A Large Political Demonstration

A Great Demonstration.

We don’t know how it used to be in old times, but it is certain that the younger generation has never seen a political demonstration in Shepherdstown equal to that of Tuesday night in celebration of the great Democratic victory of November 4th. To commence with, our old town has never been as prettily and as tastefully decorated and illuminated. From one end of Main street to the other, and along every side street and cross street, bright-hued bunting, many-colored lanterns and glittering candles and lamps lit up the houses, while flags waved from doors and windows. Many of the houses and stores deserve especial mention, but where all was well done it would be invidious to mention a few.

The Democratic headquarters was handsomely decorated, while in front of it, spanning Main street, from curb to curb, a large arch was erected, upon which were lanterns to represent the Democratic States. The arch was covered with evergreen and flowers and flags. A large portrait of Congressman Wilson was suspended from the center.

The procession was an immense one. Mr. William Butler was the chief marshal, and the assistant marshals were Messrs. Thomas Jones, H. M. Turner, R. M. Billmyer, W. M. Lemen, E. T. Licklider, A. C. Morgan, M. P. Crowl, Walter L. Herr and Clifton Frazier. The procession was formed near the railroad, in the south end of town, and marched down Princess street to High, to Mill, to Main, up Main to Maiden Lane, to High, down High to Princess, to Washington, up Washington to Duke, to New, down New to Princess, to Main, to College Square where it disbanded.

There were many amusing devices in the parade. One of the best things was a salt river float. A big wagon had upon a large boat, in which was Uncle Lewis Mitchell, a sturdy old colored Democrat, rowing most solemnly, while Uncle Richard Brown, another unterrified Democrat, held his place in the bow. The boat also carried a coffin and a corpse of Harman, while a bell tolled mournfully. A very large wagon drawn by four horses contained thirty-four young and pretty girls, each of whom held in her hand a flag to represent a Democratic State. Maryland and Virginia were represented by two young ladies and two large flags. This attracted great attention. Another wagon carried the White House, in which was seated Grandpa Harrison with Baby McKee on his lap, while live ‘coons crawled over the roof. Wanamaker’s Sunday School filled one wagon, while another carried a combination of fantastically dressed young men. All were appropriately decorated and plentifully supplied with mottoes.

The procession was headed by the Shepherdstown Band in full force, led by Earl Reinhart and Pinkney Schley, two small boys on ponies. The official members of the club and other gentlemen followed the band in carriages.

Delegations were present from many parts of Jefferson, Berkeley and Washington counties, and the streets were filled with people, many of whom had come from a great distance.

Sharpsburg had a most creditable exhibit in the parade. Messrs. Robert Grove and Thomas R. Blackford were the marshals. They had a carriage load of horn blowers, a wagon with a representation of an election officer swearing in colored men, and a four-horse wagon load of men with banners and transparencies. A great many persons were here from Sharpsburg.

Dr. Ed. L. Strode, marshal of the Swan Pond delegation, brought in 60 horseman; J. Thornburg Kearney had as many more from Rocky Marsh; Moler’s Cross Roads turned out a big crowd, with Will J. Knott as marshal; John Flanagan headed the big turn-out from Oak Grove; N. S. J. Strider brought a large number of enthusiastic men from Uvilla. There were several hundred horsemen in line, each carrying a torch or transparency, while many had jingling bells on their prancing steeds. Although it was an enthusiastic and lively procession, good order and good humor prevailed, and there were no disturbances of any kind. The banners and transparencies contained many striking mottoes, but there were no personalities and nothing that even the Republicans could take exception to.

The Shepherd Fire Department in full uniform had a prominent place in the procession, under command of Chief H. L. Hout. The men looked very well.

The Harper’s Ferry cannon was brought up, and its deep voice added to the hubbub.

There was disappointment at the absence of the advertised speakers, but Mr. Wilson was detained in Chicago, and General McKaig was obliged to go to Oakland. These gentlemen telegraphed their regrets. After the disbanding of the procession Mr. A. S. Dandridge made a rattling speech from the college wall, having been introduced by Mr. John Aglionby.

Too much praise cannot be given to the hardworking Democrats who made the Demonstration such a complete success. Mr. B. F. Harrison was chairman of the executive committee, being ably assisted by Messrs. E. H. Reinhart, Larry Brown, John H. Schoppert, A. S. Dandridge, Jas. E. Maddox, Remington Spotts, the Messrs. Rentch, and others. Robert Gibson, E. D. Bowly, John Maddox and Charles Ferrel, the committee on decorations, worked early and late, and showed both taste and skill in the effects they produced. Many other Democrats lent willing service, and the result was success complete and absolute.