Year: 1859




tacle worth the beholding. 1t was an immense
meeting: by far the largest of the present can
vass. The large platform on the neutral ground,
between Royal and Bourbon streets, was denseIy
crowded, and crowded all round filing the ground
for square, whilst the banqucttes were lined with
| crowds, including many ladies; the balconies and
windows of the ne.hborhood being also radiant
with life


The field was brilliantly Illuminated with station
afy lights, whilst the torches and lanterns of the
dlifefent Clubs added ruddy hue to the glare
winch illed the street This, with the numerous
hags, banners and detonatng fireworks, rendered
tle occasion brilliant and exciting enough. All
le American Climbs from the four Districts and
from Algicrs were present. The banners and mot
toes OF the Clubs we have heretofore described
ihere was one new and very conspicuous banner
on hand; that of the Fourth District Club. 1t
represented coied rattesnake, with the words.
g We give you fair warnng!''


We need not give any extended report of this
meeting; for we opine that of our readers
will care about reading long stories to-day.
Col Field called the meeting to order at the
proper time, and read the names of a great many
gentlemen as officers of the night which we are
obliged TO omit.


Mr.. Mazerean, before taking the chair, made
brief and spirited speech, particularly pertinent to
this the last meeting of the canvass.
Mr. Durant was the first regular speaker. His
speech was still different from his former speeches.
and displayed his exhaustless talent in dslng up
the politics Of the day Upon the mention of
Stephen A. Douglas, that gentleman was gallantly
cheered. He concluded with an assurance that he
would do his best to promote peace during Mon
days election, and that if the Opposition victory
should deprive one man of his vote shed one
drop OF blood, he would reject that victory with
Indignation and horror Mr.. Durant was much
cheered throughout his speech, and honored with
a rouser at the close.
Mr.. Blocker next addressed the meeting, in full
filment OF his promise previously given The pub
lie expectation was more than realized. He kept
his hearers in constant alienation of applause
and laughter. He spoke principally of the Slidell
Democracy, and the Independent American party,
and the candidates and leaders of those parties or
u,dt party. Colonel Marks of the PostOfice,
Henry c. Miller. Charley Dreux, and others, were
attended to for what they said at the Independent
meetings; the vein of these remarks being that Of
a acaustic humor. void of personal denunciation 1t
was capital speech, just suited to the occasion,
and was hugely reshed by all who We're lucky
enough to be within hearing of it. He concluded
with few spirited and eloquent observations in
regard to the Democratic taunt that the American
party is dissolved He predicted that the party
would not die till the sounding Of the last trump
by the Angel of the Apocalypse.


So great was the multitude that but portion
could get within hearing Of the loud voices Of
MeSsrs. Durant and Blocker. In consequence
those who couldn't get near the front assembled
at the back of the platform and called for speak
ing on that side. The call was answered by Col,
Field. Whilst Mr.. Durant was yet speaking, the
Colonel addressed great crowd from the opposite
side of the platform. He also dressed up the De.
mocratic orators Of the past week. and was in this
quite trenchant and humorous as Mr.. Blocker.
The spectacle offered that of speeches on each
side of a platform, was one we never saw in this
city before and the natural result of the great
extent of the multitude. .=..


Col. Field, on his side of platform was followed
by John Henderson, Jr., who reviewed present
issues and the corruptness of the National and
State administrations in his usual vigorous and
telling style.


When the last speech was finished the meeting
adjourned and the American Clubs consolidated
and marched off in procession, which was a pro-
cession. All the Clubs being out in full strength
the line was about eight squares long The display
of banners and lanterns never excelled in any
previous year, whilst the innumerable torches
borne by negroes gave to each street through
which the procession passed the appearance of
one long and intense blaze of fire. Music and
rockets were along in liberal instaments, and the
enthusiasm of the professionals, as may easily be
imagined, was at high pitch.


After parading the central and back portions of
the First and Second Districts the Clubs separated
with cheers and upraised hats, and took their
various ways home.


The only incident of the night calculated to mar
its harmony, was shooting affair at the corner of
| Canal street and Exchange Alley, the particulars
| of which are elsewhere reported.