Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1906-04-17
DEMOCRATS OF FERGUS PAY TRI-
Butte TO MEMORY OF JEFFERSON
Enthusiastic Gathering OF The Faithful In Fraternity Hall Friday
Evening Fttiny Commemorated the Anniversary Birth
Of The Sage Of Monticello


county, met at Fraternity hall las Fri
day evening and fittingly celebrated
the anniversary of the birth of Thorn
as Jefferson. The meeting was not on
ly celebration of the birthday Of dem.
ocracys patron saint but it was also
demonstration of the growing
strength and of the confidence which
the members of the party have in the
ultimate and complete triumph of their
political organization in Fergus coun-
ty. The large attendance and the
spontaneous enthusiasm manifested
and the feeling of absolute harmony
shown throughout the meeting spoke
volumes for the success of the party
at the polls in the autumn election.
1t was glorious meeting, such a one,
in fact, as to make a democrat proud
of his political allegiance.
The meeting was called to order
about 8 o'clock by E. G. Worden, who
ma de very graceful address of well
come. Mr.. Worden limited himself to
ten minutes but in that time stirred
the meeting to enthusiasm by his
ringing words eulogistic of jefferson
and the principles for which he
stood. In conclusion, he introduced
John B. Ritch as master of ceremonies
and toastmaster extraordinary. John
pretended that it was his first appear
ance in the role but the manner in
which he performed the duty impos-
ed upon him would indicate that he
had done nothing much but postpran-
dial stunts the greater part of his
eventful career.
John started out auspiciously by tell
ing good story, followed with a few
eloquent sentiments. called forth by
the event which was being celebrated
and then introduced Hon. B. c. White
of Garneill as the first speaker of the
evening. AS a political orator, B. c.
White has few equals and no superb
ors in the state. He is always ready,
it matters not upon what occasion he
may be called, and was at his best
Friday evening. After few humor-
Gus remarks which ELECTED the great
est applause, he proceeded to casti-
gate to the republicans in style
which only he could command. The
republican, he characterized as the
party of monopoly, the democratic,
the party of the people. Mr.. White
was heartily applauded after every
telling point and was warmly con-
graduated after concluding his short
but eloquent address.
Hon. David Hilger was the next
speaker introduced. Mr. Hilger's SUBJ
ject was Legislative Experiences"
He spoke of the urgent necessity Of
sending to the state legislative as
sembly men of backbone and inde-
pendence. men incapable of being in
fuenced by any corporation or organ
ization other than that of his organ
lied constituency. Mr.. Hilger is rec
ognlzed as one of the leaders of the
party in the state of Montana and his
prediction that the party will win q
complete victory at the approaching
election was accepted with confidence
by all who heard him speak.
The third speaker introduced by
Chairman Ritch was the orator of the
evening, Hon. Austin c. Gormley of
Great Falls. Mr.. Gormley was greet
ed with the heartiest sort of a recep-
tion upon taking the floor. After a
few pleasantries at the expense of a
Gov nf hi fri-
he launched forth into one of the most
eloquent and inspiring political ad-
dresses ever heard in Lewistown. He
set out some of the cardinal principles
of Thomas Jefferson and showed how
these principles are to this day, the
foundation stones of the democratic
party. He drew some telling compare
sons between the tendencies of the two
parties of today. emphasizing the fact
that the republican party is the or
cratic party, the party of the demo-
cratic party. the party fthe democ.
racy In its truest sense. AS Mr..
Gormley proceeded, his eloSuence be-
came more fervid, his sledge- hammer
blows against the party of aggres ssion,
OF trust control and arrogant un-Am-
erlcanism became more telling and he
simply brought the crowd to their feet
as he closed with a magnificent eulogy
or the peerless leader of democracy,
William Jennings Bryan. Nothing
which has happened in many days has
done more to enthuse the democracy in
Fergus county than the superb speech
of Mr.. Gormley. When he sat down.
scores of loyal democrats from all
parts OF the room crowded forward and
warmly congratulated him.
A short recess was taken at the con.
clusion Of Mr.. Gormley's speech and
refreshments were served.
When the meeting was again called
to order Toastmaster Ritch introduce