The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1890-11-21

throwing his shoulders backward, his
eyes sweeping the great throng that
had gathered to do him homage, he
spoke as follows:
MY FRIEN NDs:-Let me say to you, in all
sincerity and without the least mental res
ervation, that am not, nor shall be again
a candidate for office.
The stiffness which for couple of
moments followed this declaration was
intense. 1t seemed as though every
one of the thousand or more on
whom the words had fallen felt that
he had lost a friend. Then as, with
trembling tones, the speaker went on to
say that he felt that he had been suffi-
ciently honored by his party, there was
reversion of feeling-the vast audience
could no longer restrain itself, every man
arose to his feet, napkins were waved,
and there went forth cheer after cheer
which might have been heard like the
reverberations of cannon for blocks
away. And amid the enthusiasm the
statesman who had practically said
goodbye sank into his seat.
The banquet itself was a magnificent
affair. Nothing like it has ever before
been attempted in the Buckeye State.
The Fourteenth Regiment Armory had
been transformed into fairy land. The
rafters of its ceiling and its white
washed walls were hidden from view
by thousands of yards of bright colored
bunting and silken flags and banners
innumerable. Around the floor, rising
tier above tier, were the choicest pro-
ducts of the hot-house. while above all
lowered majestic palms and fragrant
exotics. The orchestra was hidden
from view in mass of foliage which in
turn was surrounded with curtain of
smilax. At the southern end of the hall,
upon platform heaped with palms and
roses in bloom were crayon portraiture
statues of ex-President Cleveland and
the especial guest of the evening.
The table of honor rested upon a
platform running half the length of the
hall Longitudinal with this there
were sixteen tables, each with accom-
modations for eighty guests, seated Wis
asvis. Every chair had its occupant,
while there were hundreds more who,
finding it impossible to gain place
upon the main floor. were content to
view the proceedings from the gallery.
1t was shortly after eight o'clock when
the cheering from the large crowd which
had gathered on the outside announced
the arrival of the distinguished guests,
and when the ex-senator, arm in arm
with President John j. Lentz of the
Thurman Club appeared upon the
scene, closely followed by ex-President
Cleveland and ex-senator Jos. Mcdonald
the cheering was hearty and prolonged
Mr.. Thurman sat on the right of the
ex-President, his son, Allen w. being
next to him, and then in succession ex-
Senator Mcdonald, Don M. Dickinson,
w. C. P. Breckinridge, General Thos.
Ewing and Governor Boyd. To the left
of the chair were seated Grover Cleve-
land, General R. A. Harrison, Bishop
John A. Watterson, Daniel Lamont and
Governor jackson.
Nearly two hours were occupied in
discussing the elaborate menu, and it
was after ten o'clock when President
Lentz raped for order and in few
well-chosen words proposed the toast of
"Our Guest" Mr.. Thurman, on arising
to respond, was greeted with uproari-
Gus applause which lasted several
minutes. Silence having been re-
stored, he spoke as follows:
am not here tonight to make an elaborate
speech. am here to express In a few sem
fences my heartfelt appre citation of the
honor you have so kindly seen fit to do me
to thank with my whole soul my neighbors,
my fellow citizens of Ohio and the distin
guished gentlemen from other States for
their mark of friendship and esteem am
here at the agg of seventy seven to repeat
my testimony SO often given, of my conf
dence In the bene1cent effects OF free insti-
tutions and my firm belief of their duration
on this continent and their gradual, but
certain extension over other and larger
portions of the globe. 1 hope that
it il not presumptuous in me to
say that think that have
some of the necessary qualifications of n
witness on this subject As short as my
life has been, in comparison with the lives
of nations, It has been long enough for mo
to see my native land, under free institu-
tions, increase In population more than |
seven-fold; in wealth In a far, a very far, |
greater ratio: In extent of territory more |
than double Its area; in the general we'll |
being and prosperity of Its people, ana in |
their educational advantages and religious |
privileges, without a rival In the world; /
while In its magnificent works of internal |
Improvements, its wonderful agriculture, its /
great mines and manufactures and its |
marvellous means of communication. the |
creations OF science aud skill, sur /