The County Renews Its Allegiance
to the Republican Principles
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The Republicans of Darlington had one of the grandest and largest political demonstrations Wednesday evening that was ever witnessed before in that section by even the oldest inhabitant. During the day a stand was erected for the speakers and decorated with flags, Chinese lanterns and evergreens. The streets were put in order and at various places were hung lanterns and collected material for bonfires and everybody seemed to be busy making preparations for illuminating their houses and receiving the visiting clubs expected. Soon after dark the marching clubs began to arrive. Then the lanterns were lit, the bonfires started, the houses illuminated and the old town was apparelled in Republican glory. The Hon. I. F. Mansfield was chief marshal, who at the head of the home club received the visiting marching clubs as they arrived and assigned them their places in the line. The following marching clubs were present: East Palestine numbering 100 torches, headed by a brass band of 14 pieces; Petersburg, 50 strong; Enon Valley with near 70 torches, with a brass band of 15 pieces; South Beaver, mounted, numbering about 100, each torch bearer accompanied by a lady; Chippewa numbering 70 or more; Ohio Township, 50; New Brighton, 20, including a glee club; Darlington over 100, and some others whose names we could not obtain, besides wagons and unorganized citizens. The number in line was estimated by good judges to be not far from 1000. The number was so large that it was found to be impossible to form a straight line in any one street and in fact the capacity of the place was exhausted to accommodate so large a crowd. The route was through all the streets and out into the suburbs, and everywhere it was convenient to march. There was the best of order and lots of music. The clubs marched like well drilled soldiers. In the line were several decorated wagons, a conspicious one being a chariot containing a young lady representing the Goddess of Liberty. There were five coons, the most significant being one in the Chippewa ranks, mounted on a platform eating a dead rooster, supposed to be one of the Post's. Two brass bands, a half-dozen drum corps, the New Brighton glee club, the streets brilliantly illuminated, flaming torches, gay uniforms, and the enthusiasm of the people, all combined to make the demonstration a splendid success, one long to be remembered, as the most notable event in the history of Darlington. The parade occupied the whole time, and there was little opportunity for speaking. The meeting was organized by electing J. Rankin Martin, Esq., chairman and Gen. J. S.. Littell, Martin Eakin,J. M. Imbrie,J. P. Martin and S. G. Caughey, Secretaries. The chairman introduced Col. 0. L.Jackson, Candidate for Congress, who was too hoarse to speak, but made a few remarks which were well received. Hon. George V. Lawrence was not present. After the meeting closed Col.Jackson repaired to the residence of T. S. Cook who kindly threw open his parlors for his use, and there held an informal reception. Darlington deserves the cake.