The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1890-11-22
Distinguished Democrats Gather to do
Honor to the NOblest Roman
of Them Ali.
Cleveland, the Only Democratic Ex-
President Living, Was a Con-
spicuous Figure.
The Banquet in the Evening Was
One of the Most Magnificent
Ever Seen. -
Judge Thurman Received a Flood of
Congratulatory Messages and
Letters All Day.
The "Old Romans" birthday.

The cold Roman's' Birthday.
COLUMBUS, Nov. 1S.-Upon the calendar
which to the civilized world marks the
cycles of time the 18th of November recalls
no significant historical event, but to the
democracy of Ohio this date has long been,
as indeed to the democracy of the nation it
has now become. synonymous with the
term of thurman day." Seventy-seven
years ago to day Allen G. Thurman. the
"old Roman" of the Buckeye democracy,
first saw the light, and the democrats of
the nation have joined with the democrats
of Ohio in celebrating at Columbus, the
home of this old leader. the anniversary of
the event which gave to the party and to
the nation a man whose distinguished SER
vices have made his name a %watchword in
the camps of Jeffersonian democracy. The
capital of Ohio, in the events of this day,
has become a veritable Mecca of the DEM
ocracy. All day Allen G. Thurman has
been the recipient of a veneration and af-
lection which but few American statesmen
have enjoyed after their acknowledged re-
tirement from the arena of politics. This
generation and this affection was received
in that cordial, Old-fash:Oned way, which
| was always his leading characteristic, and
to every caller. high Or low, leader or yeO-
man, he has extended. with kindly smiles,
the genial hand OF good fellowship. His
America, men who rave left their impress
upon the st tute and organic law OF the
great republic. 1t was under the auspices
of the Thurman club Of Columbus the an
niversary of the birth of Allen G. Thur
man was to-day celebrated. Throughout
the entire day every incoming train has
borne to the capital of Ohio democrats of
prominence from all sections of the United
States, until tonight the scene can be
likened to no gathering as much as to a
national convention which shapes the pol
icies and destinies of parties. One of the
first tn arrive this morning was ex-Presi-
dent Cleveland, the man who two years
ago met defeat with Allen G.: Thurman
second Oh the ticket as candidate for vice.
president of the United States. Cleve-
land was accompanied by Hon. Daniel
Lamont of New York. his former private
secretary. Cleveland wa accorded an en-
thusiastic welcome by the citizens who had
gathered at the depot to witness his ar
rival, and throughout the day he shared
with Judge Thurman the fluctuations of
the democratic leaders who called to
pay their respects. The x president was
given a vociferous reception at the depot
and was the guest during the day of Gov
dered him i'll the AFTERNOON at the state
house. At the conclusion of the reception
at the capitol, the ex-preSident drove to the
residences of Judge Thurman and congrat-
ulated him on the anniversary of his 18th
birthday: He assured the judge the dem
continued vigor and hoped. he might vet
be spared many years Of usefulness.
Judge Thurman replied that no years or
future acts of his could possibly increase
the warmth of the congratulations which
he had received to-day from all parts of the
United States. II That he wa continually
asking himself whether his services had
really been such as to deserve all this
homage. From Judge Thurman's resi-
dence Cleveland returned to Governor
CampbelPs mansion. where he and a few
of his most intimate friends were enter
tanned at luncheon at 8 p. m. At the table
there were Governor and Mrs. Campbell,
ex-Prcsident Cleveland, Congressman
Springer. Daniel Lamont, Congressman
Cultivate anu one or two others.
y BANQUET.
At the banquet had tonight the decora-
tions, perfected under the artistic hands of
qualified workmen, were a marvel of i'm
posing beauty. Across the spacious cham
Ders were hung a dozen festooned arches
burdened with foliage, while the posts and
girders were sprayed with spreading
green. Fifteen arc electric lamps, which
shed a radiance like the sun, draped about
with chandelier f%estoonings and ornc.ted
with the nations colors. Along the east
and west sides were ranged dense rows Of
Breathing breath p,so oddlt HsfnS, ,rR Re1 roem sh SaIc mesn oe
the east was draped with the eolOrs and set.
with clusters of emblematic flags, while on
the west, behind a deep screen Of fragrant
foliage, was arranged the press gallery,
draped with flags and hung with boughs Of
evergreen. on. the west, again, and still
further to the north, was all alcOve for the
music, which breathed out through the
decorations where art and nature mingled.
Noticeable and appropriate at one end of
the hall were stately statues of Thurman
and Cleveland. done in crayOn portraiture
statuesque. while the "Old K ,man's'' bust in
above the center Of the speakers table and
over the chair of the master of ceremonies.
At the. south end of the banquet hall could
hA heard the ticking Of the telegram instru-
ments In the occasional lull Of the festivi-
ties, Here the associated press, with q
wa making a verbatim report OF the en-
tire proceedings, while two operators
sent TO al! parts of tie country the fervid
words of oratory as rapidly as they
dropped from the lips OF the speakers. It
is seldom so many distinguished men of a
party assemble at one time and place, Ok.
cepi on the occasion Of a national
convention. Among them were the only
democratic OK president living. congress-
men, ex-cOngressmen and congressman
elect. senators n e~x,senatOrs, governors,
ex-g0verrors and governors elect. besides
gentlemen who had distinguished them
selves II, various channels Of public and
the noblest .Old Roman. OF them all,
Judge Allen G. Thurman. The list Of dis.
tinguished visitors and those who 0ccu-
pied seats at the banquet table was not
composed, exclusively If democrats. There
were q number Of republicans here from
Ohio and elsewhere, who came, not, Is
parti!sans, but as citizens. to show their APP
preciationI0f the public service rendered
by Judge Thurman. Visitors came from
all5parts Of the country, far and. near.