Morning journal and courier., 1880-06-11
The Democratic Central Club.

Empty Bemchess
 The inauguration of the officers of the Democratic Central Club took place at the Atheneum last evening. At 7:3o, the hour ap- pointed for the meeting, there were not 2 dozen persons in the hall A half hour later at least fifty persons had gathered about the entrance to the hall, and when, at 8:15, James T. Mullen went upon the platform there were nearly a hundred standing about the door, who, after repeated invitations by MT. Null len, were finally induced to take seats.
 The vice presidents and secretaries were invited to the platform and dozen respond ed. Mr. Mullen then introduced Judge Levi B. Bradley, president of the club, who pro- ceeded to read an address to the small audi ence in attendance The speaker urged the point that the perpetuation of free institu- tions was dependent upon the success of the Democratic party in the coming presidential election. He arraigned the Republican party, spoke disparagingly of the platform of the Chicago convention and pronounced the nom- nations of the Republican party as the weak est that could have been made. He thought the opportunity for the Democratic party had arrived to restore the doctrines and princi- pies of Jefferson and Jackson, and by mak- ing judicious nominations they would call to their aid many disaffected Republicans. He referred to what he called the disgraceful scenes at Chicago, and urged the union to unite against corruption and fraud. He said in all matters connected with city, town, State and National Governments the office should seek the man and not the man the office. All proposed reforms in the Ma tional Government had been handicapped by corrupt Republican administration, and no reform was proposed by the Chicago conven-
 The President continued his reading to empty benches, and the efforts by one or two in the small audience to create enthusiasm were not sufficient to awaken a stalwart Dem ocrat who sat in one of the front seats and slumbered during Judge Bradley's remarks. His closing words consigned the Republ- can party to imbecility and dastardness in history.
 After Judge Bradley had concluded he urged the vice presidents to come forward and take seat on the platform. He read a long list and about six responded, which made the audience more diminutive than be- fore Then the president called for the ex- ecutive committee and the audience suffered another reduction of four.
 Edward NJ Graves was then introduced and said he judged that from the appearance of this meeting that the Democrats of New Haven were not at all alarmed at the nomina- tions made at Chicago. If they had been they would have been here. He then pro- ceeded to discuss the prospects of the coming Cincinnati convention, and gave as his opin- ion that the nominations of the Democratic party would completely destroy the Republi- can party which he so much abhorred. He then told how much he admired the princi- ples of Thomas Jefferson and took his seat.
 The president then introduced William Parsons, of the Register, who, he said, as a delegate to the Cincinnati convention, was the servant of the Democratic party and they his masters. MT. Parsons proceeded to the plat form and said he recognized the fact that whoever went to the Cincinnati convention was a servant of the party. It was the duty of the delegates to that convention to nomi- nate the best man in the party without re- gard to rings and chques. In his remarks he mentioned the names of Hancock, Tilden Thurman, Seymour and English as possible candidates, and at each name there was more or less cheering, the names of Thurman and English apparently creating the most enthu- siasm. So far as he had conversed with del egates they were imbued with the one idea of selecting the best man in the country to over throw the corrupt power of the Republican party. He said he believed they would select such 8 man, and the masses would push the column on to victory. He said he should, in that convention. sink all personal and private ends, and after consulting with Democrats from all parts of the country would support the man that would unite the party, whether he come from the North or South, East or Vest He believed that whoever was nominated at Gin cinnati, Connecticut would be found true to the nominee and would be enrolled among the Democratic States.
 Charles Bollman was next introduced. He said he felt somewhat timid about saying any thing after the eloquent addresses that had been made by those who had preceded him. He thanked the club for making him secreta- ry, and then proceeded to say that he believed that the winter of discontent in the Demo- cratic party was soon to be made glorious by a union of all their forces. The speaker then referred to what he called the tendency of the Republican party to imperialism, as shown at Chicago. He said it might be, as the Re publican papers claimed, that the best nomi- nations possible had been made, yet the had already pointed out two blemishes on the character of the Republican nominee. In closing he thought, with good nominations at Cincinnati, the Democratic party could not be beaten.
 The president again called on the gentle
 u6u dG Gu0 Ddck part OI GQ6 nau to come forward and take seats, (there were three of them), but they did not respond
 Caleb B. Bowers was next called upon. He declined to go to the platform, but addressed the meeting at considerable length from his place in the audience room. He read a pre- pared address in which he congratulated the club on their suspicious beginning The address was well written and was filled with soundHa Hadvice to the members of the club, and assured them that they, with all other like clubs, would receive the cordial support of the masses oft he Democratic party of New Haven. He thought that all vicious plans to foist men into office who were incompe- tent should be drowned upon, and the Gov ernment should be of, by and for the people 'tLet the People Rule'' should be inscribed on our banners, and every effort of wire pullers should be discarded and drowned upon. He thought that, if practicable, every man should be allowed to express his prefer ences in the primaries and deprecated the plan of 'tfxing' things beforehand so preva- lent in both political parties. In closing he thought the country was under the last rule of the Republican party, and urged the formation of all clubs that would devote themselves to the breaking up of machine politics.
 Town Agent Reynolds was next introduced In his opening remarks he said that he be- heved that all the elements of opposition to S---~5 the results which would follow would be noticeable He referred to the fact that twenty years ago Democrat retired from the Presidency, and since that time there had been naught but corruption and fraud. It was for the Democratic party to restore the Government to its original purity.
 Judge Bydenburgh was next introduced, and as he stepped to the front an enthusiastic admirer proposed three cheers, which were given with a will-by the proposer The judge then proceeded to address the faithful few in attendance. He hoped that the time had arrived when the Democratic party would effectually punish the Republican party for all their wickedness and wrong. He thought it was disgrace that the Republican party could not find man for President who is not 3 perjurer and bribe taker He said there was no enthusiasm in the Chicago ticket, and there was not going to be any. In closing he urged the Democrats to earnest and active work
 William R. Shelton was the next speaker. He said his forte was not in making speeches. but he was worker. He said the Demo cratic party must not think they have got walk over. While the Chicago nominations