New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-10-06
THE OHIO CAMPAIGN.
SENATOR BLAINE'S TRIUMPHAL MARCH.
GREAT ENTHUSIASM AND ENORMOUS AUDIENCES
GREETING THE MAINE LEADER-REPUBLicAN

GREAT ENTHUSIASM AND ENORMOUS AUDIENCES
GREETING THE MAINE LEADER-REPUBLIcAN
ACTIVITY AND CONFIDENCE.
IRON A STAFF CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSEI
CLEVELAND Oct. 1.-Just at present the most
striking feature of the Ohio campaign rs the extra
ordinary popular ovation which is marking Senator
Blaine's tour across the State. That veteran
stnmper, General w II. Gibson, who has taken part
in every canvass since l remember, says he
never saw such remarkable series OF meet
ings as Mr. Blaine has held during the past
week. Evidently no has stirred the masses
IN Ohio for long time like the brilliant leader OF
the Maine Republicans. At BellaIre, where he
made his first speech, there was an enormous de-
monstration at steubenville there was another |;
at New-phladelphia his meeting the largest
ever held in that town; but Canton surpassed them
all. Peopl. who were at the Canton meeting have
not yet recovered from their amazement at the
acres of voters and the miles of procession they
saw there. Mr.. Blaine himself says that in all his
public career, during which he has spoken in moro
than half the States of the Union. he has
addressed only two meetings as large
as that of Tuesday Canton is the home of Mayor
Mckinley, the popular young member of Congress
whe overcame heavy Democratic majority last
year. The county Stark is Democratic. but Nc
Kinley's victory made it fighting ground, and the
Republicans mean to carry it again this year. 1t
was largely settled by people from Washington
County. PENNSYLVANIA, where Blaine was born and
educated, and the audience of - 1000 people were
hundreds who cane to claim remote kinship or boy
hood acquaintance with him. Mr.. Blaines remark
able memory was more than once put to severe
test, but it never failed him. In one case IT was
better than that OF one of the men who came to
jog it, 3
If the Canton meeting was the largest in numbers,
that at Bellare was the most demonstrative. The
people would not leave Mr.. Blaine alone after he
finished speaking. they eager to show their
liking for him. He extrcated himself from the
crowd with good deal of trouble, ard retreated to
his room at the hotel with the intention of chang
ing his shirt. lie only managed TO get his coat and
vest off and his collar unbuttoned. however. when
the door was burst in and the room was Hooded
with men and women determined to shake hands
with him. no matter what damage might be done to
the door-fastenings OF the rules of pollteness.
got glimpse to-day of Mr.. Blaine's meeting at
Elyra the county of the staunch Republican
County of Lorain. 1t reminded me of the meetings
Of the wond erful demonstrative campaign the Ohio
Union men made in 1868 under the lead OF John
Rrourh against Vallandigham and the Copper
heads All the morning big professions headed by
bands came pouring in from the country towns, and
when the meeting began the pubic square was lull
could get within good range OF the
sneakers voice. The number OF old men
in the audience was remarkable. Some who
came TO shake hands with Mr.. Blaine at the hotel
said they had not attended political meetings for
many years, but that IL seemed TO them now rs II
the old fight with the South was to be fought over
again. and they wanted 10 bear their part IN IT,.
Tins is the spirit which anlmafes the whole party.
The feeling in LOran rs undoubtedly 10 more IN
tense than that which prevails all over the western
Reserve at least and when the Reserve Is aroused,
and gets out ITS full Republican vote. the State
always goes right. Mr.. George @: Washburne. the
Editor of The Llra Republican, tells me he mas not
seen man who had bt Oi RepublicanIsm III his
heart who does declare hat he Is ready TO vote and
is eager for election day. THIS Is substantially the
testimony of every Republican have talked with
since came into the state.
IA not easy to overlook the fact that the popu-
larity of Mr.. Blaine possible Presidential can
dIdafe In 1850 has something 10 do with the great
SIZE of the gatherings that greet INN aud the on
thnsasm his tour has called out. All Republic
eau meetings this year are largely attended, bnt
Mr. BlaIne's are phenomenal even IN State where
ing outdoor gatherings tue ordinary features of
exciting political contests. AZ Canton such
motoes. as these were borne IN me proies-
sion Eastern Ohio Is for biane OF Maine. 1t
All fine same for 1850" ~ elcome 10 our next
President "For President in 1880, james g.
Blaine This IN a St"te winch VIII pave candl-
date of its own next year is certainly Significant.
Ii does no;, however mean that ONO VIII not sup
port John sherman in the National Convention.
but It shows that Mr.. Blaine's plpuiariiy Is very
great aud that he is the first choice oi many he
Dulicans 10 ONO.
Mr.. Blrine speaks IN kcnton Tomorrow and then
goes 10 the extreme Southern point OF the State
10 make two speeches IN Ewlngs Congress
Disirct-at Pomeroy and Eonton. After
ward he goes 10 Iowa 10 speak three times.
Then ne viii give his services to the. New
York and Massachusetts cGnvasses until the NOvem-
Der elections. There are few better cimpaigners.
lie talks with everybody, has a marvellous stock of
anecdotes 10 enliyen the conversation, knows the
history OF every community lie into, recoliects
every body he ever saw before, ana without making
the least effort to attract attention is always the
centre of an admirng group Of listeners. lie knows
how To economic his strength and take care OF his
persuasion will induce him to speak twice day.
He sleeps late mornings, eats sparingly, shuts his
door and locks IT when he needs rest, and avoids,
when possible, long journeys between speeches.
linus he manages TO keep his voice fresh and clear.
his temper sunny ana his physical vigor unlmpaired.
His hair is quite gray now, but he Is no older man
in spirit than when he first went to Congress in
1868. e. >.