Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/164

 118 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY feeling among the friends of the different candidates was at fever heat, and at one time during the convention a personal encounter took place. After several ballots had been taken, Mr. Webster was nominated, a result brought about by a combination of friends of the nominee and those of Hudson and McCord. Mr. Sorin and his friends were terribly chagrined at the result, and in order to give public expressions to their feelings, an "indigna- tion meeting" was arranged for, to be held at the courthouse a few evenings later, at which Mr. Sorin was to be the principal speaker. His well-known eloquence and ability as an orator could not but attract a crowd, and the courtroom was filled to its utmost capacity to see and hear what might take place. The speaker was at his best, and those in the audience, whether friend or foe, wen- richly entertained. He took up the case of one of his rivals for the nomination, who had ( it was alleged) sold out his delegates to Mr. "Webster, and who happened at that time to be a young man. In sarcastic language and manner he referred to him as a mere cipher in the community, and concluded by asking: 'Who is he? And what has he ever done for Goodhue county? He has not done as much as build a hen coop. A man without a home, without a wife, and, perhaps, even without a child.' Afterward he referred to another young man who had been somewhat con- spicuous in bringing aboul his defeat, as he expressed it. A young man called Captain Smithers, then a well-known resident of Red Wing, supposing himself to be the person alluded to, rose in his seat find asked: '.Mr. Sorin, do you mean me?' The speaker stopped, straightened himself to his full height, and look- ing steadily at the captain, till every eye in the room was turned upon him. and perfect silence prevailed, he answered: 'You. sir; no! I am on the descending grade, but haven't got down to you yet. ? Of course every one shouted at the reply, but it is doubtful if the answer was nearly as mortifying to the captain as was the fact that the speaker did not reach him during the remainder of the speech. It was admitted by all present that Mr. Sorin thor- oughly vindicated himself and discomfited his enemies on the occasion. He was afterward appointed postmaster at Red Wing by the incoming administration. Some other defeated candidates have not fared as well. This county has been fortunate enough to secure men of ability and honesty to conduct its affairs with prudence and economy, to whatever political party they may have been attached for the time being. Daniel C. Hill is one of the early settlers of Red Wing whose privilege it has been to live to see a flourishing city grow on a location where he found a primitive village. A fine type of the old pioneer, he has the honor and respect of the entire population of Red Wing. In company with the Messrs. Simmons and