Daily national Republican. (Washington City [D.C.]) 1870-1872, 1870-03-11
Halsr MoFsS's lIeetiag - UsiOn
LanEna Hall.

@ANNN AAIANNA ANNNNAM - gANNAl
League Hail.
A displayed advertisement In several Of
the daily papers within the past few days,
announced that on the night OF Thursday,
March 10, Major VIM. 8. Morse would, at
Union League Hall, address such an au-
dlenco a. might gather on matters and things
In general, and the proposed change OF gov
eminent Of the District In particular.
Not only were the newspapers used a. an
advertising medium TO draw together an au-
dlence, but each corporation ward commits.
sloner received hints At the City Hall that
would be necessary for them 10 send de-
tails OF the men under their charge 10 be
present 70 aid in swelling this 'bpontaneous
This action was rendered necessary, as Il
had been announced that the Majors con-
temporary John o'Donoyan, would At the
time named and In the hall above address
bis fellow-eitiEens on ',Men and ThIuRn.D
But the Majors natural shrevdness enabled
MIN 70 steal march" on John, and Il was
done In this ways "NoW," says the Major,
IN euehre O'Donoyan by making my
speech after the meeting OF the soidIeri'
and sailors' Union" which Organization
has an arrangement for the use oftho lower
hall 10 the Union League building every
Thursday night. As John had engaged the
upper hall, this "llttle trick" enabled him
70 catch not only his own but (for shame,
haJor) Johns audience too.
AZ 7ilo O'Clock our reporter arrived al the
hall, and preliminary examination showed
everything quiet. The halls on the second
and third floors were lighted, but no audience
had yet put In an appearance. AZ 7,25 two
gentlemen arrived, then two reporters. Al
1877 Major morse made his eniryi walked
up the room, took q survey Of the room,
then came back to the door, whore he was
Joined By an ancient philosopher, Mr.. J. II.
Merrill, who seemed anxious TO open up
discussion on the great finance questions Of
Tho Major did not ssem Incllued 10 con.
verse, and turned the "man OF finance" over
70 Two "kniRhts Of the pencil" who were
standing by. He then left the room, his
purpose no doubt being 10 send up the or
chestra specially engaged for the occasIon.
This corps OF eminent musicians had been
brought FROM Italy for this occasion only,
but AZ business had been dull (payinR not
being allowed during the winter season. the
Mayor had been obliged to send them forth
70 turn an "honest penny" and our people
may have noticed the troupe at hotel and
restaurant entrances. -
Il consisted Of one half grown boy with
dilapldated harp and q small boy with a
three-etringed nddle. About twenty persons
had collected and tho advent OF the orchestry
vas greeted with loud applause. Amer
preliminary "tuning up" the programme Of
the evening was entered upon. This was as
follows' "shoo Fly" by Master Screechina,
with harp accompaniment; song aud dance
BY Master screechlno; collection BY Master
Serccchlno, (Thlnklng the major had "ruu
out OF ehipa," the reporters and others
a y IN aiding the orchestra tc the tune
During the collection slgnor Thumbluo
played harp solo In an artistic manner,
The collection over, "Dlxie's Landb was
played BY the full orchestra. The
s mt al was concluded (by request)
Al this luncture Mr.. Fitzslmmons, the
secretary Of the Boldlers' and Sallors' Union,
approached and ordered the orchestra on
Lhey retired In eood order, playing son
strains Of sweet melody.
MAJOR Morse now reappearsd, and at his
W. suggestion the crowd moved 10 the
upRr part Of the hall. =
Then the Major commenced 10 6buK -
He 10 rood "buEEer," and the manner in
which he Interviewed" Mr.. B. d. Peck, Mr..
a. Green and others, does him credit. To
,pout ten minutes he had engineered"
,ningl 70 his saiisfactlon, and at his nod, Mr..
M Frank Kelly took the chair and reorssted
the Soldiers and Sailors Union 10 come 10
order. ~,
Routine buslneSS was gone through with,
and then q motion was adopted to adjourn.
Major Morse, who was seated In the upper
end OF the hall, again nodded his head, and
up Jumped Mr.. Joseph MAttinRly, who
moved that Mr.. b. d. Peck take The chair,
This was adopted, and the venerable topog-
Rpher OF the water board rose deliberately, |
walked 70 the chair equally deliberately, |
'sned" his overcoat, arranged his spectacles |
and began his speech.
Til. speech Of Mr.. Peck's was a series Of |
objections TO the passage Of bill for a |
change Of government. He defended The
corporation authorities against the charges |
made because they object 10 the bill. They |
had right 10 do this. Everybody who |
wanted TO had right 10 object 10 the bill. |
Onices Here created for the public inter. |
..ts, and ID was not dlShonorab!e to hold |
Mr.. Peck continued at some length, until |
dnally Major Morse began 10 rlggle about |
IN his seat as though the topogrspher was |
stealing his thunder, which the latter mo- |
icing, brought his remarks to close by In |
reducing the performer OF the evening,
The Major rose quickly, walked brIskly |
% the presldentS table, took from his pocket |
roll OF paper, coolly took of the brown |
paper covering around his manuscript, |
truck an attitude, and began his speech, a. |
ollows;
Fellow oitiIensi The object Of this meeting
perhaps did not warrant the absence from DO. |
nestle and other duties Of such an immense |
IlsemblaEe OF eitiHens a. now oils every seat |
nd standing place Of this large and eommo. |
lious hall LThis is cool, and the Major |