The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-10
District of Column bla.
SPEECH OF GOVERNOR COOKE.


At meeting of the Republicans of the
District of Columbia, held few days ago,
great enthusiasm was manifested, and tho
party thoroughly organized. Among the
speakers were Governor Cooke and Gene
raj Chapman, his Secretary:
General Chapman said that he was exceed.
ingly grateful for the fattering reception they
had seen fit to tender him, and he hoped that
he might always retain their esteem and conf
dence so long as he should be associated with
them. 1t gave him great pleasure to see the
harmony and good feeling that prevailed in the
deliberations of the meeting, and 1t was an
omen of success, in the coming election. He Yves
Republican, and therefore he felt a great
intersati the success OF the Republican party,
andb ognized in the convention before him
ther entatives of that party in this dis
trict. --...
The result of the election here will have it's
effect upon the Republican party elsewhere in
q far greater measure perhaps than it were
possible for us to conceive, and therefore 1t
was essential that peace, good will and calm
judgment should prevail in the consideration
of the grave questions that will come before
this meeting for its consideration. He hoped
that each man would remember that we are in
the future to have no differences among our.
selves as Republicans, but under the new order
of things are to unite our efforts in the one
great cause of equal and exact justice, and
move on to sure success. Thanking the meet
ing again for the fattering compliment they
had paid him, he became seated, while the
meeting gave three rousing cheers for sour
new secretary"
Soon after the delivery of these remarks by
General Chapman, Governor Cooke made his
appearance, and amid deafening cheers was
escorted to the platform and introduced to the
audience by Judge Fisher. After thanking
the convention for the honor done him, he said
ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR COOKE.
Fello,v- Citizens-I have accepted the invita-
tion of your committee to be present and ad-
dress you, for two purposes First, to con-
gratulate you on the change of government in
this District; and secondly, and principally,
to urge upon you the Importance of harmony,
unity, and consolidation. trust that the un-
happy differences which have heretofore
existed between the friends of popular rights
in this District may henceforth be forgotten;
or, if remembered, remembered only as belong
ing to the past lApplause.]
A glorious future is before US, If we take
counsel of wisdom, federation, and prudence.
Yet there must be no compromise with error
or wrong. We cannot lower the standard
which has so often led us to victory. Ignoring
minor issues of men and factions, let us still
follow that standard, and in solid phalanx
light for and win tnOse eternal principles OF
popular rights, which are the foundation of
the Republican party. Win we can, If We are
united. United we must be, if we would win! !
Loud applause.l
The Inauguration of new government for
this District--a government invested with
legislative and executive powers far more
ample than VIC have ever here enjoyed before
marks the beginning of new era for the
national capital. 1t means, under the blessing
of God, the encouragement of industry, the
revival of trade, commerce, and manufactures,
the opening of new railway communications
With the interior, employment and good wages
for labor, and profitable investments for capi-
tai, free schools for all, without distinction or
discrimination in brief, it means, in the
broadest sense, progress, development, pros
perity. [Applause.
In the furtherance of these grand objects l
do not doubt the new government will render
every aid and protection but, above all, it is
my earnest purpose, so far as | can control af-
| fairs, that it shall be administered upon the
| principles of the Republican party, with which
| have been identified from its birth-a party
| whose first national administration under Lin
coin gave to the colored man his freedom, and
| whose present administration under Grant
| gave him the weapon with which to defend
that freedom-the ballot. Loud and pro-
longed applause.]