can only say that,
should the torch of the political incendiary ever be applied to the
sublime fabric of our system, and those institutions which were laid in
our father's struggles and cemented with their blood, should totter
and crumble, I, for one, will be found going down with the ship, and
waving the glorious flag of our country above the smouldering ruins of
that moral night.

"I am, fellow-citizens, your obliged, faithful, and humble servant,
WATKINS BODLEY."

In pursuance of the call the meetings were held. Jim, Tom, and Ned were
early on the ground in their respective districts, with about thirty
chosen friends. In Jim's district Mr. Gasserly was elected chairman,
and Messrs. Musher and Slugby delegates to the Convention. Mr. Slugby,
who was present when the result was announced, said that it was
extremely inconvenient for him to go, but that he held it to be the
duty of every man to march at the call of the party. His private affairs
would undoubtedly suffer, but he held that every man's private interest
must give way to the good of his party. He could say the same thing
for his friend, Mr. Musher, who was not present. But he should say to
Musher--Musher, the people want us to go, and go we must. With the most
respectful gratitude he accepted the appointment for himself and Musher.

This brisk little off-hand speech was received with great favor.
Immediately upon its conclusion Jim moved an adjournment, which was
unanimously carried, and Jim led the way to a neighboring corner, where
he expended a reasonable proportion of the money which Slugby had given
him.

A few evenings afterward the Convention met. Mr. Slugby was appointed
President, and Mr. William Condor Secretary. The Honorable B.J. Ele
presented a series of resolutions, which were eloquently advocated by
General Arcularius Belch. At the conclusion of his speech the Honorable
A. Bat made a speech, which the daily _Flag of the Country_ the next
morning called "a dry disquisition about things in general," but which
the _Evening Banner of the Union_ declared to be "one of his most
statesmanlike efforts."

After these speeches the Convention proceeded to the ballot, when it was
found that nine-tenths of all the votes cast were for Abel Newt, Esquire.

General Belch rose, and in an enthusiastic manner moved that the
nomination be declared unanimous. It was carried with acclamation. Mr.
Musher proposed an adjournment, to meet at the polls. The vote