown their brow, or take away. the
glory which belongs to them. am proud
that South Carolina claims her place in the
picture; that our virtuous mother, the old
Palmetto State, stricken and impoverished as
she is, can still point TO some Of her gallant
sons in this galaxy of patriots. Of those
who are resolved, come what may, survive or
perish 10 share her fortunes, priptus inter pa
res-frst amorg his equals, is one Of whom
we, as citizens Of South Carolina, without any
disparagement Of Others, but confning our
selves to our own family circle, may now say,
as our fathers did Of Washington, he is First
in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts,
of his countrymcn.' 1t is he who is now to
address us on the questions of the day. Allow
me TO introduce to you one whom all South
Carolinians delight to honor-Gcn. Wade
Hampton. [Cheers.
General Hampton tben-came forward and
was received with loud and long continued
cheering. He spoke as follows:
REMARKS OF GEN. HAMPTON.
Ladies and Gentlemea-If any one thing
can stir my heart more profoundly than
another, it is the reception which ! have met
with here and over the whole State. When,
after the bitter storm through which we have
passed, come back 10 my own native land,
and see again the men who stood shoulder to
shoulder With me in the fight, and extending
to me welcome while they tell me that they
believe that have striven to do my duty,
feel deeply grateful, as does the tempest mari
ner who, having escaped shipwreck. enters at
last The haven of safety. The endeaypr to
10 my duty was the motive that carried me
Trough the years of strife that have passed.
/ believed when the State called her sons to
war it was the duty of every citizen to re-
spond, and I answered promptly to the call.
So, likewise, when the State gave the order
to sheathe -theswori, obeyed the command.
| am now fighting for her cause and her in
terests in peace, as fought tor them in war;
and, fellow citizens, in my opinion, grave MS
was the struggle in which we were then en-
gaged, and terrific as have been the conae
ouences to us in many places, the interests
involved in the contest in which we are now
engaged are even more momentous. be-
iieve that upon the sIcceSs of the cause de-
ponds the life or death Of the constitution,
and that if we are successful we can re- estGb-
lish tho government of the constitution and
Union. But if We fail, if the Democratic
party fails, then, in my opinion, we shall see
the great republic of Washington go down
into that grave which has closed overso many
of its predecessors. beiievs that 1T is the
duty of every man to strike again ior his altar,
fireside and country
You have all doubtless heard of the Con-
vention which recently assembled IN New
Yerk. When:t the South was invited to take
part in its deliberations, / =:ade up my mind
that every Southern State ought TO be repre-
sented, feeling that we ought to meet the
Democracy of the North face to face, to talk
with them, and show that we were earnest
and sincere in our proteStations. l am glad
to say that my expectations, were more than
fulfilled. We were met on ell sides and by
all classes with the most cordial kindness and
most generous consideration. They aD'wel-
coined us back, encouraged US with the high
est hopes, and assured US that they would
stand by US, and that they intended to secure
the victory. Not only were we so met by
he delegates in Che Democratic Convention,
but also by the members of another Conven-
tion who, If any distinction CAP be made
where every welcome was so warm, met as
even more cordially than the others. This
Convention was composed of men who had
iousht us for four years, and had met us on
more than oac hundred bloody fields. They
anne to us not as enemies, but as friends;
md extending to US the hand Of friendship,
bev said; "You were fighting for your
States as we were fighting for our States.
You believed. that you were right as we be-
I iIieyed that we we're right. We fought only
for the Union and Constitution, and poy, be-
Iieying that our ends are gained, we wish
once more, standing by the 'altars OF our
country and around our country's hag. to
light in the.caus of the constitution, liberty
md free government" They extended to US
the right hand of fellowship; aud /, who
Welded to none in my devotion to the LOST
Cause-I who believed that our cause was
right-eccepted for myself and my people
that right hand of fellowship 10 the same
,pi!it in which it was offered Cheerss.l l
old them that we were speaking with no
louble tongue-that when we said >war we
meant war, aud when wesaid peace We meant
oracc Loud cbeersi
This was the way in which we were met in
New York: and when all difficulties were
Kindly smoothed away, We had but to consult
ogether and determine upon the principles
and platform on which We all might stand
aud work together with unity Of purpose and
ceiling. As, you probably know lone delegate
from each State was appointed to form ..eom;
ffn;ftea- for nteparing the. platform. w hen