Nebraska advertiser., 1877-11-01
Independent Meeting at Peru.

PERU, Oct. 81, 1877.
Editor Nebraska Advertiser.
Your special long hand reporter was
present at the Independent meeting
last week in professional capacity and
while submitting to a great deal of
abuse from the scoundrel who pulls
the ring which is in the Independnt
nose, he was able to jot down the sub
stance of the speeches made by the
distinguished (?) party of men who
shave never been politicians" I" "nev-
er sought Offices" never been in any
position Of public confidence" etc.,
etc.
Thos. Hutchison was made chair
man Of the meeting, and r. B. Smith,
In answer to a call said, as near as can
be quoted from notes rapidly taken.
Il think it unnecessary for me to
attempt to expatiate upon the pre-
ponderant idea of my gigantic mind.
You, Friends, Romans. CoUntrymen,
Ito quote. from the imperishable ut
terance of the classic Rienga) to whom
/ have 90 long lent my ears, need not
to be informed of the integrity of my
principles. AS to my opponent. Mr..
Stull, the man with the red nose, you
know" (here the perspiring orator
laid firm hold of his own proboscis
in a suggestive manner), II have
nothing to say. There are others here
whom we keep along with us to say
pieces, and they will soon be heard.
Thanking you for your kind atten-
tion, leave the floor for abler and
better speakers"
Then stood forth Pegasus like, in all
the glory of frosted poppy, the
renowned but taciturn, Capt. J. J.
Mercer.
II stand before you this evening.in
the capacity of candidate for sheriff.
am the nominee of the Sheridan
convention. Was the only man in
the county nota politician who would
accept the office. did not seek 1t.
1t went begging, as I have just re-
marked, and was afraid we should
not get good weld on the thing if
did not run, so after the most earnest
solicitation of the people of Nemaha
county, contrary to my own desires
and purposes accepted the, nomina-
ton. / do not think 1 ever made
much of a speech, but l don't con-
slider this a political Eofiice. 1 will
perform the duties of the office, and |
am willing so take the reduced salary.
There are parties here prepared to
make speeches. They are able to
show you how the Independent party
has brought about reform. / frankly
con fess am not able. You can vote
for me or for Black. elf 1 ana the bet |
ter man vote for me. Black is gen.
tleman." Then he repeated the first
part of the speech, and closed with :
Il thank you for your attention, and
I now leave the floor for those who
can speak.
Now arose the sturdy form, the
majestic beard, the intelligent brow,
the dirty shirt front. the generally di-
lapidated form of Jim Gilmore's hog
buyer, the ex-preacher, Dick Hawley,
and in deep sepulchral tones he be-
gan his defamation, but breaking
down on the defamation he lit out
on a sermon, taking for his text, ~
am before you as Independent candi-
date for county clerk" Would faith
fully agree to run well his race, and
press greedily forward for the prize of
the high calling which is In w. Z.
Majors possession. In regard to my
opponent, 1 have nothing to say. l
have kept my tongue from speaking
evil and my lips from uttering guile,
,ut as Ii is unwise to lay up treasures
lpon earth, where moth doth corrupt
md thieves break through and steal,
think Mr.. Gilmore has had it long
and what will it profit man
( he be treasurer ell his life and lose
his own soul. Therefore / think 1t
veil that be should throw aside every
weight and the sin which doth SO
asily beset him, and let me feed be-
ide the still waters and restore my
oul. l will sever my connection
With all other business and present
ny body living sacrifice. will no
more feed swine nor shall then fill
ny capacious belly with the husks
which 1 have hitherto eaten. thank
ou for your kind attention and will
Iow leave the floor for those who
ave come here prepared to speak"
E. Hubbard next cut loose, and
aid:
81 stand before you as candidate for
'ounty Treasurer. / came to get ac-
uainted. believe the people do not
emsnd a man able to make a speech.
they do, they missed 1t In nomI-
atiDg me. don't know much, but ,
ave good common sense, and can !
Don learn to keep the books of the
'reasurer's Office. / have always !
Torked on farm, and am not a bril-.
ant man. Gilmore is a good sized ,
ian aspiring for the same position. :
les gentleman, too. 1 have moth c
1g against him, but l want his office. !
,et him step aside. I want a share :
( the profits if there are any. But it +
growing late and as there are others
ere who came to speak, leave the {
oor.' :
Il Ill :