Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-07-02
The Congressional Convention.

Ihc NOuSECSchOusti SOuhcutions
One Of the grandest Congressional
conventions ever held in the 5th dis
trict was certainly that which con-
yened in Napoleon on Monday. Ii
was not only a grand convention, but
it was probably the largest Congress
sional assembly ever held in the dis
trict-most of the counties compris-
ing the district sending large delega-
tions, outside of the regularly select
ed quota of delegates.
Delegations began to arrive early
in the morning, the Wabash bring
ing in the first contingent, conveying
the crowd from Van Vert, Paulding
and Defiance counties. The Van
Vert delegation was headed by the
celebrated Hiestand Band, and that
of Defiance by Gessner's City Band,
both presenting a fine appearance as
they marched up the street from the
depot. The Putnam county delega-
tion, 300 strong, arrived later, Uia
the Lima Northern, being met at the
depot by the Sixteenth Regimental
Band, who escorted the delegation
up town. Williams county came
across the country in carriages, hav-
delightful morning drive.
Long before 1890, the time set for
the convention to convene, hundreds
were vending their way to the Rink
opera house. The hall was in readi-
ness for the large gathering, the stage
being beautifully decorated with
framed pictures of Cleveland, Han
cock, Hendricks and Campbell,
around which were a profusion of
flags, bunting, plants and flowers, all
of which were arranged under the
supervision of j. A. Halter and NAL
colin Meekison. These gentlemen
did their work well, displaying much
taste and ingenuity in the decorations,
upon which many compliments were
passed.
The convention taxed the full ca
pacity of the Opera House, but few
lockers on being compelled to stand.
The arrangements were most perfect,
far above the usual Accommodations
of similar kind.
The three brass bands furnished |
music galore for the occasion, enliven-
ing and adding materially to the pleas1
ure of delegates and outsiders. Manyi
choice selections of music were renld
dered during the session of the con
vention, each band receiving an
equal share of applause from the
large audience.
Napoleon and Henry county were
lonored in many ways upon this oc-
,asion. First by selecting this city
rs the place for holding the conven-
ion; second, by the selection of Mr..
Ias P. Ragan to preside over the de-
iberations of the permanent organi-
alton of the convention; and third,
~ choosing Judge Meekison as the
for Congress.
This was certainly a shower of
lonors, and clearly shows that Henry
ounty was strictly in it, so to speak.
But they were not lily bestowed, for
Napoleon was admitted by everybody
o be pleasant convention city; Mr..
Sagan made an excellent pre- ding
'fficer, and in the selection of Judge
Ieekison the honor was bestowed
lpon one of the best citizens in the
district.
The convention was in session until
lear 1 o'clock Tuesday morning, hav-
ng been in continuous session for
lear twelve hours. When adjourn
nent was made the delegates were
'retty we'll tired out and felt as ,
hough little rest would be accep-
able, which was q condition reached
" but few that night.
The convention will long be re-
nembered. /