Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-03
HANCOCK AND ENGLISH.
A ROusing Ratification Last Night,
Illuminating and 0ratOriCaI PyrO-
technics Brilliant and PIen-
tifuI.
Enthusiasm Without Limit and
the Best Of Feeling all
Around.
Speeches, Music and Lots Of
COIOric Warmth.

night was an ar0uslng affair. A great
crowd from the city and the country
round. including many ladieS were
present to witness the ceremonies and
listen to the speeches. Eloquence, good
sense, information and successful prog
nostics were plentiful. The weather
was charming, a cool southwesterly
breeze tanning the faces of all, and
aiding in the enjoyment of the occa-
sion. There was a fine band of music,
plenty of flags, banners and fire works
and speech makers. Several distin-
guished orators whose presence had
been anticipated were absent. Among
others, Senator l.. Q. G. Lamar, of
Mississippi is reported to be indispcs-
ed at his home in Holly Springs, and
could not attend. Senator Bailey, of
Tennessee, was confined to his resi-
dence at GAINESVILLE, having suffered
a small attack of influenza during his
recent stay at Cincinnati, and this
with the great work he has performed
in the United States senate during
the past congressional session, kept
him from being here. A letter from
the senator was received by one of his
friends here stating this.
The ratification programme opened
during yesterday afternoon by a band
of music passing through the prin-
cipal streets, performing patriotic
airs. 1t was followed near dark by
the firing Of hundred guns on the
bluff, and as the shades of night ap-
peared sky rockets, roman candles,
and other bright pyrotechnics, were
sent flying aloft in profusiOn.
The bluff, where the meeting was
held, between Monroe and Union
streets, had a comfortable stand,
nicely canopied for the use of the
speakers and distinguished guests. A
bonfire in the center of the parade
ground and numerous lamps supplied
light enough for all to see each
other.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. Julius A. Taylor, of the demo
cratic central committee. He an.
nounced Judge H. T. Elicit as chair
man, and the judge made the intro
ductory speech, a terse, well delivered
and excellently framed grafton, in
which he made numerous telling hits
regarding the corruption of the re-
publican party in general, and numer-
Gus special acts of dishonesty in par
t%icular; that Of the fraudulent 8 to Z
returning boards act of addressing
President Hayes into office, being one
Of the leading features of his arrange
ment. The fact that the republican
presidential candidate, James A. Gar
field, being a member of that commits
sion, was also a pointed subject of re-
mark, and he claimed that Mr.. Hayes
had no more right to be called presi-
dent than did Hamlet's uncle to be
termed king of Denmark.
The Hon. Isham G.. Harris, united
states senator from Tennessee, and
fresh from the field of labor as we'll as
the Cincinnati nominating conven
ton, followed Judge Elliot with a fine
talk, during which he paid an eloquent
tribute to Gen. Hancock, the presi-
dental candidate on the democratic
ticket. He said Hancock had proven
himself a patriot and a constitutional
lawyer of the highest order, his cele-
brated letter to Gov. Pease, of Texas.
while commanding the military de-
partment Of Louisiana, bearing proof
of this fact. He began to ratify Gen.
Hancock over six weeks ago, and is
now ripe for the word, so he stated.
A few remarks on the splendor Of
the scene, filling the soul with greai
thoughts, and other eloquent illusions
TO the subject under consideration
followed from Judge Thos. w. Brown
The judge also paid a neat tribute II
General Grant.
A fine speech followed from JudgC
> JnO. j. I. Sneed, whose commandin,
presence, genial and fin
ability renders him one among tn.
D most popular leaders in the Tennessee
3 democracy. Judge Sneed's speech wa
a delightful effort. He won nue.
I. applause, and many compliments wer
. paid him by the crowd after it wa
|, over.
Another good talk for Hancock fol
, lowed from Judge r. j. Morgan, VIII.
was succeeded by Hon. Casey Young
M. @. He said among other thingi
I when the wal was over aud Hancoc
came to rule over a conquered peopl,
9 bis first act was to proclaim the 81
premacy of the civil law. In all hi
tory there is no grander spectacle