National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-05-16
HURRAH FOR KEARNEY!
What Few Greenbacks Did for the
Greenbackers.
The Way the Adoption of the New Caiifor.
mia Constitution was Celebrated in the
District-Speeches from Congress-
men Murch. Wright, and 9th
crs-All in Favor of Suf-
fragc In the District.
Tho Ninety-Dollar Serenade.

The "ninety-dolar serenade," in celebration
of the adoption of the new constitution in Cali
fornia and in honor of the Greenbackcrs In
Congress, came Off last night. The procession
at one time babe fair to be IL failure, as half
past seven, the hour fixed for an assembly ut
the City Hall, found but two or three colorod
men sitting on the steps in front Of the build
ing. In short time few individuals could
be noticed in the vicinity, aud by eight o'clock
ut least fifty persons were on the ground. At
this time Donch's band put in an appearance,
and, acting under instructions, struck up Il
lively air. The music caused a crowd to assem-
bic, which the managers of the procession
quickly utilized. After several false starts,
about $50 volunteers were marshaled in line,
and at half.past eight o'clock the order to
march" was given.
At CONGRESSMAN MURCH's HOUSE
Headed by Don chs Band the procession lead
off. As 1t passed through the streets constant
accessiOns were made to the ranks, aud when
Mr.. Murcls residence, No. 105 Thirteenth
street northwest, was reached there were about
600 men aud boys in line. \ halt was ordered,
and the assemblage listened to few remarks
~ Mr.. John S. Mills of Philadelphia, after
which Hon. Thomson 5. Murch was intro
duced. He said that the assemblage before
him had met to indorsc the action of the work
ingmen of California In adopting new con-
stitution. His condition forbade any extended
remarks, but he was proud to say that he was
in sympathy with the movement. Alter thank
ing his audience for the honor shown him, lie
retired. The line of march was then resumed,
the objective point being the Metropolitan
Hotel, where the Greenback leaders were wait
ing and eager for a talk.
HON. nENDRICK b. WRIGHT,
of Pennsylvania, was first introduced. He said
he was glad to sec such large gathering to
celebrate one of the most important events in
the history Of this country. 1t was a marvel
to him why California had led off in such
movement. He thought the State so COM
pletely in the power of corporations that free
expression of opinion b. its people WAS i'm
possible. He had not examined the new con-
stituton very carefully, but the results accom-
plished were in direct consonancc with his
opinions. The speaker reviewed the new
document at length, aud stated that the work
ingmcn's success had established some impor-
tant questions in political economy, among
which were eight hours as a dcys work; an ill.,
come tax making it felony for man to pro-
cure public Office by barter or sale; that three
fourths Of IL jury could render verdict; con-
filming railroad corporations to their legiti-
mate business, and preventing them from
becoming land speculatOrs and last but
stop. These, he said, we're only few of the
features Of the new constitution. 1t was the
first time in the history of politics that the
people had banded together, irrespective of
politics, and carried measure. The lesson
taught by this victory was that the time had
come when the people saw that they must re-
fuse to bend the knee and worship the golden
calf and by putting their shoulders together
could carry any if not al the States they
wanted to. He also favored giving every man
in the District of Columbia aud the Territories
Il chance to vote for President and Yice-Presi
dent There was no reason why the people in
this District should be deprived of suffrage. 1t
was but right also that they should have man
in Congress to look out for their interests. The
Territories were allowed this privilege, and
why not the District of Columbia? In con-
GLIDING he said the victory in California was
only an entering wedge for line of dcmarta,
ton between the moneyed power and popular
rights.
HON. JAMES b. WEAVER,
of Iowa, spoke next. He said that at the last
election Maine sent greeting to California
when she elected Il. II. Murch to Congress, and
this great victory which was being celebrated
was the response from the other side of the
continent. All reforms must come from the
people and not the aristocracy. The ma GRITTY
| OF the American people were forced to work
for living, and it was their duty to sec that
llWS looking 10 lHClT Interests were ltSSeu anu
executed. They must make their own leaders
In discussing the question of suffrage in the
| District Mr.. Weaver said it was an anomaly
| anti-Amercan aud anti-Repnblican, that a
| community MS large as this should be deprived
of the elective franchise. In his concluding
| remarks he congratulated the workingmen on
| the victory in California, and predicted that
when the polls were closed and the ballots
| counted after the October elections in tho other
States the result would make politicians trcm
BILE.
HON. NICHOLAS FORD,
| of Missouri, made n short address, in which he
| said that through the exactions of the mOneyec
oligarchy the people had been driven to the las
resort and freed themselves from their Cypress
ors. A great truth was stated when it wa
proposed that the people Of this Distric
| should be given the right of suffrage. III,
pledged himself to do everything in his power
| for the measure.
The last speaker was
| HON. Il. IL. GILLETTE,
| of Iowa, who said, substantially that as this wa
the first victory for the labor ing element he
would not overload those present. for he eX
pectcd to be called upon very frequently il
the future to address assenlblages of working
mon and to chronicle great many such sue
Cesses. lie was ready to rejoice over thi
grand triumph of labor. The people had dis
covered that it lies in their power 10 say VIVA
they wanted and by united action obtain thei
ends, He concluded by saying "God speed til
time when we may sec man occupying TIL
Presidential chair elected by votes of the pre-
ducing elements" The crowd, after givn
three cheers for Kearney," dispersed, au
thus euded the "Greenback screnade."
A Case of In(anticide.