'^||f||;y 
 
 
 
 
PROCEEDINGS AND FESTIVAL 
 
 ' OF 
 
 NATIVE PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATS 
 
 RESIDENT OF CINCINNATI. 
 
 mUBMitt 
 MEETING AT THE HAI^SSuSSl 
 
 OF THE MAY o l«Wy 
 
 DEMOCRATIC ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF CINCINNATI, October 25, 1856. 
 
 FESTIVAL AT THE VERANDAH 
 
 IN CINCINNATI, NOV. 25, 1856. 
 
 CINCINNATI : 
 
 TAGART & NEILSON, PRINTERS, 
 
 1857. 
 
PROCEEDINGS AND FESTIVAL 
 
 OF 
 
 NATIVE PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATS 
 
 RESIDENT OF CINCINNATI. 
 
 MEETING AT THE HALL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 DEMOCRATIC ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF CINCINNATI, October 25, 1856. 
 
 FESTIVAL AT THE VERANDAH 
 
 IN CINCINNATI, NOV. 25, 1866. 
 
 CINCINNATI: 
 TAGART & NEILSON, PRINTERS, 
 
 1857. 
 

 b 
 
 
PROCEEDINGS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MEETING AT THE HALL OF THE YOUNG MEN'S ^ y 
 
 NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF CINCINIVATS, October 25, 1856. 
 
 CALL FOR THE MEETING. 
 
 The undersigned, citizens of the City of Cincinnati, 
 whose place of nativity is that of the Old Keystone State, 
 Pennsylvania, deeming the present a suitable occasion to 
 give expression to their sentiments in honor of the glorious 
 victory achieved by the gallant and unflinching Democracy 
 of their native State, over the combined enemies of the 
 Constitution and the Union, respectfully invite all other 
 Pennsylvanians. residents of Cincinnati, to meet with them 
 at the Hall of the Young Men's National Democratic As- 
 sociation, corner of Walnut and Ninth Streets, on Saturday 
 Evening, October 25, 1856, at 7 o'clock, for the purpose of 
 taking such action as the meeting, when assembled, may 
 determine. 
 
 S. S. Mc Gibbons, 
 Charles Thomas, 
 Capt. Charles Ross, 
 E. Penrose Jones, 
 Capt. John C. Rodgers, 
 Capt. James Bugher, 
 Wm. Masson, 
 Henry Fries, 
 Wm. C. Barton, 
 Wm. Steel, 
 John Bugher, 
 John N. Ridgway, 
 Wm. Miller, 
 Andrew Giffin, 
 Wm. Rodgers, 
 
 Alexander Long, 
 George Fries, 
 Thos. M. Bodley, 
 C. S. Kaufman, 
 Henry Hanna, 
 EdAvard Brookfield, 
 Wm. G. Williams, 
 Samuel King, 
 L. J. Schell, 
 J. M. Hanson, 
 James Ashman, 
 John King, 
 James Patterson, 
 Edward Carlton, 
 R. M. Hays, 
 Jacob Jacobs. 
 
 C. J. W. Smith, 
 John Carlton, 
 
 C. W. Pomeroy, 
 Wm. Clendenin, 
 H. Dobler, 
 
 J. H. Getzendanner, 
 Peter Sprigman, 
 Wm. Hoon, 
 Geo. W. Palmer, 
 Wm. Mullen, 
 W. W. Guthrie, 
 
 D. T. Snelbaker, 
 Wm. Winter, 
 Joseph Steel, 
 Thomas Carlton, 
 
In pursuance of the above notice, a large number of na- 
 tive Pennsylvania Democrats, resident of Cincinnati, met 
 at the Hall of the Young Men's National Democratic Asso- 
 ciation in Cincinnati, on Saturday Evening, October 25th, 
 1856, for the purpose of giving expression in reference to 
 the great and glorious victory won by their brethren in the 
 old Keystone State, on the 14th inst., over the amalgamation 
 ticket presented by the Black Republicans and Northern 
 Know-No things. 
 
 The Meeting was called to order by the appointment of 
 Wm. Hoon, Chairman, and C. J. W. Smith, Secretary. 
 
 On motion of Dr. George Fries, a committee of seven 
 was appointed to report suitable resolutions for the consid- 
 eration of the meeting, consisting of: 
 
 Dr. George Fries, Alexander Long, Thomas J. Gallagher, 
 David Quinn, Jacob H. Getzendanner, Capt. Charles Ross 
 and David T. Snelbaker. 
 
 The Committee, after a short absence, reported the follow- 
 ing preamble and resolutions : 
 
 Whereas, It is ever becoming a generous people to bear 
 in memory the land of their birth, and carefully cherish the 
 recollection and celebrate the deeds of its noblest sons; and 
 whereas, we, citizens of Ohio and sons of Pennsylvania — that 
 key-stone of the arch of the United States — have, in this 
 fearful crisis in the political affairs of our country, most 
 abundant cause for rejoicing, not only that we are sons of 
 that proud and gallant Commonwealth, but because she now, 
 as on all previous occasions, stands forth the proud champion 
 of the Constitution and the Union, staying the tide of sec- 
 tional fanaticism and strangling the monster spirit of dis- 
 union in his den; and whereas, she again, in her recent 
 election, stood forth, proclaiming to her sister States, from 
 the highest peak of her towering AUeghenies, that "the 
 Union must and shall be preserved ;" therefore, be it 
 
Resolved, That as Pennsylvanians, born upon the soil 
 from which the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, 
 and upon which the Constitution of the United States was 
 formed, although separated from the glorious old Common- 
 wealth, and constituting a portion of the citizens of the State 
 next in importance in the confederation, we have watched 
 with intense interest the great battle just fought in defense 
 of the Constitution and the Union by her indomitable 
 Democracy; and it is impossible for language to convey the 
 profound gratitude we entertain for our friends, who by their 
 united efforts in the open field, have v/on a signal and 
 glorious victory over the combined enemies of TJemocratic 
 principles. 
 
 Resolved, That as citizens of Ohio, we tender our heartfelt 
 thanks to the heroic Democracy of our native State for their 
 recent demonstration of devotion to the principles of the 
 National Democracy, their sacred regard for the union of 
 the States and the rights of the States, and especially for 
 the gallant manner in which they have triumphed over the 
 enemies of those sacred principles. 
 
 Resolved, That though we no longer breathe the air of 
 our native Pennsylvania, though one equally pure in the land 
 of our adoption, we assure her noble citizens that they are 
 not forgotten; that we will ever cherish in fondest memory 
 her great name, her noble deeds and patriotic citizens, and 
 that we will exert all honorable means to elevate to the 
 Chief Executive office of the Union, her favorite son, the 
 Hon. James Buchanan, confident that his election will add 
 to the power and dignity of the Republic, both at home and 
 abroad, and insure peace and stability to all our most sacred 
 and cherished institutions- 
 
 The reading of the preamble and resolutions was greeted 
 with frequent cheers and applause, and 
 
 On motion of Dr. Wm. Clendenin, adopted by acclamation. 
 
Thos. J. Gallagher, Esq., was then called upon to address 
 the meeting, and responded as follows: 
 
 Mr. President : — We meet here to-night as natives of Pennsylvania, 
 citizens of Ohio and National Democrats, to congratulate each other, 
 and to send kindly and fraternal greeting to our gallant Democratic 
 brethren at home, on the triumph of national principles at the election 
 on the fourteenth of this month. Ours to-night is no prescriptive 
 nativeism, but is that proper and enduring love of native land of which 
 's born true patriotism. While our lives and fortunes are with the 
 future of Ohio and the Great West, we may be permitted to indulge 
 in a meeting like this in proud memories of our native State. From 
 Lake Erie to the Schuylkill, on her lofty mountain peaks and in her 
 fertile valleys, everywhere are marks and memories of her Revolu- 
 tionary glory. While our land's language is spoken Valley Forge will 
 be a point in history, and heroes who found shelter there under the 
 shadow of the mountains will be forgotten, when it ceases to be sacred 
 ground to the lovers of true republican liberty throughout the world. 
 We have just right to feel proud of the historic position of our native 
 State. Who can enumerate the glories that cluster round Inde- 
 pendence Hall without feeling a peculiar satisfaction in saying, "I, 
 too, am a Pennsylvanian !" I need hardly mention to this meeting 
 that in it was first read the Declaration of Independence, the Consti- 
 tution of the United States, and that from its tower the "old State- 
 house bell" gave jubilant tone and token that constitutional liberty 
 was born to the world and the "Old Thirteen." 
 
 But, with these historic glories of our native State, there comes to us 
 to-night other thoughts — the bright memories of youth crowd thick 
 and fast upon us — our childhood's happy homes are pictured upon the 
 horizon of our past years, and rise before us as vivid and real as the 
 first dreams of manhood. 
 
 The old homestead and its surroundings. The voices of its hearth- 
 stone have their echo in our hearts to-night — those voices, alas! how 
 many of them are silent forever. The old roof-tree can never again 
 give shelter to those whose bones rest under the green sod of the West, 
 or bleach, it may be, upon the battle-fields of Mexico. I might detain 
 you far beyond the proper limit of time here to-night, in these kind- 
 ling and expanding recollections. But, I turn to the main object of 
 our meeting, congratulation and rejoicing, as Democrats, with a per- 
 misable pride as Pennsylvanians, that our triumphant banner is upheld 
 in the firm and steady grasp of the favorite son of the Commonwealth 
 
whose life of greatness will be crowned by tlie highest honor in the 
 nation's gift. (Cheers and great enthusiasm.) 
 
 We are jubilant and shouting now, that we can almost reach to the 
 coming triumph of our party at the approaching election. We cannot 
 forget, if we Avould, the heartfelt anxiety which was with all true men 
 as to the late result in our native State. The vain glorious and per- 
 sistent givings out of our sectional antagonists, had worn down to the 
 fears of all who love and cherish our National Union, until all parties 
 looked to the October Election in Pennsylvania, to settle the result in 
 November. Years may come and go, but I can never cease to remem- 
 ber my own sensations during the day of the election, I felt the deepest 
 conviction that if the Democratic Standard fell in the fight, that all 
 would be lost, save honor — that "States discordant and belligerant," 
 would shortly marshall against each other in fratricidal war, that our 
 fertile fields would be trampled by angry and contending forces. It 
 was therefore, that on the morning after the election I opened the 
 newspaper with a trembling and hesitating hand. I was afraid to look 
 at the result; and when my eyes rested on the long line of Democratic 
 victories in Pennsylvania, I could find no other utterance than, Qod. 
 Hess the old Commonwealth. 
 
 ( The speaker was here interrupted by the greatest excitement, the 
 entire meeting rising and cheering for some minutes.) 
 
 Mr. Gallagher resuming, said: If ever pride of mere place of birth 
 was worthy of paramount feeling, Pennsylvania Democrats every 
 where, might be permitted to cherish it at such a time, and under 
 such circumstances. Our State has proved herself indeed to be the 
 Keystone of the Federal Arch, which now, as a bow of promise spans 
 the permanent Union of the Confederate States. It is fitting therefore, 
 that we as Democrats and Pennsylvanians, should give significant and 
 permanent expression to our fullest appreciation of the great and 
 happy result, and whilst we disclaim all sectional sentiment, we can 
 with proper pride and patriotism so celebrate it as to command the 
 good feeling and co-operation of National Democrats throughout the 
 whole Union. Let us in this spirit take action and arouse to emula- 
 tion the National Democracy, of not only our adopted State Ohio, but 
 all the sister States. Let us meet together around the festive board, 
 holding ourselves as hosts, giving hearty welcome and cordial greeting 
 to our brother Democrats, without regard to birth or locality, as our 
 honored guests, and we shall thus make the occasion memorable, and 
 worthy the glorious old Commonwealth, within whose bosom repose 
 the graves of our generations. 
 
8 
 
 At the conclusion of Mr. Gallagher's speech, A. LoNOy 
 Esq. was called upon to address the meeting, but asked to 
 be excused, and suggested the name of David Quinn, Esq., 
 who on taking the stand, said: 
 
 Mr. President: — For twenty years it has been my fortune to have 
 been a resident of the Western States, and in that time, have seen 
 meetings and associations of the natives of almost every State of the 
 Confederacy, and of almost every Kingdom of the Old World. But 
 this is the first opportunity I have ever had of paying my respects to 
 my native land. How, then, can I do less than cherish the occasion, 
 particularly, when it comes, as it now does, with my native County 
 covered all over with new honors. 
 
 We all love the land of our childhood, and however thrown around 
 the world, on the wings of fond memory, we again and again return 
 to its sequestered shades — retrace its winding paths — re-wade its gur- 
 gling streams — re-follow its blue summits in the distance, and in fond 
 imagination, again stand upon its towering cliffs overlooking the farm- 
 covered valleys that spread out far and wide below. The cause of 
 that land is always our cause. We mourn when it mourns, and re- 
 joice when it rejoices. Its fullness of heart is our fullness. Let us, 
 then, rejoice now; and let us rejoice, not only in the success of our 
 Democratic cause, nor alone in Pennsylvania's greatness; but, because 
 by this, her last act of fidelity to the Union, she has proved herself to 
 be the same Pennsylvania she was three-quarters of a century ago, — 
 when from her State-House dome pealed the first notes of American 
 Freedom. 
 
 She has now twice saved the Republic. In its infancy, she rolled 
 back the tide of war, and revived the drooping hopes of the Colonial 
 cause. Now, she has rolled back the tide of fanaticism that poured 
 down furiously upon her and threatened to engulph the Union. 
 
 We hold all American citizens to be our peers in the nation, nor 
 would we disparage any; but in Pennsylvania's inflexibility, we can- 
 not do less than rejoice. We have clung to her history and her honor 
 as a child clings to its mother, and have now twice seen her the last 
 resort of the whole Republic. 
 
 When thick clouds o'erhung the Colonial horizon, and British bay- 
 onets had forced their way to the banks of the Delaware, Pennsylva- 
 nia still remained un conquered and unconquerable, and amid the sur- 
 prise of Trenton, driving through frost and snow, went up the shouts 
 
■of her victorious sons. Upo^ the points of her bayonets turned the 
 tide of war. 
 
 When driven from Brandywine by overpowering numbers, her in- 
 domitable sons again rallied at Germantown, and as her hills and val- 
 leys poured forth their hardy warriors, her fallen city became restless 
 under the feet of its conquerors, and like the o'erburdened elephant, 
 shook the incumbent load. All around it thickened the force of Amer- 
 ican arms, Avhich soon taught a British commander "that he had come 
 among a people who grew stronger in defeat." No soldier hostile to 
 the Republic ever stood at ease on Pennsylvania soil; for although her 
 metropolis had apparently fallen to a conqueror, in the quaint lan- 
 guage of her Franklin, "Philadelphia had then taken Lord Howe." 
 
 With such a history every Pennsylvania heart must swell to its ful- 
 lest measure. And now, when she is again made the battle-field of 
 our National existence, and when her favorite son bears the stripes 
 and stars of Union at the head of the great Democratic column, 
 dashing on amid the thickest of the battle^ when the Union wavers 
 in the balance; when every eye is fixed on Pennsylvania, and when 
 every ear in breathless silence, waits to catch the first tidings of the 
 fierce struggle that reges o'er all her land — Oh! how our hearts leap; 
 for how could they do less than leap within us, when our own native 
 mountains, amid the smoke and fire of the battle, thunder forth the 
 glorious intelligence, that all is well; that the Union is safe, and that 
 not one Star has been dashed from the American Banner. 
 
 Alexander Long, Esq., was again called for at the con- 
 clusion of Mr. Quinn's speech, and after much reluctance, 
 took the stand and said: 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen: I had hoped to be excused from at- 
 tempting to make a speech to-night, for the reason, that I am quite 
 confident I cannot do justice to the occasion; but, if I ever felt proud 
 of my native State, proud of the soil, which was also the birth-place 
 of my father and my grandfather, it is to-night. Standing here, as 
 I do, surrounded by so many of the native sons of the old Common- 
 wealth, met as citizens of Ohio, for the purpose of rejoicing over the 
 glorious victory so nobly won by our fathers, brothers, kinsmen and 
 co-laborers in the great cause of Democratic equality at home, over 
 the combined enemies of the Constitution and the Union. 
 
 Althougb we have met together to rejoice over the recent triumph 
 of the gallant and unflinching Democracy of our native State, the 
 eccasion is such, as naturally causes the mind to revert back to the 
 
10 
 
 scenes of childhood, and bring vividly to view many early recollec- 
 tions of youth, and "while each one may review his own history and 
 congratulate himself upon his good fortune in this fertile valley and 
 Queen City of the West, no man among you all, has greater reason 
 to return thanks to a kind Providence and grateful acknowledgement 
 to warm friends, than myself. Twenty years ago, when a beardless 
 youth, with little experience and less cash, I left the place of my na- 
 tivity and the home of my friends — that familiar old farm-house, situ- 
 ated near the clear gurgling stream in the wide-spreading valley, 
 overlooked by the high towering cliffs and romantic scenery peculiar 
 to Pennsylvania, and which the gentleman who preceded me, so elo- 
 quently described. Never has that departure, and the thrilling inci- 
 dents connected therewith, passed more rapidly in review before my 
 mind, than since my arrival in this Hall to-night. Although twenty 
 years have since gone by, and I have passed from a beardless youth 
 to middle manhood, it appears but as yesterday, so distinct in the 
 memory is the recollection of the incidents thereof. On arriving in 
 this County, it was my good fortune to meet with one of those Old 
 Berks County farmers, who had settled in the Miami Valley many 
 years before, and commencing to work upon his farm with a cash 
 capital reduced to Sixty-two Cents, I continued to work by the month 
 for two years and a half, when I had accumulated the hard earned 
 sum of three hundred and thirty-five dollars, which I afterwards ex- 
 pended in continuing my education at the Farmer's College, then Ga- 
 ry's Academy. Two years after, I commenced the study of the Law 
 with the gentleman who has so eloquently addressed you to-night, 
 (Mr. Gallagher,) and to whose counsel and encouragement I am un- 
 der many obligations for my profession. To be a Democrat in poli- 
 tics, and to sympathize with the laboring masses, who make up the 
 great body of the Democratic party, was to me as natural, as to love 
 and venerate that old father and mother from whom I received my 
 first impressions, and who still live at the old farm-house, amid the 
 sceneries of youth, in my native State. Sir: it is as natural for man 
 to love and hold in fond remembrance the home of his childhood, 
 when separated in after years from it, as it is for him to love and cher- 
 ish "fond recollections" of the father and mother who continue to 
 dwell therein, and he is no less a patriot, because he holds in grateful 
 remembrance, the one, than the other. True patriotism does not re- 
 quire a man to forget, either the graves and memory of his ancestors, 
 or the home and scenes of his youth, to be attached to the State or 
 Government of his adoption; but on the contrary, his attachment to 
 
II 
 
 the latter will be increased, in proportion to the veneration he has for 
 the former. 
 
 During the last month, it was my good fortune to revisit those ear- 
 ly scenes of youth, and to look again upon the old oak trees, the lofiy 
 pines, the clear pebbled brooks, the wide-spreading valley, the mead- 
 ows, the cliffs, the orchard, the farm-house and barn, all associated 
 with my school-boy days and indelibly impressed upon my memory, 
 and to behold the familiar countenances of my old father and mother, 
 in a Democratic meeting of the citizens of my native town, which I 
 was invited to address, and while I am unwilling to concede to any 
 one, greater respect and veneration for parents, fonder attachment to 
 the familiar objects of youth, and pride for the character of the old 
 Commonwealth, than myself, the effect of all was only to increase my 
 attachment more firmly to the State of my adoption. 
 
 But, Mr. President, we have met to-night, not so much to talk 
 about the past, which we all seem incHned to do, as to rejoice over the 
 recent victory which illuminates the future and foreshadows security 
 to the Constitution, prosperity to the country, and permanency to the 
 Union. Sir: since the formation of the Repubhc, during the many 
 exciting political campaigns through which the country has passed, 
 never before was there so much interest manifest in a single State 
 election, as that of Pennsylvania on the fourteenth. All eyes were 
 anxiously turned to the Old Keystone, as the great battle-ground, 
 which was to decide the result of the campaign, and most nobly has 
 she done it. The heart of every true son of Pennsylvania swelled 
 with gratitude, as the lightning flashed along the wires, announcing 
 the glorious intelligence, that the enemies of our free institutions and 
 of the right of the people to govern themselves, had been routed and 
 defeated upon the sacred soil from which the Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence was proclaimed, and upon which, the Constitution of the Uni- 
 ted States was adopted. 
 
 Pennsylvania has proved herself in the great struggle through 
 which she has just passed, to be, not only devoted to the principles of 
 the Constitution and the Union, but, that she stands as a great and 
 mighty barrier, against which the waves of sectionalism and fanati- 
 cism may dash in vain. While the patriotic heart of every true Dem- 
 ocrat throughout the Union hoped that she would stand firm in the 
 midst of the terrible responsibility imposed upon her, she has pre- 
 served a noble moderation and inexorable firmness. She has repelled 
 from her borders the men from Ohio, New York and Massachusetts, 
 
12 
 
 who were sent among her population, as hired emissaries with foreign; 
 gold, to corrupt and deceive them. 
 
 Sir: never since the organization of the Democratic party to the 
 present day, through the long period which it has passed, and the ma- 
 ny hard fought battles in Avhich it has engaged, contending always, 
 as it has, for the great principles of equahty upon which our institu- 
 tions are based — the equality of the citizens, and the equality of the 
 States; the progressive and liberal ideas, which, under a succession 
 of Democratic administrations, in the acquisition of territory, the vin- 
 dication of our National honor, the maintenance of the Constitution, 
 with all its compromises, and a sacred regard for the rights of the cit- 
 izens of all the States, which has made our country, in all the ele- 
 ments of greatness as a Nation, superior to that of any other on the- 
 face of the earth; — through all these struggles against the opposition, 
 in that long career which the Democratic party has passed, and in all 
 of which, Pennsylvania has acted a most conspicuous part. — Never, 
 sir, throuffh that whole career of brilliant achievements did the Old 
 Commonwealth occupy a prouder, more dignified, or commanding 
 position than she does at this time. She has, amidst all the opposition 
 that was brought against her, maintained the right of the citizens,, 
 either in the State or Territory, to regulate their own domestic insti- 
 tutions in their own Avay. She has rebuked sectionalism, fanaticism 
 and Know-Nothingism. She has sustained, endorsed, supported and 
 upheld her own "favorite son," James Buchanan, where he was 
 born, where he was raised, and where he has lived a life of signal pu- 
 rity and patriotism; and, Sir, well might the gentleman, Mr. Galla- 
 gher, on opening the newspaper, on the morning after the election, and 
 beholding the Democratic majority she had rolled up, exclaim, '^God 
 bless the Old Commonwealth!" 
 
 Dr. George Fries, was next called for and spoke sub- 
 stantially as follows: 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen: Having had the honor to present 
 the Resolutions of your Committee, I hoped that the performance of 
 that task would exempt me from being called upon to address you on 
 this occasion. This I had a right to expect, because all who heard 
 the reading of them, will doubtless, know how difficult it will be for 
 me to add, by anything I may now be able to say, to their force. 
 There are but few persons, however, who do not find it a pleasing. 
 theme to speak of their native land. I know of no trait in human 
 character which would afford evidence more conclusive of utter de- 
 
13 
 
 gravity, than an absence of veneration of tlieir land of nativity. I 
 know that no Pennsylvanian will ever forget to greatfully remember 
 this gallant Commonweath. 
 
 In looking, at this time, to the exalted position occupied by our 
 native State — to the gallant achievement of her noble sons in the late 
 election, and to the consequences — preservative of the Constitution and 
 the Union — which will result from the victory won by her indomitable 
 Democracy, who would not be proud to declare that "I am a son of 
 the Keystone State." Our enemy had selected her soil as the battle- 
 field, on which to decide the conflict which so unhappily disturbs this- 
 once powerful brotherhood of States. We have reason, gentlemen, for 
 thanking them for the selection thus made. Upon no other field in 
 this Union could they have found a more gallant and indomitable foe. 
 Desperate, indeed, was their onslaught; terrific Avere the various en- 
 gines brought in requisition. Every State north of Mason & Dixon's 
 line, had contributed to swell the enemies line. They marched their 
 forces to the field with form erect, with their excited brains as full of 
 confidence in their success, as their hearts were full of treason to the 
 Union. Thank Heaven, they soon found that an army of such hetero- 
 geneous material as composed theirs, could not resist the charge of 
 the regular troops of the Democracy, when battling for the richest 
 heritage which God had ever vouch-safed to man. One united charge,, 
 and the assailants of the Constitution lay prostrate at the feet of our 
 friends. One more charge, Gentlemen, all along the line from Maine 
 to Georgia, and from the Lakes to Balize, then will the proud Flag of 
 the Union wave triumphantly over every enemy throughout this- 
 glorious Eepubiic. 
 
 Sir: In my judgment, the victory is already ours. The resistless 
 power in the Keystone, has stricken terror to the heart of our foe, and- 
 now needs only one more effort — well directed — to complete a victory, 
 which I hope, will restore peaceful relations between the sister States- 
 of the Union. 
 
 Let me not be understood, Gentlemen, as predicting such a glorious- 
 result, without a careful, well directed, and persistent effort till the- 
 end of the present political contest. Let us not forget that many 2.» 
 field has been lost, by the neglect of proper precautionary measures,, 
 well directed, and persevered in till the victory was complete. Allow 
 me to say, that the present is no time for grounding our arms. Let us~ 
 work on, work ever — by day and by night — in public and in private,. 
 on the rostmm, and at the fireside of our neighbors, until every note- 
 of the enemies bugle is drowned by one universal shout of victory fromi 
 
14 
 
 the Democracy of the whole Union. Let our watchword be, "on — on 
 to victory." Let the example of our heroic brethren of Pennsylvania 
 be carefully imitated, and then may we not confidently hope to restore 
 the State of our adoption once more to the fold where she properly 
 belongs? And here allow me to say, that, whilst we are celebrating' 
 the late victory of those we left behind us, in the State of our nativitv, 
 and whilst we exhibit in a becoming manner, I trust, the fact that, the 
 recollection of our native land, and her people are cherished in fondest 
 memory, we cannot be unmindful of what is due to the land of our 
 adoption, the great State of Ohio. Here is now our abiding place — 
 here our home — here our interest: The honor of the State is vested, 
 in part, in our hands. And whilst it becomes our duty to look well to 
 all those great interests which give power and dignity to it, we must 
 not fail to remember that these cannot be mentioned so as to command 
 the respect of our sister States, without guarding and preserving 
 untarnished the political honor of our State. So long as the political 
 power of Ohio is in the hands of those who countenance and encourage 
 the invasion of the rights of other States, we cannot expect to be 
 regarded by them as either friendly or honorable neighbors. I am 
 sorry to know, Sir, that the character of our citizens at large has 
 suflered in reputation among our sister States, in consequence of 
 improper interference with their rights, by a few misguided, or evil 
 disposed fanatics among us. A lawless spirit has been inaugurated by 
 our political enemies, the crushing out of which is essential to the 
 restoration of our once good name, and honorable position in this great 
 family of States. I know, Gentlemen, that you will cheerfully aid in 
 this great work. I am confident that every Democrat in Ohio, Avill 
 aid in a work so honorable, and none more ardently than the noble 
 Democracy of Old Hamilton. Once more then, to the breach. Once 
 more charge the enemies of the Union and the Constitution. Once 
 more let us place our gallant Commonwealth where she naturally 
 belongs, side by side, the equal in honor, dignity and devotion to 
 Democracy, of the chivalric Old Keystone, the land of our Father's, 
 the laud of our birth. 
 
 Jacob H. Getzendanner, Esq., next addressed the meet- 
 ing, and said: 
 
 We have met, Mr. Chairman, as has been stated, for the purpose of 
 considering the propriety of giving expression to our joy, for the no- 
 ble and patriotic stand taken, and triumphantly sustained, by our 
 mother, the good Old Keystone, in the arch of freedom's sisterhood. 
 
15 
 
 in her late State election; and I assure you, Mr. Chairman, that 
 it affords me much pleasure, as one of ber sons, thouo-h born 
 on her western border, in yielding a hearty and cheerful concur- 
 rence to all that has been said by those who have preceded me this 
 evening. She has, indeed, on the occasions referred to, vindicated 
 and fully maintained her high position as the Keystone of the arch of 
 this confederacy. Had she proved faithless to her ancient, time-tried, 
 and time-honored principles, that political monster, called sectional- 
 ism, would by its success, have sown ere this, the seed of, and reared 
 to incurable proportions, the Upas of disunion; but thanks to the pa- 
 triotism of her sons, who could not be frightened or seduced from 
 their filial duty and devotion; who would not turn deaf ears, closed 
 eyes, and unfeeling hearts, to her matrons and maids, and who could 
 not, nay, would not, be learned to look with indifference upon the one, 
 or made to lack the high-souled affections, which liberty alone beo-ets 
 for the other. 
 
 Shall we not, then, Fellow-Democrats, celebrate on as early a day 
 as possible, this, the latest, yet the best of all our good old mother's 
 victories; — victories that have reflected honor upon the Democracy of 
 the country, and given an unmistakeable negative to the fondly cherish- 
 ed hopes and predictions of the enemies of our beloved Union at home 
 and abroad. With what pride cannot we reflect upon, and our chil- 
 dren's children, in reading the history of the present campaio-n, 
 point to the State of lofty mountains, whose towerino- peaks catch 
 
 the first beams of the rising, and the last of the settino- sun, 
 
 the State of broad majestic rivers, whose shores variegated with prom- 
 ontories and plains, challenge the pencil of the painter; whose fertile 
 fields dotted with the herds of her hardy sons, and whose rich and 
 lovely valleys, intersected with beautiful and healthful streams, mar- 
 gined with flowers of every hue, as the State where the great battle 
 of patriotism was fought and by the true sons of freedom won. A 
 State indeed she is, which like the land of Tell, distils, and from her 
 mountain tops scatters the inspiration that moves the hearts, and 
 nerves the arms of her sons in freedom's cause — that paints, with her 
 pure air and bright sun, her daughters' cheeks with the rose and lily, 
 and fills their woman hearts with love and affection for only such as 
 honor their Avhole Country. 
 
 I feel, Mr. Chairman, that the banquet spoken of this nio-ht, will 
 take place, because, the spirit in which it has commenced gives assu- 
 rance of that result; when the Democracy then assembled, in the ex- 
 uberance of their exultation, will pay a fitting tribute to the State, 
 
16 
 
 t"or wliicl we this night feel so much, so just Democratic pride; and cm 
 which occasion too, her favorite son, James Buchanan, the choice of a 
 nation of Freemen for the highest position on earth, a man whose 
 life thus far, has been devoted to his country's good, imcorrupted and 
 incorruptible; will, with the noble and high minded Breckinridge, re- 
 ceive, as they so richly merit, the encomiums of the warm hearts and 
 generous impulses of the Democracy then and there gathered together. 
 
 On motion of S. S. McGibbons, the following Committee 
 was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for a 
 Grand Supper; the time and place to be fixed by the Com- 
 mittee, to wit: 
 
 S. S. McGibbons, Alexander Long, T. J. Gallagher, Jas. 
 H. Walker and Jesse M. Spark. 
 
 On motion of T. J. Gallagher, Esq., the following gen- 
 tlemen were appointed a Committee on invitation, viz: 
 
 T. J. Gallagher, Dr. George Fries and Dr. Wm. Clen- 
 
 DENIN. 
 
 The meeting then adjourned with three cheers for Buch- 
 anan, Breckinridge and the old Keystone State, 
 
FESTIVAL AT THE VERANDAH 
 
 IN CINCINNATI, NOV. 25, 185G. 
 
 In pursuance of the arrangements made by the native 
 Pennsylvania Democrats^ resident of Cincinnati, at their 
 meeting at the Hall of the Young Men's National Demo- 
 eratic Association, on the 25th of October, 185G, the Com- 
 mittee appointed to make the necessary arrangements for a 
 G-rand Festival and Jubilee, in honor of the great Demo- 
 cratic triumph, which places in the Presidential Chair, the 
 "favorite son" of their native State, fixed on the Evening 
 of the 25th of November, 1856, at the Verandah, as the 
 time and place for the re-union. The Committee, at the 
 same time, reported the following list of Pennsylvania 
 Democrats residing in Cincinnati, with the name of the' 
 County in which they were born respectively. 
 
 FROM ADAMS COUNTY, PA. 
 Edward Carlton, Andrew Giffin, Andrew A. Eyster. 
 
 FROM ALLEGHANY COUNTY. 
 Wm. Masson, J. M. Hanson, W. W, Guthrie, 
 
 Henry P. Bowman, Capt. John Biigher, Capt. James Bughep> 
 James Patterson. 
 
 FROM BEDFORD COUNTY. 
 Samuel S. McGibbons,- Charles J. W. Smith. 
 
 FROM BERKS COUNTY. 
 Dr. George Fries, Henry Fries, Samuel McHenry*,, 
 
 Benjamin Snowlield, John D. Jones. 
 
 FROM CAMBRIA COUNTY. 
 
 Thomas J. Gallaaher. 
 3 
 
FROM CRAWFORD COUNTY. 
 Joel C. Green, Kobert Buchanan. 
 
 FROM CHESTER COUNTY. 
 Thomas M. Bodley, Samuel King, John King, 
 
 Charles Lyle, David M. Bell, P. B. Umsted, 
 
 P. P. Bodley, Daniel Gans, Joseph Walter, 
 
 James H. Goodin, Dr. A. H. Baker. 
 
 FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 Dr. Wm. Clendenin, William Hoon, John McLaughlin, 
 
 Abraham Longnecker, A. J. Emminger, Robert B. Carothers, 
 James H. Carothers. 
 
 FROM COLUMBIA COUNTY. 
 
 Joseph Steel. 
 
 FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY. 
 Charles W. Pomeroy, William Winter. 
 
 FROM FAYETTE COUNTY. 
 Jacob H. Getzendanner, Wm. E. Keeler, 
 
 FROM GREENE COUNTY. 
 Brice Worley. 
 
 FROM HUNTINGDON COUNTY. 
 Patrick Carothers. 
 
 FROM INDIANA COUNTY. 
 John W. Carlton, Thomas Carlton, Wm. G. Williams. 
 
 FROM LEBANON COUNTY. 
 Henry Dobler. 
 
 FROM LANCASTER COUNTY. 
 Dr. C. S. Kaufman, George W. Tagart, Joshua Jones, 
 Benjamin Kline, Henry Tagart, Peter A. Sprigman. 
 
 FROM LYCOMING COUNTY. 
 George Crawford, Eobert Crawford. 
 
 FROM MERCER COUNTY. 
 Alexander Long. 
 
 FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 
 Charles W. West, Mahlon H. Medary. 
 
 FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 David Quinn. 
 
19 
 
 Charles Thomas, 
 Geome W. Pahner, 
 Jesse M. Sparks, 
 John G. Jones, 
 James Slevin, 
 Wm. Miller, 
 Adam Keck, 
 Dr. Jas. T. Brown, 
 John E. Bell, 
 Edward V. Brookfield, 
 Wm. Mullen, 
 Edwin R. Hall, 
 James Erwin, 
 Job Schinn, 
 
 FROM PHILADELPHIA, 
 E. Penrose Jones, 
 John N. Ridgway, 
 Jacob David, 
 John Slevin, 
 Dr. J. J. Quinn, 
 George Martin, 
 William Keck, 
 Wm. R. Brown, 
 Leonard Woodruff, 
 J. W. Walker, 
 James Ashman, 
 Chas. Aug. Smith, 
 Judge James Hall, 
 Amos Schinn, 
 
 PA. 
 
 Lewis J. Schell, 
 Isaac E. Heckenberg, 
 
 John F. Slevin, 
 Wm. Roney, 
 John A. Wiseman, 
 James Craig, 
 Henry Shafer, 
 John Herschberg, 
 Henry Shaffer, 
 Rev. E. T. Collins, 
 Henry H. Martin, 
 Jesse Owen, 
 B. Waxier. 
 
 FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 Capt. John C. Rodgers, Wm. H, Rodgers, Wm. M. Robb, 
 
 Robert F. Rodgers, 
 
 William White, 
 Alfred Buchanan. 
 
 FROM WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 Anthony White, 
 
 Capt. Charles Ross, 
 
 FROM 
 
 David T. Hoke, 
 William Steele, 
 
 J. S. Benson. 
 
 WESTMORELAND 
 
 John Hoke, 
 Dr. Wm. Mount, 
 John Brown. 
 
 COUNTY. 
 
 Daniel W. Long, 
 Noah Speer, 
 
 D. H. Shaffer, 
 
 Rev. Geo. W. Maley, 
 
 FROM YORK COUNTY. 
 Wm. C. Barton, R. M. Hayes, 
 
 Thomas Davis, 
 Samuel Arthurs. 
 
 Benjamin Jones, 
 
 At an early hour on the evening of the 25th, the princi- 
 pal part of the gentlemen above named, and their guests from 
 abroad, together with a large number of the leading Dem- 
 ocrats of Cincinnati, met at the Verandah, and congratula- 
 ted each other generally upon the result of the campaign. 
 The Officers of the evening were, Judge James Hall, Presi- 
 dent, C. J. W. Smith, Wm. IIoon, Robert Crawford, Peter 
 A. Sprigman and Daniel Gans, Vice Presidents aided by Tho. 
 
20 
 
 J. Gallagher, Dr. Geo. Fries and Dr. Wm. Olendenin as a 
 Special Committee on invitations. 
 
 At nine o'clock the company sat down to one of the 
 most sumptuous Suppers ever prepared by that far-famed 
 host. Mr. Henry Alms. 
 
 After the cloths were removed, the following Letters were 
 read by the President, in response to the invitations extend- 
 ed by the Committee: 
 
 New York, November 22, 1856. 
 
 Gentlemen: — It would give me great pleasure to attend the celebra- 
 tion at Cincinnati, by the citizens of Ohio who are natives of Pennsyl- 
 vania, of the great victory in that Stat«, but my engagements here, 
 forbid. Never did the patriotism and intelligence of the sturdy old 
 Central Commonwealth come up more grandly thaa now. 
 
 The tremendous exertions made by a combination of unbounded 
 means and unbounded recklessness, to carry Pennsylvania for Fremont 
 in October, I had full opportunity to observe. Its success would have 
 pierced the Democratic center, and must have overwhelmed our for- 
 ces. The disastrous result in Maine bore with crushing weight on the 
 October elections, and united in your native State all the elements of 
 opposition to the Democracy in one desperate effort. 
 
 In Ohio and Indiana this union was not so perfect, and yet in those 
 .States the Democracy covered themselves with honor in the campaign. 
 But the gigantic effort to prostrate and to maintain in the Keystone of 
 our Federal Arch — the struggle and the victory, with all its glorious 
 oonsequences — are well worthy of the special commendation you pro- 
 pose, and i regret that I cannot be with you. 
 
 Truly yours, 
 
 J. VAN BUREN. 
 
 To Messrs. Gallagher, Fries and Clendenin. 
 
 Mayor's Office, New York, Nov. 18, 1856. 
 Oentlemen: — It would give me pleasure to unite with you in celebra- 
 iing the recent triumphs of the Democratic party, but official duties 
 will prevent my absence from this city at that time. Being myself a 
 Pennsylvanian by birth, I can the more readily sympathize with you up- 
 on this interesting occasion. Well may we be proud of the honor 
 conferred upon the Commonwealth of our nativity in making it the 
 •"Keystone" of this glorious result. As the union of the States, and 
 
2i 
 
 the continufd cxistein^e of the Democratic part}' has been saved by the 
 fidelity of Pennsylvania to the Constitution in this crisis, so has she 
 furnished, in ray opinion, the only man whose name could have pro- 
 duced the happy termination of the contest. Allow me to propose the 
 following: 
 
 Pennsj/lvania: — True to the Constitution at the moment of its deep- 
 est trial; true to the Democratic party in the hour of its greatest need, 
 and true to her patriotic and noble son, upon Avhose brow she has plac- 
 ed the brightest civic wreath on earth. Who is not proud of such a 
 birth-place? Very truly, 
 
 FERNANDO WOOD, 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, Geo. Fries, Wm. Clendenin. 
 
 Washington, Monday, Nov. 17, 185G. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day 
 of your invitation, as a Committee of the Natitmal Democrats of Cin- 
 cinnati — natives of the State of Pennsylvania — to participate with them 
 in a celebration of the recent Democratic triumphs in their native 
 State. 
 
 The official duties incident to an approaching session of Congi'ess, 
 so fully occupy my attention that it is not possible for me to be pres- 
 ent with you. But in spirit and in feeling I shall not be absent from 
 the re-union of my brethren of my native State on an occasion so wor- 
 thy of their mutual congratulations and patriotic exultation. 
 
 In peace as in war, Pennsylvania has always been in the van — in the 
 support and defence of the integrity of the nation. Well may her sons, 
 whether within or without her borders, ffather together to celebrate 
 her triumph, since her triumph is the triumph of all. 
 
 Faithful to the spirit of the Constitution, she has displayed a patri- 
 otism co-extensive with its obligations, knowing no geographical or 
 sectional divisions. She recognizes in that matchless instrument alone, 
 the sacred compact which binds the individual States in one harmoni- 
 ous whole, maintaining the ecjual sovereignty of each, and the Consti- 
 tutional equality of all; hence it is that the Democratic triumph of 
 Pennsylvania is the triumpli of the Union. 
 
 That she may ever, as heretofore, stand fast as her <rwn native 
 mountains in the maintenance of those principles, repelling the as- 
 saults of fanaticism, and successfully resisting all sectional aggressions, 
 coming from what source they may, must ever be the prayer of all 
 true Pennsylvanians, as it is of every patriot throughout our glorious 
 Confederacy. 
 
9 9 
 
 Witli thanks for the acceptable terms in which you have communi- 
 cated the invitation, I remain with great respect, 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 R. McClelland. 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallaglier, Geo. Fries, and Wm. Clendenin, Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio, Committee. 
 
 Freit-Hill, Hamilton Co., 0., November 20, 1856. 
 
 Gents: — Yours of the 12th, I received to-day, only; having been 
 absent at Piqua. In reply, as a native of Pennsylvania, and for nearly 
 forty years a citizen of Ohio, I feel honored, by you as a Committee 
 for the purpose, in extending to me an invitation, cordially to share 
 with others, who have been born under the Arch of the Keystone- 
 State, in a celebration of the recent triumph of National Democratic 
 principles in our natal State; by which, an able Diplomatist, renowned 
 Statesman, and Democrat of the Jefferson School, has been elevated 
 to the highest office in the world — President of these United States — 
 East, West, North and South, in the person of James Buchanan, of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Gentlemen, I will see you, and those you represent, on the Evening 
 of the 25th. (Des volente.) 
 
 Very Respectfully and Fraternally, 
 
 GEO. W. MALEY. 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, George Fries and Wm. Clendenin. 
 
 HiLLSBORo', 23d November, 185G. 
 Gentlemen: — Your kind note honoring me with an invitation to be 
 present, in Cincinnati, on the 25th, inst., to participate with my Dem- 
 ocratic friends in a festival, celebrating our late glorious triumph. 
 To accept your invitation would afford me much pleasure, but I regret 
 to say, that my professional engagements are such as to prevent my 
 beinf with you. I hope you will have a glorious time, and to which 
 you may recur hereafter with pleasure. The National Constitutional 
 Democracy, may they ever be victorious over the enemies of the 
 Union. With great respect, yours, &c., 
 
 JOS. J. McDowell. 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, and others. 
 
 St. Clairsville, November 21, 1856. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I received your favor of the 12th, inviting me to be 
 
 present at a special entertainment in your city, on the evening of the 
 
 25th, to celebrate the recent triumph in the State of Pennsylvania. I 
 
 should be pleased to be there, but am sorry to say, that I cannot be 
 
23 
 
 present, at the time named, in doing justice to a great and unpretend- 
 ino- State, that never before, asked to take the lead in the management 
 of our national affairs, and only now, because she had a great States- 
 man, that all pointed to, as alone suitable to meet the present state of 
 public discontent, a man whose very name, will give quiet and confi- 
 dence to the ivhole Union. 
 
 The past history of Pennsylvania, as well as her present position, 
 command the respect of all attached to the Union as it is. Pennsyl- 
 vania, in the Constitutional Convention, by her Robert Morris, was 
 the first to commence the great work. He laid the corner-stone of this 
 great temple of freedom, that has over-shadowed all other forms of 
 o-overnment, and he was the first, to place George Washington in 
 the Chair, in front of the assembled Avisdom and patriotism of the 
 Thirteen Colonies. 
 
 Pennsylvania, by her James Wilson, was the last to give the finish- 
 ing touch to the noble superstructure; but both these great men, 
 would be unsuited to the present age of bigotry and intolerance, 
 neither having opened his eyes upon the great luminary of heaven, as 
 he passed over this portion of God's creation. These were the men, 
 who selected, not transition, but primitive rock, for the Keystone of 
 the Arch, then and now untouched by the disintegrating elements, 
 before which other not less favored portions of the republic, have 
 given way. 
 
 As a Pennsylvanian was instrumental in the Constitutional Conven- 
 tion, in honoring the position with a great and a good man, that 
 ornamented the place, so now, when the storm of faction is at its 
 height; when sectionalism is about to finish its unholy work, the 
 American people, the friends of the Union and of Constitutional 
 Freedom, have honored the Presidential Chair, with a Pennsyl- 
 vanian, than whom, no one can better give repose to all sections of 
 the country. 
 
 The result is happy — happy for the country; done at the right 
 time — in the right way, and with the right man. 
 
 Very respectfully, yours, &c., 
 
 WILLIAM KENNON, Je. 
 
 Hon. George Fries, and others. 
 
 Indianapolis, November 15, 1856. 
 Gentlemen: — Your note of invitation of the 10th, is before me. As 
 a native of Pennsylvania, it would afford me great pleasure to partici- 
 pate with you, on the occasion of the triumph of the distinguished son 
 of the Keystone State, to the Presidency. But, I am fearful that it 
 
24 
 
 will not be possible for me to be present at? that time. Present my 
 kind regards to your association, and accept for yourselves assur- 
 ances, &c., of. In haste, Yours most Respectfully, 
 
 JOSEPH A. WRIGHT. 
 T. J. Gallagher, Esq., and others, National Democratic Committee, 
 Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
 Boston, December 12, 1856. 
 Dear Sir: — I have omitted to acknowledge the very kind letter re- 
 ceived from yourself and Messrs. Fries and Clendenin, inviting me to 
 the Festival at Cincinnati, of Nov. 25th. I received it too late for a 
 reply to reach you before the 25th, but I am not the less obliged to 
 you for remembering me on that occasion. 
 
 Ohio did nobly towards redeeming herself, and we have reason to 
 thank God, that the principles- we laid doAvn at Cincinnati, and the 
 candidates we nominated, have triumphed. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 B. F. HALLETT. 
 T. J. Gallagher, Esq. Cincinnati. 
 
 Philadelphia, 74 South Sixth St. Nov. 19, 1856. 
 
 Genilemen: — I take this occasion to acknowledge the kind invitation 
 to be Avith you and partake of the hospitality of the National Demo- 
 crats, natives of Pennsylvania, in Ohio, and to say it would afford me 
 sincere pleasure to be present and participate with 3'ou, did not the 
 distance mar any such desire, and my engagements of a professional 
 character forbid. 
 
 Nevertheless, I shall be with you in spirit, and shall partake in the 
 thoughts suggested by your letter to me, that you meet to celebrate 
 the victory of the State of Pennsylvania. 
 
 That victory, without which the present security our common 
 country enjo^As could not have been obtained, for it has given our be- 
 loved country a security that nothing but our recent triumph in this 
 State could have secured, and staid the tide of fanaticism, (North and 
 South) which, iad nearly consummated the demolition of this great 
 fabric of States reared as a monument of liberty for the world. 
 
 God grant,, gentlemen, we shall never be called on again in our 
 lives, to witness the time in this land of Freedom, that sectionalism 
 shall dare raise her brazen voice to agitate and disturb the common 
 family of National brotherhood of sister States. 
 
 The work has been performed here by no individual — the great 
 mass of the Democracy, and the most humble, can claim- justly a share 
 
25 
 
 of our triumphs, for never was there a time in the history of our State 
 when men gave such ardor and labor to a good cause, guided by no 
 master counsel, but brought about by the sterhng good sense of an in- 
 dignant people, anxious to set a mark of condemnation on the traitors 
 of the Union and despoilers of the Constitution. 
 
 For the humble part enacted by myself, my reward is the conscious- 
 ness of the performance of my duty to my country, and I shall look 
 back to the campaign passed through, with as lively an interest as 
 those who saw the dark days of America's Revolution, when each pa- 
 triot, (as Democrats in this campaign) looked with a trembling anxie- 
 ty to the issue of that contest, which gave us the institutions we now 
 enjoy, or kept us under the administration of the mother country. 
 
 May I wish that the re-union amongst you, will re-kindle the lights 
 of Democratic hope to the down-trodden people of the old world in 
 your adopted State, and that another j-ear will not pass before the so" 
 ber second thought of the American people will place the great State 
 of Ohio in the column of those who respond, "No North, no South — 
 Our Union — one and inseparable — now and forever." 
 
 Permit me to give you — 
 
 Ohio and Pennsylvania — The same people with the same interests — 
 May they never again be separated in the righteous cause of the Con- 
 stitution and the Union. 
 
 I remain, Gentlemen, Yours truly, 
 
 W. B. RANKEN. 
 
 To Messrs. Gallagher, Fries and Clendenin, Committee. 
 
 Philadelphia, November 19, 1856. 
 Gentlemen: — I have duly received your invitation of the 12th inst., 
 to attend a celebration on the 25th at Cincinnati. It would give me 
 unfeigned pleasure to join the natives of Pennsylvania in celebrating 
 the recent glorious victory in the Keystone State, by which her favorite 
 son has been elevated to the Presidential Chair, the union of our glo- 
 rious Confederacy preserved; but the pleasure will be denied me by 
 an imperious engagement at Chicago on the same day. While render- 
 ing to Pennsylvania all due credit for her efforts, the result of which 
 has again proved her to be the Keystone of the arch of the Federal 
 Union, the noble Democracy of Ohio must not be forgotten. Their 
 efforts to relieve their noble State from the fetters of Black Republi- 
 canism and all the other "isms" Avhich were brought into the late con- 
 test, were heroic, and not the less to be commended because they were 
 unsuccessful. May we not hope that through the continued exertions 
 4 
 
26 
 
 of her Democratic sons, the work of emancipation will go on, until she 
 shall redeem her position and come in line with those States, side by 
 side with which she formerly fought and conquered. 
 
 Nor must we forget those noble hearted "Old line Whigs," many 
 of whom, ia this State materially aided in achieving the victory which 
 you are about to celebrate — there were in Cincinnati, I know, some 
 high-minded, patriotic men of the same party, who, discarding all per- 
 sonal considerations, rallied to the support of the Union and Consti- 
 tution. I am with great respect, 
 
 Your ob't servant, 
 
 C. MACALESTER. 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, Geo. Fries and Wm. Clendenin, Commit- 
 tee of National Democrats, Cincinnati. 
 
 Sharon, November 23, 1856. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have just received your invitation on behalf of the 
 "National Democrats, citizens of Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio, 
 natives of Pennsylvania," who have determined to celebrate the re- 
 cent Democratic triumphs in their native State, by a special entertain- 
 ment in this (your) city, on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1856. 
 
 I am sorry my business arrangements are such as to render it impos- 
 sible for me to be present, although I shall be with you in heart, feel- 
 ing and sentiment. 
 
 The recent victory in Pennsylvania, as also throughout the Union, 
 is one worthy to be celebrated by every true American patriot, and 
 especially every Pennsylvania "National Democrat." 
 
 Fanaticism, infidelity and disunion, have been signally rebuked, by 
 the good and true men of the nation of all parties, and we shall noAV 
 have a respite for four years if not a final reprieve. 
 
 Pennsylvania has nobly sustained her favorite son, and although 
 Ohio has gone against him, her Democracy have covered themselves 
 with glory by cutting down the majority of 100,000 against them in 
 1854, to less than 20,000 in 1856, and by giving that double monster 
 Fanaticism and Disunion a blow that will end his existence in 1860. 
 
 Hoping you will have a good time of it, and that nothing will occur to 
 mar the harmony of your entertainment, I remain with great respect, 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 M. C. TROUT. 
 
 To T. J. Gallagher, Geo. Fries and "Wm. Clendenin, Committee. 
 
27 
 
 Office of the Mayor of the Citv of Philadelphia: 
 
 November 18, 1856. 
 
 Oentlemen: — Your very kind note inviting me to unite with National 
 Democrats, natives of Pennsylvania, and citizens of Cincinnati and 
 Ohio, to celebrate the recent Democratic triumph, is most gratifying- 
 It will not be in my power, however, as my time is too severely taxed 
 with public duties. 
 
 From the mountains of our native State to its extremes, the echo of 
 joyous gratulations can be heard, a song- on the banks of deliverance. 
 They continue to reverberate at the triumph of sound Democratic 
 principles, a National party, National politics, and the election of the 
 first Pennsylvania President, of the Union of the States. We, as 
 Pennsylvanians, have cause of honest pride at such a triumph. On 
 the soil of the Keystone the battle was fought for the Union and the 
 Constitution. 
 
 Our people, true to the teachings of Jefferson, and the testimony of 
 Jackson, in support of the faith of constitutional covenants, stood firm 
 on the only sure foundation which will sustain it. 
 
 So much for our victory. But what as to its consequences? 
 
 Wisdom requires that we act prudently, not to destroy the prize we 
 have secured. To this end it should be considered, if our party is ex- 
 pected to try any more experiments, with its principles or its power 
 We have stood by all the interests united in a national conflict against 
 treason and treachery. We have destroyed sectionalism and defeated 
 disunionists. We did this for the safety of some, and the hopes of oth- 
 ers, in the future. Let us be still. Let us be patient. Let the great 
 idea of progress infuse itself into the ends and aims which our victory 
 will justify. 
 
 In the companionship which makes us one people, and the faith that 
 makes us Democrats, I am respectfully, 
 
 M. VAUK. 
 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, Geo. Fries and Wm. Glendenin. 
 
 Washington, November 24, 1856. 
 OerUlertieiv — Your note having reached me after my arrival in this 
 city, and not in time to permit a seasonabla response, I reply now, on- 
 ly to thank you for your great courtesy, and to assure you of the pleas- 
 ure it would have given me to participate in the entertainment of to- 
 morrow evening, to be given by the "National Democrats, citizens of 
 Cincinnati and of the State of Ohio, natives of the State of Pennsyl- 
 vania, to celebrate the recent Democratic triumphs in their native 
 
28 
 
 State." My engagements would necessarily have prevented me from 
 being present on the occasion. 
 
 Thanking you again, Gentlemen, for the distinguished courtesy, 
 I am very truly yours, 
 
 J. TOUCSY. 
 Messrs. T. J. Gallagher, Geo. Fries and Wm. Clendenin, Committee. 
 
 Philadelphia, November 22, 1856. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 favor of the l2th, inst. For the unmerited compliment of your invita- 
 tion, accept my heartiest thanks. 
 
 Time and distance will not now permit me to re-visit the beautiful 
 city of your home; but be assured, that in the spirit and sentiment 
 which brings you together, no one more enthusiastically joins. 
 
 Next to the proud boast of being an American Freeman, I hold in 
 value the birth-right of being a Pennsylvanian. The time has come 
 when we should all foster and encourage this sentiment. 
 
 While the natives of some States, wherever resident, cherish in a 
 formal manner the right worthy feeling of unalterable attachment to 
 the Commonwealth, upon whose soil they were born. We, of Penn- 
 sylvania, only now are awakening to a proper degree of pride in our 
 own magnificent sovereignty. 
 
 In climate, soil, commerce — internal and ocean bound, products, 
 manufactures, education, wealth, in a population intelligent, industri- 
 ous, virtuous, fraternal and true in everything that can tend to make 
 a nation prosperous, or a people happy, Pennsylvania has no peer 
 even among her glorious sisters. But, above all conscious that in her 
 air was first proclaimed the principles of American Liberty, that upon 
 her soil the Constitution was adopted — the Union formed; that the 
 earliest National memories are associated with her name; Pennsyl- 
 vania will ever be in future true to her record in the past. 
 
 In the late glorious struggle how bravely she bore herself. Though 
 a Southern State on her border was recreant to its duty. Though 
 Ohio was faithless when she should have been foremost. Though our 
 own Northern line was tainted with treason. Though the Union 
 rocked, and good men trembled for its safety, the center State — the 
 Keystone was as firm as her Alleghanies, and thus all that Patriot's 
 hold precious, was saved from impending, if not eternal ruin. 
 
 Well, well may we all be proud of Old Pennsylvania, and now that 
 she gives up her "noblest son" to the Nation; now that a Pennsyl- 
 vanian, for the first time, assumes the high powers of the Presidency, 
 to inaugurate an administration that will form an immortal page in 
 
29 
 
 our country's history. Let us from our hearts rejoice and be glad, 
 and wherever on tlie broad earth our lot may be cast, let us cherish 
 an undying love for our mother State and native home. 
 
 I remain, Gentlemen, -with great regard, yours, &c., 
 
 DAN. DOUGHERTY. 
 To T. J. Gallagher, George Fries and Wm. Clendenin, Esq. 
 
 Petersburg, Va., November 21, 1856. 
 
 Gentlemen: — I have received yoiu- kind invitation to attend the cel- 
 ebration, to be given in Cincinnati, on the 25th, inst., by the citizens 
 of Ohio, natives of Pennsylvania, in honor of the recent Democratic 
 triumphs in that State. 
 
 I regret that. I cannot be with you, as no man appreciates more 
 than I do the important consequences that will result from those 
 triumphs. Their certain consequences are, a lease of four years, at 
 least, to the Constitution, and for that period comparative peace and 
 quiet to our country. We may award to Mr. Buchanan, the honor 
 and glory of being the only man capable of producing these results; 
 but the patriot's heart must grieve over that melancholy fact. Our 
 country has been so often favored in its crises by Divine Providence, 
 we cannot but entertain an abiding hope in its future protection. Its 
 instrument has been the Democratic party. In no other can we now 
 place our trust. It seems to be the mission of that party to preserve 
 the Union and its blessings. Will it continue to deserve the mighty 
 trust? I can speak for the Democracy of the South so long as honor 
 can be coupled with its efforts. I have confidence too in the Democ- 
 racy of the North; the more, because of the difficulties that surround 
 them, and the partial success with which they have been met. They 
 are true to their principles, and they vindicate them with a boldness 
 that belongs only to manhood and true statesmanship. These prin- 
 ciples have heretofore been purely political. They believe in their 
 truth, and trusted in the power of truth; upon no other foundation can 
 permanent success rest. The political creed of the Democratic party 
 is now firmly established. Their opponents have abandoned the hope 
 of overturning it. The party must be vanquished in some other way. 
 The one they have adopted is called sectional; but. Gentlemen, there 
 is a truth involved in that. That truth must be comprehended by the 
 Democratic Party North. They will then fight for it, and conquer 
 with it. That truth is, that the white race is superior to all other 
 races on earth; that it will rule and govern all others, and in all 
 countries when thrown together, even though it constitutes but a tenth 
 
30 
 
 of the population. This Union in future will depend upon the 
 acknowledgement of, and belief in, this philosophical truth. A long 
 and arduous struggle is before the Democratic Party. The issue will 
 be the sxqiremacy of the white race. 
 
 Their motto — The Earth is God's Footstool, and the White Man's 
 Throne. I am, Gentlemen, very respectfully, yours, 
 
 R. K. MEADE. 
 
 To Thomas J. Gallagher, George Fries, Wm. Clendenin, Esq'rs., 
 Committee. 
 
 The President then read the first Regular Toast of the 
 Evening, as follows: 
 
 1. The United States of America — May their bond of 
 union strengthen with their growing greatness! We hail 
 each sister State with fraternal greeting. 
 
 Music by Mentor's American Cornet Band — Air: " Uni- 
 ted States of America." 
 
 This toast was responded to by Dr. Geo. Fries, who spoke 
 as follows : 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen: — The spirit of the sentiment just 
 read, and to which I am called upon to respond, is that spirit which 
 has always been cherished by the true friends of the Union, from the 
 days of Seventy-six to the present hour. All who have ever desired 
 the perpetuity of the Union — the maintenance and growth of its just 
 powers at home and abroad, have ever been imbued with the truly 
 patriotic spirit of this toast. 
 
 That band of heroes and statesmen, who framed the immortal 
 Declaration of Independence, knew then, as well as we do now, the 
 importance of a "more perfect Union." But, for the Union between 
 the then Colonies, this present stupendous Confederation of Thirty- 
 one free and independent States, would not this day loom up as the 
 equal in power and glory of tjie oldest, and proudest governments of 
 earth. The achievement of independence — the success of our arms 
 on nearly every battlefield of the Revolution, was all the legitimate 
 result of devotion to the Union, of the Worth American Colonies_ 
 The glories of Monmouth, of Bunker-Hill, and of Yorktown, would 
 never have filled the proud page of history, which they now occupy, 
 but for this patriotic spirit. And here, Mr. President, allow me to 
 express my profound gratification at seeing around me the sons of 
 
31 
 
 every State, and of every clime — tlie native and the foreign born 
 citizen of our land, all, proud to walk in the footsteps of the illustrious 
 Father's of the Republic; and all, I trust, as devoted to the Union 
 now as they were in the days of Seventy-six. 
 
 Seldom, in the history of any people, has there been such frequent 
 demonstration of devotion to their government, as has been exhibited 
 by those of the United States. The self-sacrificing spirit which 
 streno-thened the arm of our heroes in battle, was proudly conspicuous 
 in the formation and adoption of our Constitution. Again, in the 
 early history of our government, when those who feared the people, 
 were determined to gain for the Central Government, by latitudinarian 
 construction of the Constitution, that which they failed to obtain by 
 direct grant of power, (and the exercise of which would, undoubtedly^ 
 ere this, have severed the Union,) the great spirit of Union, as em- 
 bodied in Jefferson, and the Democratic Party, shone forth most bril- 
 liantly, striking terror to the hearts of Centralists, giving new hope to 
 the sovereign people, and new strength to the reserved rights of the 
 States. And here let us not forget to pay a just tribute to the memorj'- 
 of the great and good Calhoun, the man who lived and died the faith- 
 ful defender of all the reserved rights of States. Though my judg- 
 ment does not approve all his public acts, yet his exalted private 
 worth, and uniform devotion to the rights of the States — without 
 which the Union would not be worth preserving — has fastened his 
 memory to every fiber of my heart. 
 
 During our last Avar with Great Britain, when the Federalists of 
 New England, were defusing their views of disunion through the 
 Hartford Convention, devotion to the Union was again proudly tri- 
 umphant. In spite of domestic treason, in defiance of traitors within, 
 backed by the strongest government on earth from without, the 
 immortal Andrew Jackson, closed that memorable war on the plains 
 of New Orleans, in a manner that extorted the admiration of the 
 whole civihzed world. Domestic treason found no resting place in 
 this Union, so long as the Hero Statesman of the Hermitage lived 
 upon its soil. Once, during his Presidency, it reared its head, but 
 when he proclaimed before high Heaven, that "the Union must and 
 shall be preserved, at any sacrifice," the monster cowered at his feet — 
 then sunk so deep as, I hope, never to rise again. 
 
 But, gentlemen, it was reserved for modern times to show to what 
 great trials the spirit of union may be subjected, and yet triumph over 
 all opposition. Never in our history have the bonds of this Union 
 been subjected to a test so severe as in the late election for President 
 
32 
 
 and Vice President of these United States. For the first time in our 
 history did a large party assume the new and dangerous position of 
 an open undisguised sectional party. The history of its rise and fall 
 
 its death, and burial in the grave of infamy, is doubtless fresh in 
 
 your memory — let it only be I'emembered to be detested. It is a 
 gratification to know, however, that all their desperate designs were 
 frustrated by that great mass of our people who, thank God, love the 
 Union better than party. That army of Two Millions of Union-loving 
 Democrats, who, scouting all sectionalism, and whose devotion to the 
 Constitution as it is, overshadowed all other considerations, came up 
 in the majesty of their strength, crushing out treason and traitors, and 
 electing James Buchanan, the favorite son of our native State, Presi- 
 dent, and John C. Breckinridge, Vice President, and thus saving 
 both the Constitution and the Union. 
 
 One great point, a very gratifying one, was clearly settled by this 
 election; and that is, that this Union is stronger than any party that 
 now exists in it, or that is likely to exist in it hereafter. This result 
 has o-iven new hope — new faith in the stability of the Republic-Estill 
 faith without works has never accomplished much, and probably nev- 
 er will. It therefore becomes a high duty of the true friends of the 
 Union to practice all those virtues and works which are best calculated 
 to streno-then both the moral and physical powers of the government. 
 If we do this, and adhere to a strict construction of the Constitution, 
 guarding firmly the reserved rights of the people and the States, — i^ 
 we do this in good faith, no sectional party, no combination of factions 
 ca.n ever break the fraternal bonds which now so happily subsist be- 
 tween the States of this Union. In short, let us all emulate the glo- 
 rious examples of our native Pennsylvania — like her, stand forth fast 
 anchored to the Union and the Constitution, and then our proud Flag 
 will descend to future ages with every star as perfect as it is to-night, 
 and every stripe as untarnished as the fair fame of her "favorite son." 
 
 2. The President of the United States. 
 
 Music by the Band. Responded to by David Quinn, 
 Esq., as follows : 
 
 Mr. President: In responding to this toast, I may say, I think, with 
 confidence, that however diversified may be our views of measures; 
 or wide our preferences for men, the name, at least, of "The President 
 of the United States," presents an identity to Avhich we can all respond 
 with pleasure — pleasure in the ofiice, and pleasure in the man. For 
 
33 
 
 while it presents the man, it at the same time presents liim in the 
 central idea of our nationality. 
 
 In our preferences for men, we may differ, as many of us did in the 
 late nominating Convention; or in regard to measures we may stand 
 opposed, as all of us do, to other portions of the American people. 
 But, the President, when elected by the people, is the President of us 
 all, and as such commands the respect of all; for, in him is the nation 
 honored. 
 
 But, when we, however, in celebrating a Democratic triumph, look 
 through this common vista of magisterial power, to him who now 
 directs the ministerial arm of the nation, we recognize not only a 
 President, nor a Democratic President alone, but, with it all, a man of 
 liberal and extended views. One whose patriotic vision unlimited by 
 sectional restraints looks with equal interest on all the Union, and who, 
 in his national comprehension, recognizes no division of the Republic, 
 but that which exists in the rights of the people of the respective States 
 and territories, to provide for their own happiness, by making, or un- 
 makinsr. their own laws. 
 
 While he has been our President, he has been the President of all 
 the people, and now, when his term of service is nearing its close, he 
 is prepared to lay down the power entrusted him, as unsullied as it 
 came to his hands. And, although as High Constable, he failed for a 
 time to keep the peace of Kansas, the most serious charge of his 
 opposers; yet, under his administration, the Democratic ship, with 
 Pennsylvania's Statesman in her rigging, has weathered the storm of 
 fanaticism that set down furiously upon her, outrode the angry billows 
 and now rides again in her towering splendor on a smoother and 
 tranquil sea. 
 
 But, we must not, in view of Democratic relations, merge the dig- 
 nity of the office in the contemplation of the man. The President of 
 the United States — the Chief of twenty-seven millions of enlightened 
 people, and the voluntary choice of a nation of freemen, is the office we 
 toast — an office second to none beneath the sun in its dignities and its 
 powers. Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the Repub- 
 lic — receiver and dispenser of its inexhaustible revenues — appointer 
 and controller of its Ministers, Consuls and Plenipotentiaries — super- 
 visor of its internal, as well as of its external policy, and with a third 
 part of its law making counsels are but elements which mingle in his 
 magisterial powers. Such powers the American people have wisely 
 refused to place in inexperienced hands. And to them belongs the 
 honor of having exercised that judgement, which has wisely discrimi- 
 5 
 
34 
 
 nated between that capacity which is suited for catching bumble-bees 
 and that which is required to rule in matters of State. 
 
 Kings and Emperors, learned or unlearned, may wave their scepters 
 over unwilling subjects, and in their pride of condition may rejoice 
 over their accidental births. But the Presidency of the United States 
 is a Nation's gift — expressive of its confidence in the merits of the 
 man. To be selected from the ranks of the people, by one of the first 
 Nations of the Earth, and the greatest Republic of modern, if not of 
 all time, to occupy the place once occupied by Washington, by Jef- 
 ferson and by Jackson, is truly a transcendent honor. But then, to 
 be worthy of that honor transcends the gifts of man. 
 
 All who have worn these honors, to their merits and our pride, 
 have worn them with honoi-, and as a consequence, their names with 
 their acts, now swell the volumns of their country's glory. All have 
 advanced the power and dominion of the Republic, which now spreads 
 out its wide expanse from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, and from 
 the ice bound shores of the Northern Lakes to the tepid waves of our 
 Southern Gulf. But, in the march of empire from Thirteen lonely 
 Colonies, to an ocean bound Republic, no President has yet reached 
 the perpendicular rays of a summer's sun. That honor, yet remains 
 to brighten a future page, and to sparkle in the diadem of one who is 
 yet to rule. 
 
 To whom that honor shall fall, time and circumstances only can 
 determine. But, to whom it does, if it falls with honor, the acquired 
 jewel must brighten his memory, and shine with luster in his Presi- 
 dential fame. But, to anticipate events of such great national concern, 
 while they are robed in the deep mist of diplomatic wonder, may lead 
 us through dark and bewildered ways. Yet, in view of the great 
 struggle, from which the Nation now reposes, when we cast our eyes 
 along our Southern shores, and contemplate the imposing fact, that it 
 is but a Buck's leap across the Keys from Florida to Cuba, we may 
 not be surprised if the approaching Presidential term, plants our 
 standard on our own dominions, beneath the golden skies of a torrid 
 zone. 
 
 Progress, the march of empire, of intelligence and of power, is the 
 shining glory of the American Republic, and has made her the wonder 
 and admiration of the world; has spread out, and still spreads out her 
 stripes and stars to every breeze that blows — whitens every ocean with 
 her canvass — moves her Armies and Navies with unbending power, 
 and in its onward, overpowering and towering majesty compels Kings 
 and Emperors, amid their vaunted greatness, to bow submission to the 
 President of the United States. 
 
35 
 
 3. Our Adopted State, Ohio— Thhd in the Confederacy 
 —first in our regard. The next political campaign will see 
 her fully redeemed. 
 
 Music by the Band. Hesponded to by lion Geo. Pen- 
 dleton, member of Congress elect, from the First District 
 of Hamilton County, Ohio, but of which no report was 
 made. 
 
 4. Pennsylvania — Our Native State — which we especially 
 honor to-night — The recent triumphs of her patriotic and 
 sturdy Democracy add new lustre to her early political dis- 
 tinction and Revolutionary glories. 
 
 Music by the Band. Air : " Auld Lang Syne." Re- 
 sponded to by Thos. J. Gallagher, Esq., of which no re- 
 port was made. 
 
 5. James Buchanan— ThQ last of the " Old Guard" — 
 the first President of the United States from Pennsylvania 
 — the flivorite and worthy son of a glorious mother, the 
 Keystone of the Federal Arch; the Democracy of the 
 Union rose to do him honor — His great abilities and patri- 
 otic labors will more than reflect it back. 
 
 Drank standing and with three cheers. 
 
 Music by the Band. Air: "Hail to the Chief in triumph 
 
 advancing." Responded to by Alexander Long, Esq., as 
 
 follows : 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen: — 
 
 I could fain have wished that the honor of responding to the senti- 
 ment just read, had been conferred by the Committee upon some one 
 of the many distinguished gentlemen present, who are much better 
 qualified to do justice to the subject than myself, and it is with no un- 
 feigned diffidence, that I feel myself standing in the presence of men 
 •whose eminent talent, and political as well as forensic and literary 
 ability, has been tried in so many fields of brilliant achievement. It 
 is with earnest misgivings that I stand here to oflfer my feeble words 
 in response to a sentiment so important and so full of meaning as the 
 
3C 
 
 one which has just been pronounced, and more especially so, when I 
 have not had time to prepare a reply. Yet, I trust you will "hear me 
 for my cause," while I say a few words in honor of the hero of the 
 sentiment, whose eyes, from^ the breathing canvass suspended upon 
 the wall, seem to gaze down upon us as if in approval of the man- 
 ifestation of our attachment and devotion to our native State. 
 
 Sixty-six years ago, in a rude log cabin, in the County of Franklin 
 and State of Pennsylvania, James Buchanan was born. The vigor- 
 ous arm of his father, an industrious Irishman from the north of Ire- 
 land, had felled the trees of the forest and heaven's sunlight fell in on 
 the little clearing that surrounded his humble home. A few years af- 
 terwards might have been seen a flaxen-headed boy in the innocence 
 of childhood, as he threaded the meandering paths of the gloomy old 
 forest, chasing the butterfly or plucking the early flowers. Who that 
 had then gazed upon that child, would have predicted that he one day 
 was to become the President of the United States: and what a beauti- 
 ful commentary it furnishes on the institutions of our Country. The 
 log-caMn boy, with laughing, cheek and open countenance of that 
 day, has become the calm, dignified statesman of the present, with a 
 fame as extensive as civilization; and a free people have elevated him 
 to a position far higher in dignity, and more honorable, than that held 
 by the most powerful Sovereign of Europe. He commenced the study 
 of the Law at an early age in the county of Lancaster, and we soon 
 find him taking a prominent position at the Lancaster bar, which was 
 then among the ablest in the State, and becoming the rival and equal 
 of the best men in his profession. During the war of 1812, when the 
 British army threatened a descent upon and the destruction of the city 
 of Baltimore, a company of volunteers was enrolled in Lancaster, and 
 amonof the first to enter the ranks was James Buchanan, who laid aside 
 his law books, and marched in the rank and file as a common soldier, 
 until the enemy had been driven from our soil. 
 
 In 1814, when only twenty-three years of age, the people of Lan- 
 caster County elected him to the Legislature. In 1820, he was elect- 
 ed to the House of Representatives, and retained his position in that 
 body for ten years. He was the ardent friend and supporter of the 
 the administration of James Monroe, the active opponent of the ad- 
 ministration of John Qurncy Adams, and the constant and ever true 
 and trusted friend and defender of Andrew Jackson. After retiring 
 from Congress in 1831, he received from Gen. Jackson, unsolicited, 
 the appointment as Minister to Russia. Shortly after his return from 
 the Russian mission, the Democrats in the Legislature of Pennsylva- 
 
37 
 
 nia elected him to the Senate of the United States, in which capacity 
 he continued from the 6th of December, 1834, until his resignation, on 
 the 3d of Marcli, 1845, when he was called by Jamus K. Polk, after 
 consultation with Andrew Jackson, to accept the portfolio of the State 
 Department, the head of his Cabinet, as Secretary of State. His dis- 
 tinguished ability in that Department, as well as in every other in 
 which he has served his country, won the admiration of the American 
 people and the applause of the Avhole civilized world. 
 
 In 1853, he was appointed by the present Chief Magistrate to the 
 most important and responsible of all our Foreign missions, as Minis- 
 ter to the Court of St. James, in which capacity he proved himself 
 more than a match for the most wily and experienced of English di- 
 plomatists, and as the crowning act of his earthly honors, the Ameri- 
 can people have said through the ballot-box, on the 4th day of No- 
 vember, 1866, "well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast 
 been faithful in all thy private walks as a citizen, and faithful in the 
 discharge of all thy official acts as an officer; faithful at the bar, faith- 
 ful as a legislator in thy native State, in the House of Representatives 
 and in the Senate of the United States; faithful in the Cabinet at home 
 and as a Minister abroad; faithful in thy devotion to the Constitution 
 and the Union, enter thon into the Presidential Chair on the 4th of 
 March, 1857, as the Chief Ruler of the Nation." 
 
 (Prolonged cheering.) 
 
 Mr. President: It is true, sir, as stated in the sentiment, that James 
 Buchanan is the last of the *'01d Guard." He is the last of an il- 
 lustrious band of distinguished American statesmen and orators, who 
 have given brilliant renown to our Country for the last thirty years, 
 and truly may it be said, as of the veterans of Napoleon, as they de- 
 parted one after the other until a single survivor only remained, "He 
 is the last of the Old Guard." All the others have been "gathered to 
 their fathers." Their works, their sentiments, their eloquence, still hve 
 in the hearts and memory of their countrymen; but James Buchanan 
 alone, who was worthy to stand shoulder to shoulder, or face to face, 
 in the great struggles for statesmanship and political renown, witK 
 CiAT, Calhoun, Webster, Wright, and their peers. He alone lives,, 
 and although occupying to-night, the most exalted position in the gift 
 of the American people, and the most exalted position of human great- 
 ness in the world, he has not yet reached the end of his sublime mis- 
 sion in defence of the rights of the citizen, the equahty of the States, 
 the Constitution as it is, and the perpetuity of the Union forever. 
 (Cheers.) 
 
38 
 
 In James Buchanan, we find a character without suspicion and with- 
 out stain. During forty years of active and almost constant service 
 in high poUtical positions, he has maintained the same tranquil deport- 
 ment, the same scrupulous regard for truth, the same dignified avoid- 
 ance of corrupt combinations, and when the time had arrived in the 
 history of our country, as foreshadowed in the Farewell Address of 
 General Washington; when sectional strife and sectional prejudice 
 were arrayed in bitter hostility in our midst, all eyes were turned to 
 James Buchanan, as the man of the age, whose honesty, capacity, 
 statesmanship, tried integrity, determined energy of character, and 
 vast experience in the practical operation of the government, could re- 
 store tranquillity and allay the angry strife of sectionahsra. 
 
 In conclusion, Mr. President, I have no hesitancy in saying, that 
 judging the incoming administration of James Buchanan by his past 
 history, under the guidance of Divine Providence, should his life be 
 prolonged to the Fourth day of March, 1861, he will retire from the 
 Presidential Chair, leaving behind him an administration, which for 
 brilliancy of achievement and popularity with the American people, 
 will only be equalled by those of Washington, Jeffeeson and 
 Jackson. 
 
 6. John C. BrecUnridge, — The gallant Chief of the 
 "Younger Democracy," — his native "Old Kentucky" stands 
 by his side redeemed and honored among the Democratic 
 States of the Union. 
 
 Received with three cheers and one extra. 
 
 Music — " Old Kentucky Home." Responded to by the 
 Hon. C. L. Vallandingham, member of Congress elect from 
 the Third District, of which no report was made. 
 
 7. The Democratic Press — Pillars of fire, whose lights 
 burn with steady and unceasing rays. 
 
 Music by the Band. Air: " Star-Spangled Banner. Re- 
 sponded to by Judge Walker, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, 
 a^ follows: 
 
 Mr. President and Gentlemen: My brief residence among you, and 
 the limited services I have been able to render as a journalist, in the 
 campaign which has concluded so gloriously, do not entitle me to the 
 
39 
 
 honor which you hare imposed on me of speaking to this compliment 
 to the Press. But as your call is one which cannot be evaded, I must 
 meet it, so far at least, as to return m}' thanks for even such apprecia- 
 tion as this sentiment carries, of the zealous and devoted, if not effi- 
 cient and useful labors of the Democratic Press. I can bear testimo- 
 ny to the sincerity, the ardor, the self-sacrificing' earnestness with 
 which this agency has striven in the severely contested battle we have 
 fought. The burden of that fight fell heavily upon the Democratic 
 Press. Our party had greatly failed in its duty to its own Press, 
 whilst the enemy had thrown all its powers and resources into that 
 engine of political power and influence. Lulled into a fatal security 
 by our many victories, we had called in our sentinels, — reduced our 
 outposts, — weakened our camp guard, and the cunning enemy per- 
 ceiving our blunder, immediately began to strengthen his advance 
 posts — double his guards, and prepare to launch his whole force upon 
 the weak points of the Democratic entrenchments. Enlisting two new 
 agencies in the Metropolitan and Religious Press, he sought to over- 
 whelm and crush at one blow, the whole power of Democratic Jour- 
 nalism. Indeed, it seemed an unequal combat. The three hundred 
 Spartans at Thermopylae, standing against the Persian myriads, — Ho- 
 ratius on the Sabine bridge, holding at bay Rome's exulting foes, — 
 Marshal Ney as the rear guard of the Grand Army — performed their 
 valorous deeds under circumstances not more perilous and unequal 
 than those which the Democratic Press encountered in the recent con- 
 test. If it maintained itself against such vastly superior force and 
 numbers, it was due to the merit and inspiration of a cause which is 
 founded on truth, patriotism and justice. But even their cause need- 
 ed human agencies and fleshly weapons to maintain their ascendancy. 
 It would be folly and faithlessness blindly to rely on these elements of 
 strength, and neglect those through which even falsehood and wick- 
 edness may triumph over truth and right. We must meet the enemy 
 on their own field and with their own Aveapons. A party with its false 
 doctrines, its narrow sectional feelings, its traitorous schemes — like 
 that which we have lately overcome, could never have presented so 
 formidable a front and obtained so strong a hold upon the popular 
 passions and prejudices, but by the energy, keenness, power and vigi- 
 lance of its Briarean Press. If the Democracy should not profit by 
 its experience of the power of this weapon as wielded by their ene- 
 mies — if they should continue their cold and lukewarm support of 
 their own Press, and fail to infuse new spirit and vigor into it, I fear 
 that we shall have but few more victories to celebrate. And what do 
 
40 
 
 I mean by leading new vigor to their Press? I do not mean mere pa- 
 tronage in the shape of subscriptions and advertising; — least of all do 
 I mean that great bane of our Press, the patronage of those who 
 have their own axes to grind — their selfish aims to accomplish — and 
 inveigle and delude, to seduce journalists into the adoption of their 
 mere personal views; but I mean that liberal, generous, manful and 
 invigorating support and encouragement which will maintain the par- 
 ty journalist whenever he stands for the right, for truth, principle and 
 party, regardless of cliques, factions and individuals. Let the party 
 do this, and it will enlist in its cause a powerful and irresistible 
 agency. 
 
 But this topic is not appropriate to this occasion of festivity and ju- 
 bilation. Most heartily do I participate in the joy and pleasure of this 
 re-union of the sons of the gallant Old Keystone, in honor of the elec- 
 tion of her favorite son. As a son of VirQ^inia, I have some ripfht to 
 share in the proud feelings of the occasion. The Old Dominion, which 
 has given so many Presidents to the Union, still claims, and even 
 with her reduced power and influence in the Confederacy, exercise the 
 privilege of indicating the person to fill that exalted station. To her 
 belongs the honor of first proposing the name of James Buchanan 
 for this office, and the credit of adhering to her first choice until, after 
 some difl[iculties, delays and disappointments, her choice became that 
 of the party and the nation. Well may we all, from whatsoever part 
 of our wide Union we may hail, rejoice in this victory. It is not the 
 triumph of an individual or a party. It is the victory of the Union. 
 The defeat of a party, whose success would have hurled into ruins 
 this, to use the language of our President elect, "fairest Temple of 
 Liberty ever erected by man." Was there ever such a party and such 
 a struggle? Hitherto, in our political battles, parties had been ar- 
 rayed against each other on questions of principle — of measures — of 
 policy. The battles with the gallant old Federal and Whig party, 
 were like those knightly encounters of the age of chivalry, upon 
 which beauty rained her softening influence, and the presence of the 
 great and venerated exerted a wholesome restraint. The victor in- 
 dulged no exultation, and the conquered suffered no reproach. And 
 when the combat was over the champions joined hands and fell into 
 the same ranks to fight for a common country and a common cause. 
 But in our recent contest, the war was against a party which disre- 
 garded all the laws of civilized war, which poisoned the springs of 
 popular information and set traps of religious delusion. A mongrel 
 party, containing all the fanatics, agitators, lunatics, led by corrup- 
 
41 
 
 tion — demagogueism, religious bigotry, clerical presumption and news- 
 paper fabrication, stood arrayed against tlie Democracy in such, as- 
 pect as the fallen archangel, Avhen with his lieutenants, Babel, Mo- 
 loch, Mammon, he sought to scale high Heaven. Truly was it a great 
 victory. But let us not be deluded. The enemy is defeated, not con- 
 quered — foiled, not subdued. He is already marshalling his forces, 
 with a bold front and defiant blasts, for another encounter. How shall 
 he be met? How shall we render our triumph permanent? our posi- 
 tion impregnable? and thus preserve the Union, of which the Democ- 
 racy is now the sole defender and custodian. Will it, by folding our 
 arms, and permitting this pestilent domestic strife to continue to di- 
 vide and disturb our people? That is what the enemy desire. They 
 have the sagacity to know that when a people have no other issues to 
 occupy their minds and passions, they are certain to fall into sectional 
 quarrels and religious dissensions. What they dread is, that some 
 other questions may arise and draw off the minds of the people to 
 higher and nobler themes and subjects than those of sectional conten- 
 tion. Let it be our ambition and efibrts to realize for them the justice 
 of this apprehension, by a policy which will arouse and concentrate 
 the popular ideas, feeling and patiiotism in some noble enterprize of 
 Democratic ambition. Our history teaches us that there are two effi- 
 cient remedies for this dangerous disease of the body politic — of sec- 
 tional strife. They are either foreign wars, or the acquisition of new 
 territory — ^the opening of new fields for the enterprize and ambition of 
 our people. The first is not to be thought of save as a necessity; it is 
 at the best, too, a remedy, which whilst removing one evil generates 
 others. The true peaceful Democratic remedy for all domestic trou- 
 bles and quarrels, is the policy of expansion — the annexation of new 
 and valuable territory to our Union. All such acquisitions have inva- 
 riably brought peace, and new life and vigor to the Republic. Every 
 decade of our Republic has been marked by some such acquisition. — 
 The predictions of a few of the less hopeful of our politicians and 
 philosophers, that an expansion of territory would weaken the founda- 
 tions of the Republic — that it would fall to pieces of its own weight — 
 would extend beyond its base, and like the Roman Republic, tumble 
 into fragments and ruins, have not been fulfilled. Indeed, the contra- 
 ry has been found to be the fact. The nation has grown stronger as 
 its territory has widened — the Union more complete and compact as 
 its links augmented. So far from the influence of the Federal Gov- 
 ernment and attachment to it, being weakened in the remote and ex- 
 reme limits of our vast territory, it is in those very frontier settle- 
 6 
 
42 
 
 ments, that patriotism and loyalty are most warmly cherished. The 
 love of the Union with our people, is like the friendship of Goldsmith, 
 
 "At each remove it drags a lengthening chain." 
 This, then, plainly must be the policy of the Democratic party. It 
 cannot stand still. It must move backward or forward. It cannot do 
 better than to follow the policy of Jefferson, of Madison, of Jackson 
 and Polk. It must acquire and annex new territory, honestly and 
 fairly, of course. It must give practical effect to the idea of the Os- 
 tend manifesto. But where shall we look for such new territory? — in 
 what direction may Ave expand our circumference? Who asks this 
 question that has ever looked at the map of this Continent, and ob- 
 served that lovely island, which lies so tempting, almost within sight 
 of our shores — which stands at the gates of the American Meditera- 
 nean, through which the commerce of this vast Valley of the West 
 has to pass. There is an object worthy of our ambition, a richer prize 
 than any yet won by our valor or policy — a glittering emerald of price- 
 less value. Like a lovely damsel, with pouting lips and swelling bo- 
 som — soft rounded arms gracefully and expressively curved — beauti- 
 ful Cuba invites the embrace of our vigorous Democracy. Shall such 
 charms, such pleasing allurements fall upon cold and stony hearts? 
 Shall not our young Democracy, like the fabled Perseus, rush to the 
 rescue of the damsel chained on the stern rock, destroy the hideous 
 dragon who guards her, unbind her chains, and then claim the re- 
 ward of such valorous deeds? Is there not enough of knight-errant- 
 ry left in our party to rescue that imprisoned damsel, who from the 
 windows of that old Moorish Castle, waves her snowy scarf and lifts 
 her hands in piteous entreaty? Oh! yes; let the appeal be once made di- 
 rectly to the hearts, to the patriotism of this gi'eat party, and I ven- 
 ture to predict, (and the enthusiasm with which these allusions have 
 already been received, justifies the prediction,) that the rescue of the 
 Island of Cuba from the clutch of the savage old tyrant who has so 
 long held her in captivity, will be the most popular act of the modern 
 Democracy, and Avill entitle the administration of James Buchanan to 
 rank with the glorious eras of Jepferson, of Madison, Jackson and 
 Polk, as one of the brightest and most glorious chapters in our 
 history. 
 
 8. Indiana — Our sister and neighbor, we are proud of 
 the connection. 
 
 Music. Air: "Indiana Quick-step." Responded to by 
 Hon. S. S. Marshall, of Illinois. Speech not reported. 
 
9. The progress of Democratic Principles and Civilisation. 
 
 ''No pent up Utica confines our powers, 
 The boundless Continent is ours," 
 
 Music. Air: ^'Yanlcce Doodle." Responded to by Capt. 
 W. H. Lytle, of which no report was made. 
 
 10. The Cincinnati Platform — Sound and firm — Strong 
 enough to sustain the Union. 
 
 Music. Air: "E Pluribus Unum." Responded to by the 
 Hon. Wm. S. Groesbeck, member of Congress elect, from 
 the Second District of Hamilton County, Ohio. Speech 
 not reported. 
 
 11. Washington and his Co-laborers — Their pens traced 
 our free charters, and their swords opened the pathway to 
 constitutional liberty: we honor and reverence their memo- 
 ries to-night. 
 
 Music. Air: "Washington's Grand March." Respond- 
 ed to by Hon. Geo. E. Pugh. Speech not reported. 
 
 12. The Pioneers — The conquerors of the forest and the 
 savage; the rivers of the West roll mingling with their fame 
 forever. 
 
 Music. Air: "Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel." Re- 
 sponded to by SaiMUEL M. Hart, Esq., whose remarks were 
 not reported. 
 
 13. The Women of the West — Fit mothers and wives of 
 freemen. 
 
 Music. Air: "Prima Donna Waltz." Responded to by 
 Jacob Getzendanner, Esq., as follows: 
 
 Mr, President: The sentiment to which I am called upon to re- 
 spond, is so comprehensively appropriate, as to render my duty on 
 that account the more pleasant and agreeable, though, to speak in fit 
 
44 
 
 terms of Woman, "the last best gift to man," and as the last produc- 
 tion of God's creative power, is to me greatly difficult, for, in the all- 
 wise arrangement of creation, we find, that after this earth had been 
 moulded from chaos into its present material and palpable substances 
 and shape, and beautified and adorned with herbage, and fruits, and 
 flowers of every variety of taste and hue; with boundless forests and 
 wide extended prairies, its appropriate poetical embellishments, man, 
 out of the earth so made, was formed, and into this formation the 
 breath of life was breathed, thus making man to some extent, the 
 representative of the self-existent God, and the existing earth. And 
 then, in the plenitude of the power, wisdom and beneficence of the 
 great Oi-eator, man was embellished with the poetry of humanity by 
 the creation of Woman. 
 
 Is it wonderful, then, fellow-citizens, that men everywhere — I mean 
 manly men—- admire, love and honor Woman. And how easy of be- 
 Hef it is, that not only the women of the West, but also of all the 
 States of this our Union, are '-fit wives and mothers of freemen," — 
 and were intended to be the solace and comfort of man — his parterre, 
 to which he can flee from the stern realities and cares of life, and lux- 
 uriate in the sweetest flowers of human nature, the affections of her 
 heart. 
 
 Of the women of the West, however, it may be said with an em- 
 phasis of truth and feeling, that they indeed are "fit whes and moth- 
 ers of freemen;" for it is in the West that nature has been most prod- 
 igal of her gifts, giving a soil and climate so varied and exuberant 
 for the production of not only all the necessaries, but also all the lux- 
 uries of life: where the wild flowers of spring and summer, like the 
 virtues of her daughters, adorn and beautify the bosom that gives 
 them life and being. Where from the humblest shrub to the mighty 
 oak, whose towering top holds dalHance with the clouds, and seeming- 
 ly defies "the rending thunder stroke," — ah, all breathe Liberty; all, 
 all inculcate Patriotism.; and where, too, the very prohficness of the 
 soil is inherited by her daughters. 
 
 If these things be so,, and that they are, the women of the West 
 are indisputable and irrefragable evidences, how appropriate, fellow- 
 citizens, the toast to which I am now responding. And in view there- 
 of, m.ay I not, without subjecting myself to the charge of indelicacy, 
 inquire on this occasion, not in the name alone of the "wives and 
 methers of the West," but in the name of the daughters of the Uni- 
 ted States, why it is, that one so noble in appearance, so highly gifted 
 and educated in all that makes the good citizen and reliable statesman 
 
45 
 
 — and upon whom the civic mantle which a Washington, a Jefferson 
 and a Jackson adorned, will so soon fall, has till now, when the shades 
 of life's evening track his footsteps with time's swiftness, lived in such 
 apparent indift'erence to woman's charms? But I will not press the 
 inquiry now, for it has been said this evening, that the bachelor appa- 
 rent to the White House, looks and meditates with fondness upon the 
 acquisition of a Spanish maiden, who in her orphan-like condition, 
 longs to throw herself into the arms of a protector worthy of her in- 
 trinsic virtues, charms and wealth. And may we not hope, that in 
 less than a four year's courtship, she will so far yield to his solicita- 
 tions as to, at least within that time, become an adopted sister of the 
 States over which her wooer is chosen to preside. 
 
 Permit me, Fellow-Democrats, in conclusion to say, that while we 
 feel, and with pride claim the truth of the sentiment under considera- 
 tion, yet, as natives of one of the oldest of the old Commonwealths 
 we cannot forget her — the home of our childhood — nor her lovely 
 daughters, who so largely contributed in furnishing the material from 
 which have sprung the "Wives and Mothers of Men." 
 
 VOLUNTEER TOASTS. 
 
 By Alexander Long, Esq,: 
 
 The Editor of the Democratic Citizen — A native Pennsyl- 
 vanian, and we believe the first Editor in Ohio who openly 
 advocated the nomination of James Buchanan for the Pres- 
 idency. 
 
 Responded to by W. C. Gould, Esq., as follows: 
 
 Brother Pennsylvanians and Fellow- Democrats: — Always proud of 
 my native State, I am more so of it now than at any former period of 
 my life. Pennsylvania, great in her territory — great in her moun- 
 tains and rivers — great in her Agricultural and Mineral productions — 
 great in her statesmen — great in the devotion of her sons to the Con- 
 stitution and Union; but greater than all in her Democratic majorities, 
 has answered the expectations of the Democracy of the Nation, by 
 giving her "favorite son," James Buchanan a greater majority than 
 she ever gave any man, "Old Hickory" not excepted. 
 
 As a Pennsylvanian, and "to the manor born," I am proud of my 
 native State, but more so of the exalted statesman and pure patriot, 
 her own, her "Favorite Son," whom the people of this nation have 
 elected to the highest position on earth. As a Pennsylvanian, I with 
 
46 
 
 you, and thousands of our fellow-citizens who now rejoice upon our 
 native hills, looked forward with eager hope to the time when the 
 claims of our loyal old State would be regarded with favor by the 
 American Democracy, and one of her sons elevated to the Presiden- 
 tial office. That time has arrived, and like Simeon of old, each Penn- 
 sylvanian may exclaim, "Now Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in 
 peace, for mine eyes have seen thy glory." 
 
 I congratulate you, native Pennsylvanians and Fellow-Democrats, 
 upon the result of the late political contest, which was fought upon 
 jyrinciple. I congratulate you upon the preservation of the Constitu- 
 tion and Union, upon the success of Democratic men and measures, 
 Avhich have ever been the crowning glory of this government. I con- 
 gratulate you upon the event which has brought us together this eve- 
 ning, and I rejoice that when the hosts of Democracy looked over the 
 people of this nation for a leader and standard-bearer, to bear aloft 
 in the canvass through which we have just passed, the banner of the 
 Constitution and Union, the choice, as if by inspiration from Heaven, 
 fell upon our own, our beloved James Buchanan. 
 
 I believe in the person of no other man, with no other candidate or 
 standard-bearer, would the Eagle of Victory now be perching upon 
 our triumphant banners. The name of James Buchanan was a tow" 
 er of strength in itself, and familiar to every school-boy as "House- 
 hold words," and when the announcement of his nomination, upon the 
 wind's of lightning, was given to the country, the people were elec- 
 trified, and the hordes of the opposition received a shock, from the ef- 
 fects of which they have not yet recovered. With the click of the in- 
 strument and the vibration of the wires, like Belshazzar in the midst 
 of his Bachanalian revelry, the opponents of Democracy seen the 
 hand-writing upon the wall, and a sudden trembling seized them, and 
 in terror they read their doom. That announcement infused new life 
 and hope, and energy into the Democracy of the nation, and rising 
 from the "ashes of defeat," triple-armed for the contest, they went 
 forth to meet the enemy, in the full assurance of a glorious victory, 
 for they kept step to the music of the Union, marched under the ban- 
 ner of the Constitution, and the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord 
 was with them. 
 
 But, Fellow-Democrats, the sentiment offered, and to which I have 
 been called upon to respond, does me more honor than my native 
 modesty would permit me to claim, and causes emotions to thrill 
 through my heart, " better felt than expressed," and perhaps, with- 
 out beinf accused of egotism, I may be allowed to remark, that the 
 
47 
 
 "Democratic Citizen," a light shining in the dark regions of Black Re- 
 publicanism, as early as December 20, 1855, commenced advocating 
 the nomination of the President elect, James Buchanan. 
 
 In justice to my many able and worthy cotemporaries of the Dem- 
 ocratic Press of Ohio, who during the last campaign, fought so val- 
 iantly against such fearful odds, and so ably presented the principles 
 of the Cincinnati Platform to the people, I cannot claim any exclusive- 
 ness in any matter relating to the candidate, campaign or result. In 
 all I did, I but discharged my duty as a Democrat and a native Penn- 
 sylvanian, Avho had from his earliest youth, indulged the hope of some 
 day seeing James Buchanan President of these United States. 
 In conclusion, permit me to offer the following sentiment: 
 Fennsylvanians — Wherever their lot may be cast, whether in the 
 ice-bound regions of the north, the sunny plains of the South, the 
 oriental East or the far distant West, ever remain true to the Constitu- 
 tion and Union, and pay their devotions to the banner borne aloft by 
 James Buchanan, assured that in doing so, they are not bowing the 
 knee to Baal, nor wandering after strange gods ! 
 
 By Geo. W. Palmer,: 
 
 The Democracy of 1856 — Of the legitimate Democracy 
 of 1800. Principles and truth never change, and with the 
 nation's increasing intelligence, will strengthen with the pass- 
 ing time. 
 
 By Hon. George E. Pugh: 
 
 The State of Pennsylvania — Worthy to contain and to 
 guard forever, that spot of earth where the Declaration of 
 Independence and the Constitution of the United States 
 were signed — where the glorious voice of American Lib- 
 erty was first heard, and the glorious form of the American 
 Union was first revealed. 
 
 By Wm. II. Pugh, Esq.: 
 
 Pennsylvania — The Keystone in the arch of our Union, 
 so has she been the Keystone in the arch of Democracy. 
 
 After remarks from several gentlemen, and the inter- 
 change of kindly greetings, the company dispersed in good 
 order, pledging adherence to Democratic Principles now 
 and forever.