The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-15

ments, were the order OF the day ard
night. Seldom. of ever, has more interest
been manifested by the people But tue
one great event that makes this cam
paign memorable is that it was the occa-
sion for the first appearance of the torch-
bearing brigade
The torchlignt parade was the result
of bright thought on the part OF a
fen nolitical youths in Hartford, Conn.
In February, 1850, Cassils NJ. Clay visited
that city, and on that occasion. the orsani-
zat1on known as the Wide Awakcs inai-
gurated what has since become the most
popular feature of all campaigns II con-
sisted o. the adoption OF half-uniforms,
each member of the marching club carry
ing a torch, and the effect OF his innova-
ton proved to be exhiliratins to a degree
that can scarcely be appreciated at this
time.
After the first appearance of the Wide
Awakes in this way the idea spread all
over the country. and there was scarcely
a town or village OF Importance where
clubs Of Wide Awakes We're not formed.
and these torchbearers We're II he great
est demand at every political dsmonstra-
ton.
\ writer Of those days has left an ac-
count OF the first parade of the Hartford
Wide Awakes, and this gives some idea
of toe manner in which the unique feature
was received. He says:
The scene at this moment was one OF
great beauty and interest. The dark thun-
der cloud had passed eastward and was
ighted up occasionally by CLEANS of Eght-
ming, forming a little background to lne
scene. The streets We're crowded by shout
ing ana excited people; thousands of torch
cs made the line brilliant from one end TO
tie other. and the march was as steady as
that of regular infantry.
AS the line advanced. cheer afIer cheer
arose, bands played, cannons were nred
and artificial fireworks added beauty 10
the novel scene
Such was the first torchlI5ht parade re-
corded in history.
The uniform of the Wide Awakes in
1860 consisted of olcloth cape, a military
cap, and each member carried an ordia-
arv petroleum torch over mis- left shoulder
At first it was intended - have the capss
OF muslin, but as the torches were extreme
~ crude affairs the burning oil was con-
tinualIy dropping from them and TINS
would have quickly set fire to such finn
sv material as muslin. While the uniform
Of the private of the line was simple
enough that OF the officer was more Ella
borate, consisting Of an Inverness mantle.
an overcoat with cape of enamel cloth and
glazed hat.
The captain carried red lantern, and
the under officers green or blue lights
the tallest were supplied with very long
torches and were stationed at the extreme
right of the line.
1t is probable that we shall never know
the name OF the man in whose brain tais
idea first developed. and the fact is certain
" one to be regretted. for it would be
but just reward 10 him II his name could
be sent laundering down the ages in the
pa ges of history OF all the campaign inno-
vations, there have been none that have
been more spectacular or sensational
Nothing that has been responsible for so
much genuine enthusiasm
Ever since the night OF the first torch
light parade therefore, they have been
marked features of the presidential can
vass From time to time Improvements
have been made, more attractive illum-
nations have been selected or more ex-
pensive uniforms procured. but the parades
have been torchlight paradeS for all that.
and nothing can take from Hartford the
credit OF having invented and first produced
this novelty.