North Branch Democrat

DEMOCRATIC MASS MEETING.

The Democrats of Wyoming County met in the Borough of Tunkhannock on Saturday October 4th 1862, and was organized by calling Hon Henry Love to the chair and selecting the following named persons as Vice Presidents:

John D. Myers, Northmoreland.
Benjamin Stemples, Lemon.
Ahira Gay, Meshoppen.
Thomas Headley, Exeter.
Lawrence Ager, Overfield.
M. W. Dewitt, Tunkhannock Borough.
John Niver, Nicholson.
H. L. Furgerson, Falls.
H. W. Fassett, Windham.
Gordon Pike, Northmoreland.
Lewis Armstrong, Clinton.
Edward Meritt, Braintrim.
Harrison Comstock, North Branch.
J. G. Spaulding, Forkston
Theron Vaughn, Mehoopany
John Jackson, Tunkhannock.

Harvey Sickler and Alvin Day were named as Secretaries.

Col. V. E. Piolette of Bradford County, being called upon, proceeded to address the meeting on the issues now before the people, which he did in a clear and forcible manner, showing most clearly that the old Democratic party was true to all the great interests of this country, and pointing out the duty of all Union men to stand by the government in this her hour of peril. His remarks were well received and listened to with marked attention. He was followed by Ira C. Mitchell of Luzerne County, in an eloquent and lucid address, which was received with applause. He tore off the thin gauze of no party, behind which our republican friends have so long concealed themselves, and said truly that there was but the one known when it came to the dispensation of favors, for no man, unless he idolized and paid devotion to the party in power, was worthy of place—showing that democrats were worthy of a place in the front ranks and in the hottest of the battle, but for office and its endearments, they were reserved for men of this no party. His speech was replete with sound reason and forcible arguments, addressed to the understanding and common sense of men, and was received as such by his attentive audience.

The meeting adjourned to meet at the Court House in the evening.

EVENING MEETING.

At the ringing of the bell the court room was filled, when E. Mowrey Jr. was called to the chair. Wm. M. Piatt, being called upon, addressed the people briefly, joining with the masses in thanking the distinguished speakers from abroad for the able and eloquent addresses made by them in favor of the old constitutional party, and for the perpetuation of our government, and the preservation of the Union.

Ira C. Mitchell being called for, responded to the call in a forcible and well-timed speech, showing the true cause of our pending difficulties. He stated that last season he had been engaged in raising volunteers to go forth to fight the battles of our country, that men of all parties flocked around the banner of our country, except the abolitionists, and they, for some reason was opposed to engaging in the strife. He made a powerful appeal in favor of the Union, a vigorous prosecution of the war, and the salvation of our country.

Col. Piolette was called for and proceeded to address the meeting. He made a most eloquent appeal to the ladies, (many of whom were present) showing that they too had a duty to perform in this our country's peril. He spoke of the many difficulties which now surrounded us as a nation and a people of the importance of a vigorous prosecution of the War, that peace, happiness, and prosperity might again smile upon us, to prevent the increase of an already enormous public debt, and to the end that this vast expenditure of public money might cease, which, at the present rate, would soon swallow up the entire earnings of the people.

His remarks were received with favor and listened to with attention. At the close of Col. Piollet's speech, Mr. Little was called for, but he excused himself from the lateness of the hour, when the meeting adjourned.