Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-08-15
Governor Chamberlain's Speech.

We give herewith AN abstract of the remarks
made by Governor Chamberlain of Maine, in sup
port of his resolution at the Republican state con-
vention, in support of the Southern policy of the
President We commend them to the careful pc
rlisal of all:
"Mr. President II offer this resolution because,
speaking for myself and those Republicans who
sent me here to act for them, am unwilling to
see the state Republican convention of Maine ad-
iourn without expressing cordial support of the
national administration, which represents the head
of the party. am surprised that no such resolu-
ton was offered by the committee Whenever
did a state convention fail to declare its support of
its own chosen agents and champions? And of all
times this is surely one when true allegiance and
manly service should be rendered.; now, when the
issues OF the last sixteen years drawn to the
sharp crisis year ago, in the national plat
form, we reatiirmed with care and completeness
the principles which were our common bond, the
end we sought, and the measures by which they
were to be achieved. II anything could be a more
bold and forcible presentation of them it was
found in Mr. Hayes letter of acceptance If
further Lighter demonstration were needed, it was
given in the courageous, >tatesmanike and noble
utterlnces of the President, inaugural, and il any
Presidents administration put at rest forever all
doubt of his sincerity and devotion to Republican
principles
"rhe President has upon him a great and sol
emn responsibility. We have called him to IA task
more difficult, in many respects, than to carry
through war, because to settle disturbed state
Of things in time Of peace, by constitutional and
legal measures il far more difficult matter than
4. Al.
pathies are aroused and when means and mea-
sures and motives are not so sharply scrutinized
We ask the President to for the country the
great boon for which we have fought and toiled so
long We ask him to consumniate Il political,
financial and industrial reconstruction when all
the old systems have been overthrow from the
foundations. We ask him, from the disorder and
disorganization that has followed the terrific
crash of forces in internal conflict to give us back
whole country That is what we want, what
we fought for and are still fighting for; and now,
when the crisis has come, when the hopes and
pledges so long held are being honestly and vigor-
ously realized shall we basely desert the execu-
tive, on whom, our own choice, has deyolyed the
difficult taskP Have friends grown so timid, or
loyalty so lnkewarm, that we shall be asked to let
the President alone at the most, To give him
a fair trial?
"What has the President done to make him
eper to be let alone culprt to he put ON trialP
What has come over the spirit of our dream since
We year ago In this convention, affirmed
confidence in our principles and in our candidate
in resolutions much stronger than this now ven
ture to offer? Is sincerity new to us that we
are surprised and shocked when one takes us at
our word? Is it the Presidents crime that he
thought we were honest in resolutions and our
| promises? Take care, gentlemen, lest the peo-
| pie think that it is who are ON trial and not
the President. II he is carrying out fairly and
| squarey the principles announced in our platform
year after year, is it not in fact and in earnest
the party that is ON trial and the measures We
propose for the we-being of the country, are they
not ON trial? Ii we believe in them, why not
stand by them? What is the meaning Of all this?
Where is the folly which strikes the resolution out
Of mems hearts and the consistency out of their
characters? Shall We be told Ia wait, and see
| whether the President succeeds or not before We
sustain himP
"When our flag is being borne forward to the
very edge Of victory shall we stay hack in the
rear tn wait the result before We dare say whether
II is our flag or not? Are you going to put Maine
in the rear? That is not where have been ac-
clstomed to see her, Mir President that is where,
depend upon it, she will not stay II you put her
|
| tanned by the country, and | am confident that
the Republican party In Maine Will sustain him.
| Let our resolutions, then, agree with our prnci-
| ples let them AZ least speak our meaning II we
| are honest, If we are wise we shall stand by the
President II the administration does not repre-
sent the Republican party, we have No national
| marty II this convention does not indurse the
administration, cannot claim 10 belong To- the
Republican party of the country. But let us no
| longer use words in moekery. II We mean Ia
recognize the President rs he Is, the exponent OF
our principles and the head of our party why
hesitate to say SO in the language of men? And |
| will say also, II we mean otherwise IL It Is an
honest conviction that the President deserves cen
sure and deserton, lot us have the manliness To
say frankly and firmly We owe il 10 the
| party and we owe II to the country.
Mr. President, the resolution have offered Is
simple and clear Il is more moderate than
would like, but 1t is such rs every Republican
| ought 10 accept know not what other gentle
men would think II wise and prudent to say here,
| but for one, so far from waiting Ia see how the
President will come out in his efforts u laciiy the
country and purify the service, am with the
| President now and here, am for his policy
His and ours is the only one that can save the
| party and complete It's noble record aud triumph
antly elect the true man we nominate to-day-the
only one that restore peace ana business pros
perty aud faith between man and MN aud a
whole country am for this policy for still an
| nthpr reaann- heeause il il right ~