The Daily Crescent

The Great Torchlight Procession in Honor of
Gen. Butler.

Saturday night, the 1st of July, 1848, will long
be remembered by the people of New Orleans, as
the occasion of the greatest political demonstration
ever witnessed in this city. The Democratic Com-
mittee had appointed Saturday night for welcoming
in a public manner their candidate for the Vice Pre-
sidency, the illustrious Maj. Gen. W. O. Butler;
and truly the welcome was worthy the recipient of
the honor. According to previous arrangement,
the procession commenced forming on Canal street,
and at dark an immense concourse had assembled.
During this time Major Gally's Artillery Battalion
was engaged in firing a salute, and at intervals
rockets were discharged to announce the com-
mencement of the ceremonies. The whigs had
generously appropriated the use of their platform,
which was decorated in a very tasteful manner
with American flags and numerous transparencies
Soon after dark Gen. Butler arrived in a barouche,
accompanied by the Governor, Secretary of State,
and other gentlemen. So great was the crowd
that the vehicle experienced much difficulty in ap-
proaching the platform, while the distinguished
guest was hailed with the most enthusiastic cheers.
Upon arriving at the stand the General was ad-
dressed in a very appropriate manner by Capt.
Howard, late of the First Mississippi Rifles. Gen.
Butler replied, but we were unable to hear more
than a portion of his remarks. When the General
had concluded he was escorted through the princi-
pal streets, to the St. Charles Hotel. The proces-
sion was by far the largest and most imposing
ever seen in New Orleans, and the democracy
seemed as united and enthusiastic as ever, showing
that the spirit of former years has not departed.
The whole affair was creditable to those who took
part in it, and must have been peculiarly gratifying
to Gen Butler. Although the tribute of respect
was offered by his political friends, we have every
reason to believe that the feeling of welcome and
gratification was general among all parties and
classes of our citizens. We have heard the num-
ber present in Canal street variously estimated from
fifteen to twenty thousand.

As our Sunday contemporaries have already pub-
lished full reports of the great demonstration, it is
unnecessary for us to go into details—more espe-
cially as all the New Orleans world were either
witnesses or participants in the fete.