The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1899-02-11
Witehery Of Orator..

(Jno OF Inc IuOSl
exciting national political campaigns IN the history
Of this Republic succeeded the presidential nom
nations of 1886. 1t was at this tame the NeP"o-
lican party first entered the arena Ut nationaispo'-
;.ce and choose for its standard bearer the young
and intrepid explorer-John Charles Fremont:
the conservative Democracy put forth James
Buchanan a Diplomatic politician of ripe exPer'-
ence to combat the aggressive issue forced upon
them by the Republicans in regard TO the non OK
tension Of slavery in:the Territories. There was
was also another issue involved in the campaign
less national in its scope being an oatgro"'h on
some i'll feeling in religious matters caused ny
the riotous demonstrations in some the larger cl1.
;e. of the central State; the two years proceeding
This latter movement..was known by name rs the
American or Know Nothing party. For their
standard bearer they had chosen Willard Fillmore
who bad been elected Vice President on me
ticket:.wi,h Zachary Taylor, and on the death OF
that executive.had succeeded him as President OF
the United States. During the campaign OF 1880
interest conferred with the two hrstspartles and
pn,v in certain localities did the Fillmore party
have any considerable following.
During the religious riots Of 1854 $ Baltimore
the chief city of Maryland had come. IN tor us
share and the lawless elements were, almost IRE.
oressible. Churches had been burned and street
riots we're Of common occurrence oocetes
known az the Dead Rabbits and Plug Ug'ies ter
rorized the town. A young man OF marked ora,
tnrial ability had come to the crest there, at TINS
time and ruled these turbulent masses OF mensby
power Of speach as if they were a body OF dec'-
plined school children. But beyond the sunny
precincts of Maryland the fame Of this young
man was as a book unread.
It was the custom in those days; and in certain
sections Of the country yet survive in exciting po'
litical campaigns for outdoor meetings in some
shady grove somewhat after tile religious camp
meeting style, except for one day only. a grand
stand would be erected underneath large and
shady trees, surrounded by rows of long benches
To. seat-if need be-a vast multitude. Delcga-
tons Of all kinds. mounted, in wagons, or atoot
in line. bearing banners, ronsparencies devices
or what not. would gather. shout and vocitrrate,
and subside as listeners to music and speeches.
A few miles south: of Mason &. Dixon's line, in
Cecil county, Maryland there is a little old fash
toned village called Zion whose people took PRIDE
in a grove Of chestnut, oak, hickory and mulberry
trees. The grove was =not.a public one. but ITS
proprietor was enjoined and consented during the
above mentioned political campaign Of 1856 for
the fillmore supporters 70 hold a mass meeting
there.
The. writer Of these lines was then a boy OF
about twelve -of age, but in the enthusiasm OF the
hour had his say in politics, and stood ready
and in waiting one September day e join a dele,
gallon bound for the Fillmore 8 Donaldson meet
,ng al Zion. After the lapse. Of As years and
looking backward. we remember the sPomP and
cirrcurnspect that. that greeted theSeyes Of astwelyes
Hyyeariyoll sd farm raised boy. We saw banners and
aaas flying andNheards.lou music ~ the brass
bsattd alltd sslesn, fatyon Al bench hear the talk
Rpanal baltimore iawylerv hiled