Grand Ratification Meeting in Carlisle

One Hundred Guns for Tilden, Hendricks and Reform

On Saturday evening last, one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings was held in this place to ratify the nomination of Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, as the democratic nominee for president, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, for vice-president, that has ever been seen on a like occasion. Although in the midst of harvest we noticed many of our country friends present. Long before the hour for the organization of the meeting the public square contained a large crowd of people. General enthusiasm and good feeling prevailed, and all seemed to rejoice over the nomination of these two able and distinguished gentlemen for the positions for which they have been named. The Carlisle brass band was present during the entire evening, rendering a number of their favorite pieces; while Sponsler’s drum corps aroused the patriotism of our people by the soul-stirring strains of the fife and drum. About half-past eight the bulk of the crowd repaired to the court room, when the meeting was called to order by Peter Spahr, Esq., upon whose motion H. K. Peffer was made chairman, assisted by Andrew Kerr, sr., M. Bricker, J. Clendenin, J. W. Houston, G. W. Crop, and B. K. Goodyear, esqs., as vice presidents. A. G. Miller, jr., esq., of Shippensburg, and James Armstrong, esq., of Carlisle, were chosen secretaries of the meeting. Hon. William H. Miller was the first speaker of the evening. Mr. Miller’s address was an admirable one, showing clearly the necessity of a thorough and searching reform in the affairs of government. He also, in a very able manner, referred to the political life and antecedents of Governor Tilden, showing most clearly that he is the man to reduce taxation and to restore the government back to the earlier and purer days of its history. At the close of Mr. Miller’s speech, loud calls were made for F. E. Beltzhoover, esq. Mr. B having been a delegate to the St. Louis convention, only reached home a few hours previous to the organization of the meeting, consequently he was tired and worn down. After a short review of the proceedings of the convention he concluded with a few brief and eloquent remarks, eliciting great applause. Christian Ruhl, esq., of Reading, heretofore a staunch republican, was called upon, who responded with happy effect. Samuel Hepburn, jr., closed the speaking, making a short and forcible speech, urging the people to rally in support of the democratic nominees. At the close of Mr. Hepburn’s speech the meeting adjourned with three cheers for Tilden, Hendricks and reform. Without a single word of exaggeration, this was one of the largest and most enthusiastic ratification meetings held in Carlisle for some time. The democrats are proud of their nominees, and feel assured of a great victory in November.