The Portland daily press., 1890-11-14
BANDANNAs WAVED.
Democrats and Republicans Honor
the "oId Roman

COLUMBUS. November 13.-The celebra-
Thurman under the auspices of the Thur
man club Of Columbus, eliminated tonight in
the banquet. At the banquet hall the decor
ations were marvel Of imposing beauty.
At one end Of the hall there were statues of
Thurman and Cleveland while the Old
Romans" bust in oil appeared in the colors
of the club hung above the centre of the
speakers table and over the chair of the
master of ceremonies. The distinguished
visitors and those who. occupied seats at the
banquet table were not composed exclusively
of Democrats. A number of Republicans
were here from Ohio and elsewhere, who
came as citizens, to show their appreciation
of the public services rendered by Judge
Thurman. Democrats, of course, predomin-
ated. As early as o'clock the banqueters
began to arrive and take seats at the tables.
1t was just eight o'clock when ex-President
Cleveland and Judge Thurman entered the
room. They were arm in arm, the ex-Presi-
dent supporting his venerable companion.
who, further assisted by a cane, walked
slowly up the hall. bis limping gait at
tested the inroads his old enemy, rheuma-
tism, had made upon his vigorous Frame A
mighty cheer went up from thousand
throats as the audience caught sight of the
two distinguished guests OF the evening.
just as they reached the reception room they
turned toward the assemblage and bowed
gravely their acknowledgements to the gen.
erous ovation. Following ex-President
and Judge Thurman were ths Congressman
Breckinbridge, Allen w. Thurman, Aon.
Don M. Dickinson and the chairman Of the
reception committee.
After few minutes rest the party rose
and, accompanied by the speakers of the
evening, entered the hail and took seats at
the grand central table At this stage the
greatest demonstration of the evening took
place. Cheer after cheer arose from the en-
thusiastic audience and simultaneously
every man arose from his seat and waved
the traditional red bandanna handkerchief In
honor of the Old Roman. Thurman bowed
to his thousand frantic admirers and Grover
Cleveland did likewise as cheers for the ex-
President rent the air. The band struck up
the "Star SDangled Banner" and all re-
mained standing until the close of the tune.
At the conclusion of the banquet Chair
man Lentz raped the vast assemblage to or
der and introduced Congressman Outhwaite
as the toastmaster of the evening. The lat
ter spoke briefly and eloquently of Judge
Thurman, and conclude with the toast ito
the health, long life and continued happi-
then sprang to their feet and cheered vigor-
Ously. 1t was five minutes before the Ova-
tion subsided sufficiently to enable Judge
Thurman to speak. The inspiration OF the
occasion caused his massive frame to regain
all its old time gor. Mr. Thurman referred
TO the growth of the country in area. popu-
lation and prosperity during his own life
time, and the extension of Republican forms
of government in other parts of the world.
Continuing, he said:
SIN word, freedom seems to be gradually
circum. navigating the globe and, proud
thought for US. the polar star of the naviga-
tor is our own Republic of the United
States. What have said may seem to some
like extravagant optimism. / have always
preferred optimism to pessimism, and COM
mon sense to both. | DO no think in what
have said have departed from the teachings
of my guide"
He then mentioned many men prominent
in the history of the state whom he had
known and concluding, said:
In our towns papers few days ago
saw my name suggested as proper candI-
date for the Presidency in 1892 | regretted
very much to see the suggestion for, appear
ing in paper known to be friendly TO me
and published in the place of my residence,
1t might naturally be suspected by strangers
that it was inspired. or at least, approved by
me. Such was not the fAct. l had
no idea that such suggestion would
all sincerity, without the least reservation,
that | am not. nor shall ever again, be q cam
didate for office. l have been sufficiently
honored by my party neither to ask nor de-
sire any further honor than its continued
friendship and good will.
indeed than l expected to say. Once more
let me return to you my sincerest thanks.
You have gladened the heart and frightened
the footsteus Of an old man, your devoted
friend, in his descent of the hill Of life when
he has almost reached its foot. May God
bless you ali, is his earnest prayer"
Ex-President Cleveland was the next
speaker, responding to the toast American
His speech was mainly de-
voted to an exposition of his free trade prin-
ciples. He hailed the recent election as a
great revolution, the people of the country
repudiating high protective duties. Mr.
Cleveland was enthusiastically received.
The speaking kept up until long after mid
night. toasts being responded to by Messrs
Don. M. Dickinson, Thomas Ewing, judge
X. A. Harris, Senator Mcdonald, Hon. W.
G. Breckinridge, and Congressman Witham
Among those who sent messages of con-
graduation were ex.President Hayes, Gov.
HUI Of New York. Senator Evarts Of New
York, Ckief Justice Fuller, Editor George
W. Childs of the Philadelphia Ledger, Gen.
Benjamin F. Butler, Hon. William E. Rus
sell, ex-secretary Bayard and ex-Attorney
General Garland.