Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 September 1870 — The Grand Rally. [ARTICLE]

The Grand Rally.

Last Saturday will long be remembered by the people of Jasper county as an era in its political history. Ample notice had been given to the citizens of tho senatorial distrust of Pulaski, White, Benton, Newton and Jasper counties that Vice President Colfax and Lieutenant Governor Cnmback wonld apenlt in Rensselaer on that day and as the weather proved to bo propitious they came from every quarter to see and hear thesd honored favorites of the State and Nation. The gathering was larger than ever assembled before in Jasper county and exceeded even the wildest dreams of the most enthusiastic.— We heard several estimates made of the number in attendance, by gentlemen who had served in the army and were accustomed to look upon large bodies of men, and also by democrats who would not be likely to exaggerate the attendance at a republican meeting, and we did not hear one who put the number below 3,000, while mauy thought there was fully 5,000 present. Gov. Cumb&ck said it was the largest assemblage he had seen in the State during this campaign. To keep within bounds we should say there were not less than 4,000 persons present, and it was a remarked fact that the proportion of voters was unusually large. Owing to an accident which occurred upon the Indianapolis and Lafayette railroad the speakers were detained in the former city some ten hours, which prevented their arrival atjthe speaking ground until after 1 o’clock P; M., instead of 11 o’eloek'A. M., as was published in the programme. This delay made it necessary for Mr. Colfax to abridge his address in order that be might reach the railroad in time for the evening train. We are sorry indeed that onr limited space will not permit us to publish thelkpeech of this great man, for the benefit jof those readers of the Union who could not be present to hear him. However they will find on the fourth page of this issue an abridgment of his speech at South Bend, which contains the substance of that which is of general public interest To say that Vice President Colfax is esteemed by the people of Jasper county,but faintly expresses the sentiment with which they regard him—they honor him as a politician, they respect him as a man, they love him as a neighbor, they venerate him as a statesman and patriot, they have voted for him and their sons bear his name. If there ever was a more popular man in the district he is now forgotten. Mr. Colfax's address was frequently applauded and when he came to bid his audience a final good-bye, stating that he had resolved to retiro from public life with the close of his present term of office and that many of those present he would probably never meet again, numbers of gray haired men were seen to wipe the tears from their furrowed cheeks.

At the close of the Vice president’s address, Lt. Gov. Cumback was introduced by Hon. C. M. Watson, president of the day. To most of those present Mr. Cumback was a total stranger, many never having seen him before, but he is emphatically one of the people and he had not spoken fifteen minutes until it was evident to the casual observer that he had won the hearts of his hearera. It is very seldom that a speaker is found who so soon introduces himself to the sympathies of an audience as Mr. Cumback. He is a natural orator and this is one secret of bis popularity with the masses of his party. » , We can not close this article without referring to the different delegations that were present. Gillam township is twenty miles away —the nearest inhabitant lives sixteen miles from Rensselaer. In population she is the fourth township in the county. Hut, notwithstanding these disadvantages, her people united to take the prize offered for the largest and best ordered delegation, and they were successful. Barkley and Newton townships struggled manfully in the laudable competition; they did nobly and earned the respect of their neighbors. For the second flag, Union township, although tho youngest one in the family, entered the list with her whole energy aud population. Every team was in procession and every family represented. Of course she bore triumphantly home with her the beautiful emblem of the nation. Hanging Grove and Carpenter townships, though not competing for the prizes were well represented, as were also Jordan, Keener, Kankakee, Wheatfield and Mi hoy. The horseback

companies added largely to the display and received many compliments. Captain Babcock’s oompany of National Gunrds, with their red caps were conspicuous for their dash and the gracefulness of their evolutions. The Rensselaer Brass Band was out in bran new uniform and performed with their usual success. The Newton township Martial Band furnished the incomparable field music of fife and drum.— One or two of the delegations had with them glee clubs who sang with spirit and understanding appropriate and patriotic melodies. Pulaski, White, Benton and particularly Newton, counties, were largely represented by intelligent men and women with whom it is a pleasure to have an acquaintance. Among tho Marshals of the different delegations who were conspicuous for their efficiency wo may mention Capt. Payne, T. J. Sayers, Capt. Kyes, B. R. Meffit, W. N. Jones, Shelby Grant, Wm. Daniels, C. Nicholas. Too much praise can not be bestowed upon those who worked up the details of the rally, conspicuous among whom is Mr. S. P. Thompson, chairman ,of the republican Central committee of the county, who is a host in himself, judicious, untiring, energetic and efficient