The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-09-27
And the Civil Service Order Indi-
rectly Condemned.
Speeches by Senator Conkling and
Geo. w. Curtis.

ROCHESTER, N. Y. Sept. 26.-The Republic
can state convention assembled today at the
city hall. 1t was called to order by A. B. Cor
nell, chairman of the state committee L. o..
Platt of Tioga, was chosen temporary chair
man.
He said that deep, absorbing faith iu the
righteousness of our cause, the Immortality of
our principles still animate the hearts of the
live Republicans of the state from the Hudson
to the lakes. The faith Indignantly spurns the
thought that the mission of the Republican
party is recompensed. That faith grieves be-
cause the glorious achievements of the war are
in danger of being annulled by Southern arti-
flee and Northern sentimentalism. The faith
still boldly asserts and declares that with the
Republican sentiments of the state thoroughly
aroused to an appreciation of the impending
danger, with complete organization and a
unanimous determination here and everywhere
to win the fght-even in this off year, the state
of New York can be redeemed. Applause. }
The great Republican masses are sound and
true. They believe in the necessity for the ex-
istence of Republican party as earnestly as in
1860, and mean to maintain its existence. We
have confidence in our old leaders, and intend
to stand by them.
An allusion to General Grant as sterling
statesman, always true to his friends. party and
country, caused hearty applause. A reference
to certain advocates of civil service reforms
ELECTED slight applause and some Kisses.
The speaker said the party was pledged to
civil service reform, but differed with the i'm
practicableS as to the methods of securing it.
He urged moderation, magnanimity and har-
mony in the joining of hands in the common
struggle against common enemy. The pres
ent is a most critical period in the history of
our party. The clouds which obscure the hor-
ION are black and threatening, and the friends
of freedom have good cause for doubt and de-
spondency. The chief cause for discourage
ment is found in the perilous situation of po-
litical affairs in the South. and for the first
time since the war, we are confronted with the
stern reality of the Southern states in solid pha
lanx for the support of their political confeder-
ates, the Democratic party. We behold the
Republican organization in nearly every South
ern state, paralyzed and practically crushed
out. The promised disntegration of the Dem
ocratic hosts, which was to follow liberal dis
tribution of federal offices, and policy confid-
ing and ELUSIVE, is far in the dim future. 1t
requires no gift of second sight to discern that
in the South, no resurrection of any party by
the name of Republican is within the range of
probability.
Today the Hamptons, Hills and Lamars will
caress the hand that restored them to power,
but vote the Democratic ticket tomorrow and
forever. They publicly praise Republican
President because, as they express it. "He has
done all that Tilden could have done'' to COM
fort and reconcile them, and still. fear, will
persist in the persecution of loyal citizens and
Republicans. The South is too shrewd to suffer
itself to be divided, either by official induce
ments or conciliatory caresses. They clearly
appreciate the fact that Democratic success in
the next campaign means the restoration of
Southern supremacy in the nation. They are
human; they are cunning; they are solid, and
l fear will remain SO,
But, fellow Republicans, all this only de-
monstrates the vital Importance of maintaining
and perpetuating the Republican party in the
North. 1t is no time to relax or despond. 1t
is of paramount Importance that New York be
restored to the former proud position of Repuh.
lican supremacy. 1t can be done. Let us bear
in mind that New York will be needed to avert
national disasters. As goes New York, so goes
the Union. Let US sink self and save our coun-
try Let US forget all differences, bury animos-
tiles and strike hands as in good old DAYS of
yore against the common enemy for the public
good. Let us build a platform strong enough
and broad enough to hold all the Republicans
and to command the confidence of good men of
all parties. Lst us make ticket of men whose
past lives and clean records are guarantee to
all people of honest administration and lofty
patriotism.
After the appointment of committees the
convention took recess till o'clock.
AT the opening of the afternoon session the
committee on credentials reported on the vari-
GUS cases and the report was agreed to.
MIR. Depew from the committee on organiza-
ton reported the permanent officers which was
agreed to, as follows: For President, Roscoe
Conkling of Oneida (applausel with the usual
uumUer Vi VICE 1re5lueuIS ana secretaries.
The committee escorted Mr.. Conkling to the
chair. The convention applauded and Mr..
Conkling took position in one of the aisles,
and after referring to and acknowledging the
honor conferred upon him, said he had a sug-
gestion to make viz, That his name be stricken
from the report and that Hon. T.. G. Plat be
made the permanent chairman of the conyen-
ton.
Mr.. Chester hoped that the motion would
not prevail. In view of the remarks of the
temporary chairman at the opening of the ses-
sion it was calculated to put the convention in
false attitute before the Republican party and
people of the state.
Mr. Forster urged that harmony and success
were possible but not by attacking each other,
especially prominent representatives of the par
ty. There were ample state issues on which to
go into the contest In conclusion he suggest
ed that Senator Conklng should retain the
chair to which he had been elected, which
would be satisfactory to all parties. Mr.. Forster
called for the yeas and nays and the chair
ruled that as this convention is three times as
large as the state assembly it required 30 to
support the call before they could be ordered.
Less than 30 rising the yeas and nays we're not
ordered.
Mr.. Forster moved that the name Mr.. IRE
main be substituted for that of Mr. Platt
The previous question was then ordered by
UiUd U0ce vote.
The chair stated the question to be upon Mr.,
Conklings motion to substitute Mr.. Platt's
name for his own as chairman, on which the
yeas and nays were ordered.
The roll being called the yeas were 81, nays
ITO, so that the motion PREVAILED and Thomas
@. Platt was chosen permanent chairman.
On resuming the chair amid applause, Mr..
Platt returned thanks to the convention. He
then called for the report of committee on reso-
buttons.
Mr.. Conkling, chairman of that committee,
rose, amid applause, and said that as his friend
Charles u. Smith OF Albany was more familiar
with the handwriting of the resolutions
(laughter) he had kindly volunteered toiread
tsS:s platform which had been unanimously
adonted. daughter and applause
M Smit,H. was called to the platform and
read the resolu.,!;nns which are as follows:
The Republicans new fe5k' h true to the
faithful to the demands of an incomr 'eted mis-
sion, make the following declarations:
The office of the government is to conserve
order, peace and safety and to protect every
citizen in the enjoyment of every right implied
oy the constitution and the laws; unity and fra
ternal relations in all states and sections and
between all states and sections is of the first