The Portland daily press., 1868-03-16

| Saturday evening Deering Hall was well
| filed with Republicans, anxious for the con-
test which is to come off to-day. The meeting
| was called to order by n. A. Foster, ESQ.,,
chairman of the City Committee, on whose
motion Gen. George F. Shepley was appointed
| chairman.
| Gen. Shepley was greeted with applause as
he came forward. He said we had made an
unsuccessful attempt to elect Mayor. But
Richmond was not taken, neither did Lee sur
render in a day. Like our great and gallant
ehieftain we propose to eight it out on this
line" until victory ensues. tremendous APP
| plause.) He then introduced Hon. Lewis Bar
| ker of Stetson. EG
1t was some moments after Mr. Barker came
| forward before he could obtain hearing, so
| great was the applause bestowed upon this
| gallant standard bearer in the political fight
He alluded to his former connection with the
| Democratic party, separating himself from it
| in 1861 and ranging on the Jameson side, and
from that year acting with the party of free
dom and for the Union.
He alluded to the recent conflict in New
Hamp shire, which brought down thunders of
applause, and then spoke of the approaching
election in this city for Mayor. The vote he
said would tel beyond the limits of the city,
The Democrats have made it their policy to
bring national issues into the conflict and it
would be claimed abroad as victory for John
| son should the Democratic candidate be
| elected
Mr.. Barker then in an able manner reviewed
| the action of the Democratic party since 1861.
| He spoke of the rebel States knocking at the
doors of Congress and demanding admission,
aoithout terms. The Republicans, not seeking
indemnity tor the past, but demanding secu-
rity for the future, declined to admit them
without guarantees. The Democratic party
were willing that they should come in upon
their own terms, without any guarantees and
with the power to thrust another bloody and
cruel war upon the country. This he proved
from the record of Congress, quoting the votes
of the Democrats upon every measure which
had been brought forward fer the peace and
safety of the Union, their votes invariably be-
ing against such measures.
Abiding to the boasts of the Democrats up
on the elections of last year, Mr.. Barker said
they carried New York and Ohio in 1862 but
the next year the Republicans gloriously re-
deemed those States So they claimed New
Hampshire this year, but where is that glori-
Gus State now? (Applause.) We have with
us, said he, the patriots and statesmen of the
war; the women of the country, who would
throw ballotnearer to heaven than man ever
could, had they the right to vote; the "Boys in
Blue" who will always stand up for the flag
and for freedom; and with such host we must
and shall prevail.
Mr.. Barker spoke about an hour and half,
keeping his audience Nth him. 1t was
splendid effort and when he bid them good
night tremendous applause ensued
Gov. Washburn was then called out. He
said he would not make speech. He did not
want to mar the effect OF the glorious and
patriotic remarks of Mr.. Barker by any words
of his own. But there was no doubt of it
that the men who sustained the country dur
ing the war are with US now, and they will
never consent that rebels shall reconstruct the
Union. Although local matters might dis
tract for moment, yet in the great National
contest we shall come out more triumphant
than ever before, for we shall stand shoulder
to shoulder in that great contest. nf
Gov. Washburn, in conclusion, urged the
Republicans to follow on in the straight line
of duty. Stand by the guns, and on Monday
we shall triumphantly elect our candidate
After three cheers for Mr.. Barker three for
Gen. Grant, three for New Hampshire, three
for Gov. Chamberlain and three for Jacob
Mcclellan, the meeting adjourned.