The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-08-09
THE HARRISON BALL.
An Idea Of is4o Carried out In
1890.

One novel feature Of the Blaine parade in
New York comes from Maryland. II Is the
Harrison and Morton ball, which has been
constructed by DIR. Beckett, Of Cumberland,
where the famous ball that figured In the
Harrison campaign Of 1870 was first set roll
ing. The story Of this original ball is set
forth by the faithful historian Of that part
Of Maryland, DIR. Lowermilk. He says Of
it:
Under the energetic direction OF Thomas
schIiyer, OF Alleghany, was prepared the
most novel and striking feature Of the cam
paign. A large wooden ball, some twelve
Ieet In diameter, was built In the barn Of Mr.
Schriver for the occasion. IL was made Of
light timber, firmly joined, and a wooden
bar passed through the centre, prOtruding
some two feet on each side. To this were at
tached ropes, and at intervals OF three or
four feet short hand bars were fastened In
the rope by means OF which the delegation
dragged 1t forward. and the ball, once set in
motion, was kept rolling TIL the election
gave the Hard Cider and Log Cabin" boys
victory. The ball was covered with red
white and blue stripes, and at the poles were
stars on blue ground, 1t was covered with
made big hit with the ball, and at the
great procession In Baltimore they and the
big ball were heartily cheered. Henry CLAY
declared the ball the "lion of the day.
The idea of making another ball was first
suggested in Cumberland shortly after Gene
raj Harrison's nomination. II was carried
out by Mr.. Beckett, and on Saturday the
huge sphere was shipped to this city by ex-
press. The Daily News Of Cumberland,
gives this description Of it:
The ball, when entirely complete and ac.
lively engaged in the fight for Harrison,
morton and protection, Will be a canvass
covered sphere fOrty-two feet in S'reum-
ference and fourteen feet in height. The ecan-
vas covering will be painted in red, whiis~
and blue, in Imitation Of the American flag,
the blue fields, being at the poles. There
will be ample space left for striking and
pointed Inscriptions, which can be read as
the ball revolves. A yoke will be run from
the end Of the shaft to connect in front with
lines by which the monster can be readilv
pulled along. The adjustment Is very nice
and the weight so well distributed that a
very small amount OF force will turn the ball
as u now stands suspended. There are
thirty-eight ribs in the ball, which will when
completed, weigh about one thousand pounds
here are some Of the notices on the ball
Ben fought to keep the starry flag
Proud poised the Union over;
Win dauntlesS heart he did his part
But where, oh, where was Grover?
Roll along, roll away,
Keep the ball in motions
The spirit OF our men Is up
From Rocky Hills TO Ocean
Cleveland with his free-trade notion
Has set the country in cOmmOtiOn;
The people will at next election
Vote for Harrison and Protection.
Let her roll against Old England
And the free-trade Golden Club;
Let her roll from old Kentucky
To the centre Of the hub.
The ball was dedicated at a grand ratifca-
tion held In Cumberland on Friday. IL Is
understood that after the parade here It will
be sent rolling across the country from the
Atlantic to the Pacific.