Abraham Lincoln's 1860 campaign encouraged the use of massive, emotionally charged political parades. One observer wrote that the "Torch-light procession is undoubtedly the largest and most imposing thing of its kind ever witnessed in Chicago. Unprejudiced spectators estimate the number at 10,000. Throughout the whole length of the procession were scattered portraits of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Banners and tranparencies bearing Republican mottoes, and pictures of rail splitters, were also plentifully distributed. Forth-three bands of music were also in the procession."