Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-08-28
Great Political Gathering in Maine.
The Soldiers Grnut and Wilson Weeiins
AT Portland.

PORTLAND, Me-, Aug. 27.-The mass conven-
ton of the Union soldiers of Maine met at city
hall this aiteTnOoni The meeting was large and
enthusiastic. twas called 10 order by Gen. J.
W. Starbird. He ref the call signed by d larEe
number of soldiers, which invites all the Union
soldiers OF Maine, who cherish the great prlnci-
pies for which the war was fought TO a yctori-
Gus end, whovbelieYe that Union soldiers have
larger claims than rebe's, who believe in extend
ing Just and generous hand to a defeated foe,
VINO believe Union soldiers entitled TO the largest
pensions the government is able to pay, and who
DelleVe that the unjusuiable assaults upon the
character of the preldent are but emauatlons Of
bitter partizan hostility.
ten. Selden ConnOr of Augusta, manned
soldier, was chosen president and delivered u
speech OF welcome. On the platform were Gen.
Burnside, Senator Wilson, Gen. Butler, Gen.
John Nj. Harlan of Kentucky. Fred Douglass
and Others. The Portland band was stationed
in the gallery and discOurscd patriotic music. A
long list of vice presidents and other officers
was read and adopted.
Inc president then announced Gen. Burnside
VINO was enthusiastically received He alluded
TO the efficiency of Maine soldiers, and spoke
directly to his comrades leaving political mat
tiers TO others. lie referred to the structures
made on account of his signing a call for the
soldiers aud sailors convention at Pittsburg,
and said that being commander of the Grand
Army OF the Republic did not deprive him of the
right of joining the fortunes OF any political
party he chose. He declared himself in favor Of
Grant and Wilson. His remarks were well re
ceived.
Gen. Butler was next introduced, and spoke
ON the general issues of the day, "discussing the
things that are before us" The crowd had be-
come so great, a special train having arrived
from Bangor, Augusta and other cities that an.
other meeting wa organized in Fluent hall
which was addressed by Gen. Harlan and others
Gen. Butler was followed by Gen John Cald
well OF Maine, after which the meeting adjourned
until evening.
Inc committee on resolutions reported a series
OF resolutions. The first declares that the con.
unued success of the republican party in the
state is the sole security of reform aud prog
resS. The second resolves that the illustriOuS
services of Ulysses S. Grant have commended
him to the hearts aud judgment OF the American
people, and that with him for a leader we can
not IN the future any more than in the past
IAN OF success. The third halls with delight the
nomination of Henry Wilson for the vice prcsi-
dency. The fourth enters an indignant pro-
est against any scheme of reconca.
ton that embraces the remotest intimatOn
OF pensoning rebel soldiers and their heirs
Inc nth declares that when Horace Greeley de-
clarcd he hoped that the time would come when
the soldier who fought with Lee and Johnston
VIII occupy as proud a position in the hearts Of
Inc people as the soldiers who fought with Sher
man, nc forfeited all claim TO the support and
esteem of the great body of men who main
tanned the nations honor. The sixth approves
the objects of the national soldiers and sailors
convention at Pittsburg. The seventh thinks il
the duty Of every republican soldier to give hi,
hearty cooperation TO swell the republican ma
iority.
In the evening an immense audience assem-
Died long before the hour fixed. They were adj
dressed by Senator Wilson, Fred Douglass
Gen Harlan and Ben Butler, AFTER which the
resolutions were adopted, and the convention
adjourned
Another meeting was run in Fluent hall, on
account of want of space in the large hail. and
large and brilliant torchlight procession
marched through the principal streets. Organ
Ized campaign companies were present from
Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston and Auburn, and
many buildings were illuminated