Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1868-10-21
GREAT MASS MEETING.
WatertoWn Alive Tor Once +! !!

Last 1 IIuty CLE people Vi tHis city anu sur
rounding country assembled in great hunters
in accordance with the call issued for general
maS6 meeting. The numbers in attendance and
the enthusiasm manifested showed that the fires
our State which is usually considered to be Of
such desperate and hopeless character. In
the afternoon several hundred Tanners from
Columbus, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Lake
Mills arrived and marched in procession to
Coles Hall, where refreshments were furnished
them by WoodarI Bros, who discharged this
duty 10 Il manner highly creditable TO them
selves ard our city. At half past six he Tar
ncrS formed on Main street and marched, under
the guidance of Mr. A. D Harger, Marshal,
and 1t. Chas. Wood, Officer of the Day, through
the principal streets of tie city until half past
seven O'Clock, when they reassembled at Coles
Hall, where large audience had already col
lected. We arc sorry that our duty as faithful
chroniclers compels US to mention an act which,
for low, contemplate villainy, was never
cqualed before in this city. 1t had been ar
ranged that the speaking in the evening should
BE- in Music Hall, and at an early hour the au-
deIcc began to collect there. 1t was soon
found however, that some sneaki1g, cowardly
cur had strewn the floor with several pounds of
red pepper which would, of course soon rem
der it impossible for either speakers or hearers
to remain in the Hall. Mr.. J. 7. Moak, the
efficient President of the Grant and Colfax
Club, being informed of the State Of affairs,
executed flank movement and transferred the
assembly 10 Coles Hall. The change was ef-
f:cted SO ap'dly and in such good order Il at
by the time the hour for speaking had ARR, ed
all was in readiness at the new quarters
Coles Hall was never more thoroughly well
filled Ibcfore every foot Of available space
was occupied and many were obliged to go
away because they could not obtain entrance.
After national Air by the Band and 3 patri-
otto song by the Glee Club, Hon. James Ross
was introduced and repeatedly brought down
the house by his apt illusions 10 and sharp at
plication of the pepper performance at the other
hall Turning TO the great topics of tie day:
he held the attention of the audience in an ex-
celent speech of about an hours length, in
which he raised lis hearers up to the pitch of
his own intense enthusiasm and convictions
After Mr. Ross had concluded, Nasoy's La
lent style and received the uproacious applause
Of the house.
Hon B. F. Hopkins, next addressed The meet
ing in his happiest manner and with excellent
effect. This vas Nr. Hopkins first appearance
before an audience in this city, and though all
had come very much prepossessed in his favor,
we cab safely say that their expectations were
more than realized. In a rapid but most effec-
tive manner he reviewed the two parties Of the
country-their respective histories merits ard
services also their platforms and candidates
In his keen, clear and forcible manner be fol-
lowed his arguments TO their logical conclusion
and carried conviction TO all his bearers. His
speech was listened to with unfagging atten-
ton and frequent applause. Mr.. Hopkins has
added largely to his list OF friends in this part
of the District, and we believe many will cast
q vote for Ben. Hopkins this Fall who never
rotsd for Republican candidate before.
While the audience was dispensing, Thomas
Moore, Esq, the we'll known Alderman of the
Third Ward, sprang upon the stage and sad
= IF there 5 an Irisman within the sound Of
my voice, I wish him to understand that am
from this time forth and forever Republican"
As may be expected, such an announcement at
such time was received with tremendous
Gutburst of applause. !
The effect of this meeting has been most
salutary upon the Republicans of this vicinity,
and they are thoroughly aroused and determin-
ed to do their whole duty this Fall. The en-
thu5iastic and orderly manner in which tie
were conducted and the gentle
manly department of the Tanners and other
visitors from abroad, even under provocat;on,
produced most favorable impression upon all
parties. The Republicans of this vicinity feel
under great obligations ls the Tanners of Co
lumbus, Lake Mills, Fort Atkinson AMI Jeffer
son, under Captains Misner, Ray, Butler and
Holmes who added so much to the interest of
the occasion, and will remember with the kind
liest feelings their efforts to render our meeting
Il success.