The record-union., 1896-10-11
Was the Demonstration in Honor of
Hon. Grove L. Johnson.
Marching Clubs Numbering Thou-
sands, From Sacramento and Other
Points, Parade the Streets i'm
differing Uniforms, to Show Their
Appreciation of the Service of a
Faithful Representative in the
National Legislature.

STOCKTON, Oct. 10-The greatest
political demonstration ever witnessed
In stockton was that of tonight, when
congressman Grove l.. Johnson, the Re-
publican candidate for reelection in the
second District, addressed his San Joa-
quin constituents.
The meeting was held at the pavilion,
where thousands of people gathered to
near Mr.. Johnson expound Republican
uoclflneS ana give an account of his
stewardship in the National Congress.
The people of San Joaquin County, es-
peclally of Stockton, irrespective of
party, have very kindly feeling toward
their Congressman, for Mr.. Johnson was
their friend during the session in which
he represented them. Stockton has been
wanting something at the hands of the
Government, and Mr.. Johnson labored
with all the energy for which he is noted
TO secure for the people of this portion of
his district the improvements they de-
sire, and to which they are entitled, in
cluding Government building. 1t is
not strange, therefore, that he was ac-
corded warm reception here tonight,
or that the people turned out in great
numbers to hear him.
Mr.. Johnson arrived from Sacramento
at noon, accompanied by his son, Hiram
w. johnson, and a few friends. He wGs
met at the depot by George W. Sperry
and other leading Republicans, and es-
corted to the Yosemite Hotel, where he
received callers during the afternoon.
Many of the leading citizens of Stockton
took occasion to pay their respects to the
Congressman and pledge their best ef-
forts to secure his return to the National
Legislature. where he can do more for
his constituents than any man that
could be sent there
Stockton is big city, but it wasn't
big. enough to comfortably hold on it's
public streets the thousands of people
that tried to march in the procession
that preceded Mr.. Johnson's meeting
Abot 6:30 o'clock a train OF eleven
coaches arrived from Sacramento with
upward of a thousand men in brilliant
uniforms. A thousand men, marching
in fours, makes a line many blocks in
length, and as the men marched down
Main street with their blazing fam
beau torches, the home people thought
that all Sacramento had come over to do
honor to their eminent citizen and Con-
gresham. But there were others.
Soon another train of uniformed club
members arrived from the Capital City.
The streets were becoming blockaded,
and the people looked on and marveled
at the immense and brilliant display.
When these uniformed clubs had got
well out of the way along came another
train load, and then another. and by 8
clock Stockton seemed to be one surg
ing mass of men in bright uniforms,
every one carrying a torch. and all hur-
rahing for Mckinley and Grove L.
Johnson.
1t was one of the most inspiriting
sights ever witnessed at any political
gathering in the State. The Sacrament
tans seemed to have lungs of leather,
for they were yelling and cheering con-
stantly for Mckinley and Johnson, and
were we'll supported by the Stockton
people in the procession. The parade
seemed to have no beginning and no
end 1t wound around the business
blocks and seemed to be everywhere.
One could look in no direction without
seeing streets blocked with marching
men and one endless, moving mass Of
torches 1t was great sight, the like OF
which may not be witnessed here again
in many years.
Mr. Johnson's speech was a splendid
effort Nearly every sentence was
cheered, and the utmost enthusiasm
prevailed.