Semi-weekly herald., 1916-10-19

ceived his commission, took anew
his oath of allegience and assumed
command of brigade of Union SOL
diers, many of whom had joined the
ranks from their homes on the neigh
boring mountains.
Representative John w. Langley
had made preparations to care fol
the immense gathering of mountain,
neers. There was a great barbecue
in field on the edge of the village,
More than 5000 pounds of fresh
beef and mutton were ready with
their accomplishments of bread,
vegetables and coffee to feed the
great gathering. The whole affair
was one Of the most wonderfully
picturesque and humanity interesting
of any political campaign in history
In the mountains Of Eastern Ken
lucky Charles E. Hughes got close to
the people and they got close to him.
In a sense the affair was much like
family gathering. The people
pressed about the candidate, and he
went into the throng greeting them
Individually. Republicans have said
that there is a considerable stay al
home Republican vote in the noun
tains Of Kentucky. One cannot Won
der that some of the mountaineer5
have not heretofore gone to the
polls. In many instances they must
travel ten miles in order to reach the
polling place. In November the
roads are apt to be bad, and in order
to cast his ballot man must give
over at least two days work and un
dergo other sacrifices. This year
the interest has been so thoroughly
aroused by the visit Of Mr.. Hughes
and his human appeal to the peopll
that it is believed there will be n
stay at home voters in the mountain
Of Kentucky and that many hun
lreds of ballots will be added to the
voting strength of Republicanism in
Kentucky.
From Pikeyille MIR. Hughes train
went down the valley of the Big San
ly river to Prestonberg, a smal
village overlooking the great valley
Here there was another great gath
ring Of mountaineers. They ha
tethered their horses on the noun
ain sides and had descended to I'll
little valley plateau to greet the car
iidate. Whole families We're pres
mt; old men, old women, their chi
Iren and their grand children. The
old people and the children came il
wagons drawn by sturdy horses; til
young men came on horse back, o.
on mule back, riding side by side
with the elders and youngers of the
family.
When the candidate appeared o.
che stand in tine middle OF u great
field at Prestonberg, there was "a
mighty roar OF welcome. The sun
mad dispelled the mists from The
mountain tops and shone full
strength on the scene, lighting it up
with color. There was inspiration
acre for any speaker, and double in
spiration to so trained speaker as
Charles h. Hughes. The scenes at
Pikecille were re-enacted at Preston
oerg, and an hour and two hours lat
err at Paintsville and Louisa furth
Ell down the valley.
Western Republican Manager, AL
yin 7. lIert, and Representative in
Congress, John w. Langley, accom-
panied Mr.. Hughes on his trip thru
the mountain country. They were
both inspired to strong hope that the
Blue Grass State this year may be
counted in the Republican column.
The whole trip was successful from,
every possible point Of view. From
Louisa the train pulled on to Ash
and, KY, one of the thriving towns
Of kentucky. Cattletsburg is an ad
joining town, and it contributed its
thousands to the great audience
which greeted MIR. Hughes in the
public square at Ashland.
From Ashland Mr.. Hughes and his
party went westward to Louisville
| where there was a monster evening
meeting. kentucky responded its
hospitality, its interest, and later on
the high hope is that it may prove
its loyalty to the Republican prin
ciples of the day.
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| LOCAL AND PERSONAL