Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1884 — BUTLER’S BOOM. [ARTICLE]

BUTLER’S BOOM.

Speaking to Great Crowds at Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Chicago, After speaking to an audience estimated at 25,000 in Detroit, Gent Butler took the train for Grand Rapids, Mich., where he addressed an assemblage estimated at 15,000. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. From Grand Rapids the General journeyed to Muskegon, where he met and spoke to another large assemblage. Chicago'was the next point visited. The Times says of the meeting in that city, which was held in Battery D. Armory: The Committee of Arrangements blundered unpardonably in not securing accommodations tor at least half the audience and in failing to take timely steps for the preservation of order. A hundred and fifty chairs in the center of the large hall were speedily, utilized, and around them hundreds of people crowded, all trying to squeeze through to the front. In the vicinity of the speaker’s stand the jam was suffocating in the extreme, and it was almost impossible for even Gen. Butler himself to make hi s way through"itTorthe plafform. The number of ladies present did not exceed two dozen, and it was just as well, as the pleasure of hearing the speech of the evening could hardly compeqsate them Tor she discomfort and annoyance from which there was no escape. The -armory was poorly ventilated, and the heavy, impure atmosphere made respiration difficult and sorely discouraged the standing collar. At no time during the evening could perfect quiet be obtained, the men and boys on the outskirts contributing as much as possible to tlie inconvenience which the speaker was put to in addressing such an ill-arranged meeting. In response to occasional cries of "louder!” the General told the criers that he was do.ng his best, and that if every man present would keep quiet there would be no difficulty in all hearing. A turbulent character just north of the platform made himself conspicuous by making rude remarks in reply to the pointed observations of the speaker. These unmannerly interruptions were always followed by cries of “Put him out!” from all parts of the hall, which of course only added to the general contusion, Finally Gen. Butler lost his patience, and stamping his foot and Shaking his fist at the crowd he commanded silence. Then, pointing out the fellow who was the cause of the disturbance, he shouted: “And you, sir! you had better keep quiet, or when I’m President I won’t, pardon you out of State’s prison!’’ This brought down the house, and the "smart Aleck" was not heard from again. . The crowd was composed almost exclusively of the labor element. C. J. Dickson was master of ceremonies and William Flotow presided. At 8:15 Gen. Butler appeared on the stand and was introduced. After the consequent applause had subsided, the General proceeded with his speech, she delivery of which consumed about an hour, and was well received.