Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-10-30
Edgeconbe County.

EdgecOmDe never does anything nall
way. Her whole souled, noble-hearted
people never undertake to accomplish an
object that they do not enter into the work
with earnestness, with intelligence and
with liberality. We knew, when we saw
there was to be q gathering of the Demo
cratic hosts in Tarboro' on the 9th inst,
that Edgecombe would show her metal,
and we were not disappointed. Saturday
was, indeed, gala day for the Democracy
of that county.
At an early hour Saturday morning,
every avenue of approach to Tarboro' was
crowded with people. The extra trains on
the Railroad were ladened with passengers,
and hundreds and thousands came by every
conceivable conveyance, and many on
foot.
At 10 o'clock the immense procession
was formed under command of Col. 81. A.
DowD, as Chief Marshal, assisted by sever
al aids. The fine band attached to the
Post of Petersburg, furnished most excel
lent music. Between two and three thou
sand persons were in ranks. Noble little
Wilson was represented by hundreds, and
every club in the county of Edgecombe
was in attendance. Innumerable banners
and guidons, bearing patriotic motto IS,
waved from one end of the procession to
the other Several colored clubs, with full
ranks, took part in the exercises.
About Il o'clock the procession halted
on the beautiful square, where an immense
platform had been erected and ample seats
provided for the comfort Of the immense
assemblage. The meeting was called to-
gether by Elk Gov. H. T. CLARK, who brief
ly stated the objects of tho meeting and
congratulated the people upon the pre-
sence of so many eloquent speakers. He
closed by nominating the Hon. GEORGE
HOWARD as President of the meeting,
which was ratified by acclamation and with
cheers. Judge HOWARD delivered most
chaste and eloquent address, and intro
duced to the people that noble standard
bearer of the Democracy, Col. THos. S.
KEENAN,, of Duplin. Col. KEENAN, entertain
ed the vast concourse for nearly an hour,
in speech replete with strong argument
and good sense, upon the more important
questions of the canvass. His address was
received with great favor, and made for
him many friends among his hearers.
Major JOHN HUGHES, of Newbern, Elec-
tor for the Second District, was next intro
duced, and for one hour held the people
enchanted by one of the most forcible
and entertaining speeches we have ever
listened to. Colonel HUGHES is doing yeo-
mans service in the District With Col
onel KEENAN,, he has canvassed the entire
District, and regardless of the result, both
of the gentlmen have placed the good citi-
zens of the counties embraced within the
District under never-to- be forgotten obi
cations.
Captain ]. j. DAVIS, OF Franklin, one of
the Electors at large, was next introduced,
and spoke for one hour and half. ltwas
one of the finest efforts we have heard.
Captain Davis is an effective and practical
speaker, showing up his adversaries' weak
points SO clearly that he who runs may
read He has made fine impression
wherever he has gone during the campaign,
and his canvass has proved the wisdom of
the Convention in the selection.
Dinner was then announced, and we are
candid to confess that we have never seen
such an abundant preparation-the tables,
arranged in hollow squares. and which, if
stretched out, would have been more than
a quarter of mile in length, literally
groaned under the choicest viands. Fully
three thousand persons dined and still
there was an abundance to spare. Through
out the dinner, as well as during the meet
ing, the finest order prevailed, and the en-
tire management reflected great credit
upon the different officers in charge.
Immediately after the dinner, Hon. JOSIAH
TURNER occupied the stand, and for two
hours and half spoke only as JOE TURNER
can speak. If there was scalawag or car
pet-bagger in the crowd we pitied him.
He reviewed the course of the more promi-
nent Radicals, and made known the price
by which they were purchased. He GER