Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1872-06-12

stage front. were all tastefully decorated.
Hanging baskets of flowers of large pro-
portions were suspended from every point.
Their fragrance filled the immense room.
The stage itself was one vast bed of flow
ers, rustic arbors, and, by tile aid of seem
cry, it looked like n vast park with streams
of crystal water, groups of trees moscow
cred rocks and smooth rocks. 1t was con-
coded by every one the most deliberately
and successfully decorated hall ever used
on such an occasion.
THE SECOND SCENE
that impressed me as significant was one
in which the central figure was that old
hero of moral victories, Gerrett Smith of
New York. One of the earliest emancipa-
tionists in the country and one of the pur-
est and most unselfish men in our history.
He is enshrined in the hearts of millions.
In figure he is unusually tall and erect.
His face is as fresh and innocent as n
childs. His eyes are clear and soft and
throw out the kindly light of one whose
heart has been warmed and bleeding for
years for the sufierings and burdens of the
poor and oppressed of all races and
classes. His head is covered with
long gray hair and from his face
flows IA long silken beard of snowy white.
AS his lettering form moved across the
platform and his familiar face was recog-
niZed by the thousands, the vast audience
rose to its feet and the solid walls shook
with the thunders of applause. Then all
was silence, for the old hero's form and
face inspired awe in the heart of every man
and woman in the vast throng. Slowly
but distinctly, earnestly and eloquently did
he adjure his old associates and friends, the
pioneers of Republicanism, to stand firm
still to the good old banner. When, with
deep feeling, he referred to the fact that be-
fore him he saw many faces of that race
for whose freedom and civil rights he had
battled through contumely and bitter OPP
position, now for the first time in our his
tory represented i'm a National Republican
Convention, the deep feeling that pervad-
ed delegates and visitors was unstrung and
eyes and tongues gave expression toit in un-
surpassed demonstrations. His illusions to
Grant whose sword had severedthe shacklcs
of slaves and dispersed armies that threat
ened the nations life, were received
with an enthusiasm that knew no bounds.
Eloquently did he pray for the peace, pros
perity and future of the South, now fairly
launched in its new future and right nobly
did he appeal to the colored race to show
themselves worthy of their new advan-
tages. Then when he took his seat there
came from the body of the delegates col
ored man from Arkansas, William Gray,
to speak for his race and give thanks to
one of their first and truest friends. This
speech was remarkably eloquent and APP
propriate. AS he turned to the venerable
emancipationist and for his race, in words
of deepest feeling, thanked him for his
life work, and as the old man with bowed
head and tears streaming down his
cheeks gave way to his feelings,
there was hardly Il dry eye in the
was loOsed to give expression to the
hearts deep impulses. This scene was so
impressive that IT, will he remembered
while life lasts to every one who beheld 1t.
L note this incident ms showing that the
earnest deep convictions and the moral
force that created the Republican party
and has made it the party of progress and
solid worth, are still enlisted in its work
and determined to carry it through its new
mission.
THE THIRD SCENE
and the browning demonstration of the
fact that the mass of Americans still love
and have confidence in Grant, was that
witnessed when he was renominated. 1t
was the widest demonstration from such
a body of men have ever seen. When the
roll of States was finished and every dele
gate had recorded his vote for the great
soldier, every man in the audience rose to
his feet and with the bands playing, hats,
handkerchiefs and flags waving, the
shouts were simply deafening. Cannon
Numbered in the streets, the thousands
in the broad avenue just outside took
UP ihS Wllull, anu every WucIc
the cry went forth assuring Grant and
victory. Before the shouts were ended,
the band and choir of singers broke
forth, and several popular airs were sung
with wonderful effect. The "Glory Hal
lelujah " chorus Numbered from over four
thousand voices closed the demonstration.
No enthusiasm for Grant? Well, il en-
thusiasm and genuine feeling ever was
manifested, it was in that convention.
TIN, VICE puESTnENf,N
| will not prolong this letter too much
by discussing here the merits of the can
didates or the platform, or of the scenes
attending the nomination of Henry Will
SON From the beginning it was evident he
was the peoples choice. There was no dis
satisfaction with ColfaX, but the strong de-
monstration of the lcOrEiHg men for Will
son demonstrated that his nomination was
dcm9pded by the masses. The names of
ColfuX, Wilson and Maynard were all re-
ceivcd with applause. ColfaX had earnest
friends, and so had Wilson. The nominal
ton of Wilson on the first ballot surprised
some, but not his closest friends. The re-
suit was greeted with demonstrations of
intense satisfaction, and the general Ver-
diet is it was the very strongest that could
have been made. 1t was earnestly pressed
by Pennsylvania, and the worllingmen,
who were represented here by large dele
cations, all agree that the ticket will be
enthusiastically supported by all their or
CARNATIONS.
MAYNARD.
Maynard's name, under other circum-
stance, would have received far greater
suDDOrt His eminent worth his great