The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-02-05
BY L. B. PROCTOR, OF EVANSVILLE.

1t was the memorable presidential con
test Of 1910 that fully developed the rare
qualities of Martin Grover as political
speaker, that raised him from the position
Of mere cadet in the ranks of the Demo-
cratic party to be one Of the chiefs and
leaders. What an intellect!-swift, keen
and glancing-ready at a moments notice
for action-possessing in a large degree,
that much envied faculty, command of
lane uaye," deeply versed in the learning
of his profession, he had gradually attain
ed high local reputation, and was some.
what extensively known as the ragged
lawyer" who, to use the language COM
monty applied to him, 'beat everything
that came in his way.
In the month of August, 1910, an event
occurred that greatly accelerated the
growth of his reputation. This was the
celebrated discussion with Daniel D. Bar
nard. At the time of which We speak, this
gentleman was visiting his friend Charles
H.Carroll. OF Groveland. Livingston county,
n. Y, Mr.. Barnard was man of scholar
ly habits, one of the leaders of the Wing
party, a pleasing, effective speaker, a
lawyer of high reputation, belonging to the
Albany bar. He was gentleman in
every sense of the word, but his aristocratic
notions and associations removed him so
far from the masses that his influence as a
successful politician was not extensive.
The Wing Central Committee of Living
.ston county, learning that MIR. Barnard
was at Judge CAROLS, waited upon him
with an invitation to address the Wing
electors of the county at Mt. Morris. The
invitation was accepted, and at the ap-
pointed day large gathering of people,
belonging to both political parties, greeted
the distinguished speaker.
At this time the prospects OF the Demo
cratic party had begun to assume a gloomy
appearance, which was deepened by the
unparalleled panic in the commercial world
that cast so dark cloud over the admins
tration of Mr.. VanBuren. Therefore the
Wings, confident Of victory, waged an az
gressive warfare upon their opponents
and their speakers became defant-ofteI
boastful
Stimulated by the general enthusiasm Of
his party, Daniel d. Barnard stood before
the electors of Livingston county at Mt
Morris. Judge Carroll, one of the leader,
of the Wing party, but a citizen generally
esteemed and beloved, presided at the
meeting. On taking the chair he made
short but eloquent address-a happy pre-
lude to the Forthcoming speech which
he concluded as follows: And now, fellow
citizens | am authorized by the distin
guished speaker about to address you, t.
invite any gentleman here that shall take
issue with what he has to ssy, to reply tt
him from this stand. Therefore any Dem
ocrat will have an ample opportunity her,
to defend his party from the attack tina
will undoubtedly be made upon il,
1t was believed by many present tina
neither Barnard nor the leading Wing
thought that there was any person presen
who would dare enter the list against
speaker so eminent, ard that they woul
have the brilliant prestige OF rendering
contest 10 which no Democrat would dar
to engage.
Ordinarily, this would haye been right
but fortunate circumstance gave tn
Democracy an unexpected but powerfr
champion, who cheerful entered the aren
and took up the glove that had been so dc
family yet courteously thrown down.
Martin Grover at this time, happene
to be at Mt Morris on professional bus
ness.
As soon as Judge Carroll announce
Democrats waited on Grover and wit
some difficulty induced him to answer til
Wing orator. Leaving his business he r,
paired to the scene of action, and taking
seat in an obscure corner, listened attel
lively to the speech, making notes as tt
speaker proceeded.
But few persons present had ever see
Mr.. Grover at this time, although mar
had heard of him as sort of political Re
ROy-a chieftain Of the AllegaDy Demo-
racy-a lawyer vino thumped, thrashe
and slashed all who opposed him. with
sort of legal claymore, So uno
served did he glide into his seat, that I
one, except the persons who had invite
him, knew he was present.
Mr.. Barnard's style as a speaker W;
succinct, and animated with the grace an
air Of rank and superiority, governed by
tendency to rest on distinct and massiV
generalities Though able, eloquent ar
attractive, it was vulnerable to the atta6
of keen, logical, and ready opponen
lie charged Mr.. Van Buren, and the Den
ocratlc party with being the author al
cause Of the financial distress and rui
that extended throughout the nation. 4
proved by a well defined argument tn
the success of The Wing party was Il
only means by which the nation could
extricated from it's unfortunate fnanci
situation, and concluded by reciting 6
indictment which he said the people ha
found against Martin VanBuren; upt
which he was to be convicted in the e
suing election. Now" he continued, :
there is any gentleman, lawyer or layma
present, who desires to interpose plt
of not guilty to this indictment let him
it. Let him come forward, and if he ca
let him make the plea successful"
He had hardly taken his seat befo
calls for ''Groverl Groverl" came fro
every part of the audience, in obedience
which that gentleman arose and advance
toward the platform.
The appearance of Martin Grover
this time would have formed a splend
subject for the pencil of that inimitab
painter OF contrasts, Hogarth. Al
painting, representing him as he then a
peared, would excel in value many Or
auctions of tie old masters, but as MOI
exist, pen and ink sketch must suffice.
He was then about thirty years of ag
slightly above the ordinary height; W,
formed, land, las has been said iE another pa
of this work, with a broad expansive for
head, and face on which intellect h;
set its signet seal. But his Dress WI
can do the justice to description of i
AS he walked towards the platform,
appeared like the genius penury itse
de wore frock coat, which, though dus
stained, showed that it had once been
the most aDnrovad copfaderota h,,ttarn