The Colfax chronicle., 1890-11-22
Jubilant Democrats.

sense and define political issues.
Jubilant Democrats.
The nth Birthday Of "The Old Roman 4
Celebrated by u Grand Banquet, Par
ticfpated In by Over 1000 Demo-
Gratis Of Every State I'm this
Glorious Union.
One of the most remarkable gath.
erings that has ever taken place in
the world, assembled at Columbus
Ohio, on the 18th of November. II
was to celebrate the 77th birthday
of Allen G. Thurman, the Nestor
of American Democracy, now only
a plain and simple old man, whose
days on earth are nearly done.
The occasion was seized upon by
the Democrats as an auspicious oc-
casion to celebrate their late victo-
ry with the people, in which their
principles were so signally and tri-
umphantly edorsed over Republi-
can selfshness and partizanism.
More than a thousand of the
most prominent Democrats of the
nation, representing nearly every
State in the Union, beside a large
number of prominent Republicans,
were psesent as guests and to pay
their respects to Mr.. Thurman's no.
bic worth and eminent services.
Governors, judges, senators, con-
gressmen, eminent divines, the men
who have made their imprint upon
the statute and organic law of this
great republic, skilled and Scared
in political and civil warfare, and
recognized as statesmen for years,
were present by hundreds to honor
this grand old man, now simply a
citizen in private life. And, their
veneration was accorded in the old
fashioned way of handshaking and
hearty personal congratulation, in
conformity with the habits of sthe
Old Roman" throughout his long
and eminently useful life.
The day was spent in visiting Mr..
Thurman at his home, and calling
upon Ex-President Cleveland and
other prominent visitors, who were
given impromptu receptions in va
rious portions of the city.
At night an immense throng of
invited guests gathered at grand
banquet, given under the auspices
of the Thurman club in honor of
the occasion, at which table seats
were provided for 1850 persons at
one sitting. As the banquet pro-
ceeded many eloquent speeches
were made in response to toasts
proposed, and the jubilation lasted
until long after midnight.
Mr.. Cleveland was introduced to
speak in response to the toast to
American citizenship. AS the Elk |
President arose in his place at the i
table on the raised platform for |
eminent guests, cheer after cheer
went up from the multitude, and
the traditional bandana handker-
chiefs were waived with vigor, as
they had also upon the appearance
and speech of the Old Roman.
Mr.. Cleveland said:
Mr. President and Gentlemen:
follow the promptings of heart full
II devotion and veneration, as / tender
rom the Democracy of the great State
II New York her tribute of affection for
he man whom we honor tonight. I am
to claim for my State her
uli share Of the glory which has been
he'd upon the American name and
haracter by one whose career and ex-
Imple cannot be pre-empted and whose
enown cannot be limited iu ownership to
he neighbors and friends of any locality,
We contest every exclusive pretention to
AS fame and greatness, because he is
elghbor to all the people OF the land; be-
ause he is the friend OF all who love their {
ountry; because his career spleudidly |
illustrates the best and strongest elements
{ our national character, and because his
xample belongs to all his countrymen.
1t is fitting that those who have faith in
ur destiny as nation, who believe that !
lere are noble things which belong dis
nctively to our character as a people. {
nd who prize at it's true worth pure
merican citizenship, should gather here j
might. 1t is given rs to contemplate
he highest craftsmanship, the most un- 4
ielding and disinterested devotion to the
lterests OF the people. and the most valu- '
DE achievements in the cause of our t
,untry's welfare, all OF which have been q
imulated and accomplished through the :
tluence and impulse Of true, unpervert- Q
!, sturdy Americanism. We rejoice in O
le example afforded on this occasion Of
'nuine American citizenship, revealed to b