The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-10-04
DEMOCRATIC DOlNGS.
A Rousing Democratic Rally at Crane
Ridge.

A Rousing Democratic Rally at Grand
Ridge.
GRAND RIDGE, Oct. with hardly any
effort, and threatening skies an unexpected
" large and enthusiastic Democratic crowd
was gathered last evening in this village, the
number present being about 1000, Of whom
many were ladies, The Streator delegation
consisted of FIVE carloads, including the
Cleveland & Hendricks Club of that city with
200 carrying lamps headed by ST. Patrick 5
Band a fine musical organization Of all "sohd
Democrats" No less noteworthy than the
Streator Club was that of Grand Ridge, Of
which Lacey Hibb. is captain and K. White
hall and Clark Moss are lieutenants. They
have a crack drum corps and skilled ffer, and
their marching band musters $50, with
white oil cloth helmet, white cape with light
blue collar, red leggins and each beaing a
torch and small flag
The train arrangements brought the utta-
wa Club, 200 strong, headed by Mcdonald :
fine drum corps, last upon the scene They
were formally received by the other clubs
and awarded the post Of honor, in front.
Amid ascending rockets and the popping Of
Roman candles the procession slowly uncoii-
ed itself from the square in front Of the de-
pot and marching through the principa! street
moved to the stand erected in the western IL
mits of the town.
The stand reached and the speakers seat
ed, Ransom Palmer, Esq, president of the
local club, called the meeting to order and
prise by introducing the famous Bartels Glee
Club, who had hitherto kept in the back
ground, and who now gave few Of their po-
pular songs, which were boisterously encored
and cheered to the echo,
The first speaker introduced was Willard
Gentleman, Esq, whose clear logic, keen III
vective delicate sarcasm and yet courteous
treatment of his opponents had fine effect
Ben F. Lincoln Esq, followed dealing in un
answerable argument based on historical
facts, sparing no culprit high or low, and not
emitting an admirable reference to our too
much neglected local ticket NJ. T. Moloney,
Esq, came next. beginning humorously, but
soon warming up to his work and pouring
hot shot into the enemys ranks. He was in
good voice and made an eloquent speech,
leaving a splendid impression with many
who had previously been prejudiced against
him without knowing the mental qualities OF
the man. Senator Duncan and G.. W. W.
Blake were next excessively introduced, but
both being painfully hoarse from previous
speaking for many night in succession, were
excused after few remarks and loudly cheer,
ed. The last speaker was Or. Leroy, Of Strea-
tor, who made a fine address, but was unable
TO do justice to the subject on account of the
lateness Of the hour
The meeting adjourned about II o'clock
and everything had passed off so successful
ly and pleasantly that the Ottawa boys were
poorly prepared for the disappointment that
awaited them on being escorted back to the
depot, from being informed that the engine
that was 10 take them back had become disa-
bled at Streator, had TO he repaired, and
would not be along for at least a couple Of
hours. The boys, however, made the best
of the situation, and what with songs, stories,
&C., managed to kill the time pleasantly and
extract good deal Of fun out Of it. B.