New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-30

| A. T. HUMPHREY. JOHN FINERTY, A. W.
| TENNEY DR. W. B. DERRICK. GEN.
ERAL ADAM KING. CONGRESSMAN
w. Z. MASON, A. L. MORRIsO''
W. c. PLUMMER AND MR.
SUMNER
! II wss a daring experiment on an immense scale
to attempt to concentrate the enthusiasm OF
Republicans at the Polo Grounds last night, but
it was a success that was measured only by the
very proportions of the undertaking. 1t was
monster meeting, and il it had Eot been for the
wonderful work Of the Harlem Republican CLUB
it's magnitude would have been utterly unman-
ageable The only criticisms that could be
leveed against the demonstration were founded
| upon the necessary drawbacks Of hanclng such
a mighty throng, but the criticisms were testi-
mcnias to the ardor, enthusiasm and loyalty
of the supporters Of Harrison and Morton. and
to the magic attraction of the name OF the great
leader of the party, who was the central figure
of the demonstration.
1t was Republican meeting, first, last and
all the time, but it was inspired and impressed
with sentiment Of devotion to the Champion Of
Projection, returning laden with the laurels OF
success in his native State to the city that had
so gladly and brilliantly prepared to give him
welcome home from Europe only a
short time ago. But instead Of the
great disappointment that fell upon the
friends of the Plumed Knight at the former gath
ering of the Republican clans, there were rejoicing
! IN,
the presence of the honored statesman of Maine.
CROWDS PRESENT BEFORE THE GATES OPENED.
There were immense crowds waiting long before
the Polo Grounds were thrown open, and every
available seat in the grand-stand and every avail
able inch of standing room the speakers
platforms were occupied for an hour before tho
speaking began The grand-stand presented a
brilliant appearance through the bright coors Of
flags and banners. National flags made the most
striking fcstooning of pillar and box, red, white
and blue bunting next lending its grace to the
decorations in the order of prominence. The
coats Of arms of the various States of the Union
hung against the posts supporting the tier of up
per boxes. Electric lights in profusion through
the grounds counterfeited the brilliancy Of day.
while the sky was frequently lighted with the
flames of magnificent fireworks.
Cclored lithographc portraits Of the Presiden-
tial and the State caniidates faced the prin-
cpaI stand for the fspeakers The gorgeous
ness of the decorations were only equalled
by their profusion and extent There was
plenty of music among the paraders, and while the
meeting waiting to be called to order songs
that stirred the blood Of the great crowd were
sung under the leadership of Professor Adams of
popular campaign song fame.
THE THRoNG REMARKABLE IN ITS SIZE.
In point of numbers the demonstration was
remarkable. The night cold and raw enough
to have checked attendance at even any indoor
meeting had it been an ordinary occasion. But
the ardor of an enthusiastic and united party,
the affection that clusters around the leader who
thrust away the gift that the majority of his
party longei 10 place in his hands, were sentl-
ments that made weather conditions of no weight
in the balance against an opportunity TO hear
tie unfaltering and inspiring voice of James u.
Blaine An overflow stand. beside the main one
from which Mr. Blaine first spoke, was a centre
of eager listeners to eloquent speakers and while
the grounds were crowded, an imposing parade,
splendid with light and color combined In torch
and rocket, brilliant uniforms and burning fires
of various hues, was making pageant of beauty
in the streets outside.
And not only did New-Yorls City furnish the
participants in the gathering Brooklyn and jersey
City sent over hundreds OF men and women to greet
the beloved leader of his party, but clubs and
delegations as wen as individuals came to the
city from places far distant as sixty miles
The throng of travel on ferry-boat and car
made the night seem like general holiday. 1t
was impossible to form close estimates of the
numbers called together at New-YorlSs famous
sporting centre; $4,000 persons is believed to
be q conservative estimate and some judges
placed the figures as high as 10000. Ardent
with enthusiasm, the assembly by its colossal
size, was proof overwhelming of the spirit. cour-
age, hope and strength with which the party of
protection has entered upon its battle in the
stronghold OF o corrupt Democracy. Good nature
dominated the enormous throng and the police
arrangements were thorough and excellent and
contributed largely to the order that prevailed
to wonderful extent throughout the tremendous
crowds
THE PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT PROMPTLY.
The programme Of the meeting was carried out
with the business-lilSc promptness that had been
promised A little before p m. the speakers
platform that faced the mass of humanity
seated in the grand stand opposite and filling up
the intermediate ground was filed up with most
of the speakers and prominent Republicans. How
the Marty were piloted through the crowds to
the stand will probably remain a. mystery to