Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-09-02

Monster Mass Meeting In the Court
House ON last Saturday Evening.
Hon. A. @. Curtin's Mastery Re-
ply to Woodford.
SPEECHES BY A. HOY, II. g. HiPPLE
AND WIN. T.. PUREY.

county Democrats In this campaign, II was
efectually dissipated by the two grand
meetings of last week. The denomination
on Tuesday evening, August "A, was sc-
knowledged by all to have been one OF the
grandest political displays ever witnessed
In this section OF the State. IL was not
necessary for Democrats TO soar into the
realms Of fancy in speaking of their meet
ing. The cold, hard, incorporating
facts were enough to fully justify their
most extravagant ebullitions of praise in
alluding to 1t. To render that demoDstra-
tion the magnificent success ii was, took
much time and labor. Therein lies the
difference between IL and the meeting in
the Court House on the Saturday evening
following Without any effort and with
no intention of making il more than a
town meeting, the simple announcement
that ex-Gov. Curtin would reply on that
evening 10 District Attorney Woodfords
Bellefonte speeches had the effect of bring
ing TO the Court House an immense crowd,
from all parts of the county that filled It's
vast spaces 10 su6ocation in fifteen minutes
after the doors opened Even standing
room was out Of the question and hur-
dreds were turned away unable 10 even
get near the doors. The aisles, windows
and auditorium were one vast sea of seeihing
humanity. The Hancock Legion in their
handsome uniform and with brilliant
torches made a short street parade and
then repaired to the Court room, when the
meeting was called 70 order by Chairman
Spangler. who named Adam Hoy, Es4, as
chairman. Mr.. Hoy upon assuming his
duties made a short, ringing speech
which wss loudly applauded. lie made
some telling points on the local Repub-
lican leaders and ridiculed their osienia-
tious and pharisaical claim Of political
morality. During his remarks Gov. Cur
tin entered the room when the scenes of
the previous Tuesday evening were repeat
ed with even greater vehemence than before.
Cheer upon cheer rent the air, the vast
crowd rising TO their feet and giving way
10 the widest enthusiasm. There would
be lull and then the cheers would break
forth again and again until from sheer
exhaustion they were compelled 10 silence.
Mr.. Hoy concluded his speech and intro
duced T. c. Hipple, Esq, OF the Clinton
county bar, who made a witty and elo-
quent speech which held the close attention
of the audience for three-quarters of an
hour. lie was frequently interrupted by
applause and his remarks were received
with the livelicst evidences of satisfaction.
As he took his seat the imposing form and
noble head OF Gov. Curtin were visible
just in front Of the clerks desk. This
was the signal for repetition of the wild
enthusiasm which had greeted him on bis
entrance. The Governor was in splendid
lighting trim and he proceeded 10 make
what is universally pronounced one of the
greatest speeches he has ever delivered.
Old men who recollect him in the zenith of
his powers say he has made no such effort
for twenty years. lie took up Governor
Woodford's bloody shirt harrangue and
disseeted Il piecemcal When he had most
effectually disposed of the question Of
solid South, speaking Of the marvellous
growth and exceptional prosperity which
had come to that section as evidenced by
the lately taken census, he addressed him.
self to that particular portion Of Wood
ford's speech relating 10 the attitude Of The
Democratic party to the soldiers of the
Union. This was the eliminating point of
his speech. When he spoke Of the two
hundred and seveniy-ave thousand men
into whose hands he himself had placed
the national colors, as they went forth to
win imperishable Teaown upon historic
battle-helds, there occurred such a scene
Is was never before witnessed in that
Court room. II simply beggared descrip.
tion. He next proceeded 70 an elaborate
discussion of the tariff question, clearly
demonstrating the position of Gen. Gar
field, and fully and explicitly explaining
the full scope and meaning of the whole
question. He proved from Garaeld's
speeches and votes in Congress that he
was not In sympathy with the friends Of
American protection, and said when he
wanted 10 end champion Of Pennsyl-
vAnia's industries he would not look for
aim under the mantle Of Joshua II. Gid.
dings. This portion Of his remarks excited
unusual interest from the fact that Gov.
Curtin is himself largely interested In
Centre county's important iron indussrIe.
The Governor spoke Cor about an hour
and half with all the IRE and vIror
Of bis earlier deys, =ad bis speeoh vii,
navar ha fdrroff<z. h.. a.