The morning call., 1890-11-14
DEMOCRATIC HOSTS
Assembled TO Honor Allen G.
Thurman.
Celebration Of The Seventy Ami
YefsaTy Of His Birth.
CONGRATULATIONS PGuT In Upon 1.-The Old
Roman From All Parts Of the
COultTy-CleHeland'S Speech,

VeIuable Mecca OF the Democracy. o tnlS
city have come all the prominent Democrats
of the country at large TO pay homage to the
0ld Roman" Allen G. Thurman, on the
occasion of his seventy-seventh birthday.
All day Mr.. Thurman has been the reeip-
lent of attentions which few American
statesmen have enjoyed after their acknowl-
edged retirement from the arena of politics,
and TO every caller, high or low, he has ex-
tended with kindly smiles the genial hand
of good fellowship. The magnifcence Of
the celebration to-day and the banquet TO-
night is token of the esteem in which
Judge Thurman is held by the Democrats
Of Ohio and the country at large.
Throughout the entire day every incoming
train brought Democrats of prominence
from all sections OF the United States, until
tonight the scene can be likened to no gath
erDg more than a national convention
CLEyELAND's ARRIVAL.
One Of the first to arrive this morning was
ex-President Cleveland. He was accorded a
most enthusiastic reception by the citizens,
: WHO had gathered at the depot, his progress
through the streets to the Executive Man
sion being followed by a shouting crowd.
Throughout the day the eX-Presdent shared
with Judge Thurman the fluctuations OF the
Democratic leaders who called to pay their
respects
The ex-President first went from the
depot to the executive mansion, and during
the forenoon held public reception at the
State House. Presidential salute of twen-
ty-one guns being fred outside.
PUBLIC RECEPTION.
From early morning the corridors of the
State House were thronged with people.
Ex-Private Secretary Lamont, Governor
Campbell and many prominent Democrats
were present at the reception, in the course
of which the enthusiasm of the people knew
no bounds. The remark was often heard
from men while shaking hands with Mr..
Cleveland, You will be our next PreSi-
dent"
At the conclusion of the reception Mr..
Cleveland drove to Judge Thurman's resi-
dence, and congratulated him or his seventy
seventh anniversary, assuring the Judge
that the Democracy of the nation rejoiced at
his continued vigor, and hoped he might yet
be spared for many years of usefulness.
Judge Thurman replied that no years nor
future sets of years could possibly increase
tie warmth of the congratulations he had
received to-day from ali Parts Of the United
States.
Mr.. Cleveland then returned TO Governor
Campbelps mansion, where he and few
friends were entertained at luncheon.
THE BANQUET.
The bapquet-hall tonight was decorated
in q most beautiful manner. The eelebra-
ton was under tie auspices of the Thur
man Club, which had charge CT ali the
arrangements. Noticeable among the deco
rations were large portraits Of Cleveland
and Thurman.
Seldom have so many distinguished men
of any party assembled at one time IN
place except on the occasion Of national
convention. Among them were Senators
and eX-Senators, eX-Congressmen and Con-
gressmen elect, Governors, ex-Governors
and GoverDoTs-elect, besides gentlemen who
have distinguished themselves in various
channels of public and private life.
CLEVELAND AND THURMAN.
Shortly after o'clock, ex-President CleVe-
land and Judge Thurman entered the room,
Mr.. Cleveland supporting his venerable
companion, who was further assisted by
cane. As they walked slowly up the ball,
mighty cheers repeatedly greeted the two
distinguished guests, continuing until the
chairman lIt EutSlS " LAKE llcll
seats
After the party was seated, every man
arose again and waved the traditional red
bandana handkerchief In honor of "the old
Roman"
SCENE OF ENTHUSIASM.
Mr.. Thurman bowed smilingy to his
enc thousand admirers, and Mr.. Cleveland
did likewise, as cheers for him rent the air.
At the conclusion of the banquet Chairman
Lentz of tile Thurman Club made brief
speech introducing the toast-master, Con-
gresham Cultivate. When Mr.. Cultivate
delivered brief eulogy Of Judge Thurman
the guests arose to their feet again and
again, and the scene Of wild enthusiasm
was one that would have swelled with pride
the heart of any human being. 1t was five
minutes before the ovation subsided Sufii-
GENTLY TO allow Judge Thurman to proceed.
JUDGE THURMAN's SPEECH.
Judge Thurman responded to the toast,
"Our Guests" He said In beginning that
he was not here tonight to make an elabOr-
ate speech. He was here to express his
heartfelt appreciation of the honor they have
seen fit to do him; to thank with his whole
soul his neighbors, fellow citizens of Ohio
and the distinguished gentlemen from other
States for their mark OF friendship and es-
TEEN.
i am here, at the age Of "a years to repeat
my testimony so often given of my confidence in
the benlfceIt effects OF free institutions ahd my
firm belief OF their duration on this continent,
and their gradual hut certain extension over
other and the larger portions CT Tie globe.
THE MARCH OF FREEDOM.
Short as my life has been in comparison with
the lives OF nations IL has been long enough Tor
me 10 see my native laDd, under free iDsiiE utons,
increase in population more than seven fold; IN
wealth in far greater degree; IN extent OF ter
riloiy moie than double It's area; In the general
well-being and prosperity Of The people and In
tEelr educational advantages and religious privi-
leees without rival in the world. While its
nf fnfa iatFt tfo
wonderful agriculture It's great mines and man.
ufActures eud its marvellous means OF cOmmunl-
anything before known by The human race, and
In these same seyenty-seven years The Consttu-
tion qI nearly every Government IN Europe has
been amellorated by the introduction OF
MORE LIBERAL PRINCIPLES.
Central aud South America have become re-
publics. Canaoa and Australia are Substantially
republics. without the name. Even IN The FAR
east japan becomes more free and liberal with
each year and, more marvellous yet. light seems
10 be breaking over benignted Africa, and men
are predicting, Without exciting iidicule, her re-
dempiion from her bal barrie sle-p Of centuries.
In word, freedom seems 10 De gradually cir
cumnayigating The globe, and, proud thought for
us. the polar star OF lie navigator Is our own re-
public OF lie Unit States.
Judge Thurman spoke feelingly of the
uniurni kindness and hOnorS bestowed upon
him by the people Of Ohio from boyhood to
old age, and spoke of all the distinguished
lawyers and statesmen of Ohio and other
sections of the country whom be had known
during his career.
RETIRED FROM POLITICS.
In conclusion lie said:
Before conclude, there Is one statement /
feel II my duly 10 make. In one Of our town
papers lew days ago | saw my name suggested
ss that Of proper candidate for the Presl-
dency or Vice-Pi esidency IN 1892. regretted
very much 10 see the suggestion, for. appearing
IN paner known 10 be very friendly 10 me, and
published IN The place Of my residence, 1t might
naturally be suspected by strangers thar il was
Inspired, or at least approved by me- But such
was not the fact. My friends, let me say TO yolI
.l all sincerity anc without the least mental res.
erVatlon, maj am not, nor shall l ever again
eienty honorcd by my rariy, and neither ask
Gor desire any further honor lhan lis continued
friendship anu good will. Gentlemen You ha We
Rladdened the beart ara Enlightened Tie footsteps