Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1880-10-07

distinguished. When the cheering had
subsidized he took a seat, whereupon a
perfect hurricane of enthusiasm broke
out again, which compliment the
Senator acknowledged by arising and
bowling repeatedly as before.
LETTER FROM GEN. GRANT.
A letter was then read from Gen.
Grant, addressed to Gen. Chester 4.
Arthur, expressing his regret that he
could not he present on this occasion,
and the hope that the meeting would
be successful one, and saying that he
intended to do all in his power for the
success CT the ticket, and that he in
tended to cast his vote for Garfield and
Arthur. This letter, which was q very
brief one, was greeted with loud cheers.
When quiet had been restored Mr..
Hamilton Fish, the President of the
evening, arose and made few remarks
introducing Senator Conkling, who at
once began the delivery of the remark
able address which is given in full below.
He was frequently and rapturously
cheered. He had been speaking per-
haps twenty minutes when
THE VENERABLE THURLOW WEED,
who has been feeble and sick for the
past month, and scarcely expected to
survive his illness, hobbled upon the
platform leaning upon the arms of two
friends, one on either side of him. The
audience broke into tremendous cheers.
Senator Conklng paused and shook
hands with the old politician, and then
continued his remarks.
The platform was filed during the
evening with representative men who
have distinguished themselves in the
Republican ranks. Among these were
Gov. A. B. Cornell, Gen. Chester A.
Arthur, the Hon. Edward Pierrepont,
Gen. Judson Fitzpatrick, the Rev. DIR.
j. B. Newman, the Rev. Robert Collyer,
the Hon. Marshall Jewell, and long
array of others equally distinguished
in politics, theology, and literature.
During the evening magnificent
torchlight procession of Boys IN Blue
under the command of Maj. Gen. Carr
paraded the streets. There were not
less than 10000 torches in line.
In every point of view the demon
stration in honor of Senator Conkling
and the principles and the party he
represents has been remarkable and
gratifying success.
ADDRi SIS.
FELLOW CITIz Ms: Whoever is given greet
ing and audience in such a Presence, ought
indeed to have something wor by - some
thing fit and wise to say. Inadequate III
all, save only grateful ana respectful azure
citation must be my return. We are CT liens
Of a republic. We govern ourselves: Hese
no pomp of eager array In chambers Of
royalty awaits the birth of boy or girl to
WELD an heredit zrg scepter whenever death
or revolution pours on the oil of coron-
alton. We know no s2epter save MAJOR
TVS constitutional viii. To WELD that
tc5pter in equal share is the duty and the
right, nay the birthright, of every citizen.
The supreme, the final. the only peaceful ar
bitter here is the ballot-box and in that urn
should be gathered and from it should be sa-
credly recorded the conscience, the Judgment,
the intelligence of ALL Applause The right Of
free self-g has been in all ages the
bright dream OF oppressed humanity-the
privilege 10 which thrones, dynasties and sighed
for power have So long blocked the way. France
seeks 1t by forced marches and daring strides
Mr.. Forster, secretary for Ireland, tells the
peer&ge of England it must take heed lest it
fall and Westminster ana En- gland ring with
6read echoes of applause. But in the fullness
of freedom the republic of Amerlca Is alone IN
The earth alone in its grandeur; alone in its
blessings; alone in its promises and posslbil
ties. and therefore alone in the devotion due
from It's citizens. [Applause.l The time has
come When law, duty and interest require the
nation to determine for at least four years its
policy in many things
Two parties exist; parties should always ex-
list i'll q government of majorities. and to sup
port and strengthen the party which most
nearly holds his views is among the most
lapdable, meritorious acts OF an American
citizen; and this whether he be in official or in
private station. Two parties contend for the
management of national affairs. One or the
other of these two contestants is sure to man
age the nations concerns for some time TO
come. The question is, which Of the two is it
safer and wiser to trust. 1t is not question
Of candidates. A candidate, il he be an hon
eSt genuine man, will not seek and accept q
party nomination to the presidency, vice presi-
dency or congress, and after be is elected be-
come 6 law unto himself. Few things are
more despicable than first to secure elevation
at the hands Of q party and then, in the hope
OF winning pretentious non-partisan applause,
to affect superior sanct ty, and meanly to i'm
Ply taat those whose support and confidence
wer3 eagerly and defereltially sought are
wanting in purity, patriotism, or some other
title to re -pect. [Applause.l
The higher obligations among men are not
set down in writing and signed and sealed
they reside In honor and good faith. The
fidelity Of a nominee belongs to this exalted
class, and therefore a candidate OF party is
but the exponent of q party. The object of
political discussion and action Is to settle pTin
ciples, policies and issues. Ii is a paltcy incl
dent Of al election affecting fifty million
people that it decides for an o3casion the
aspirations of individual men. The Demo
cratic party is the Democratic candidate and
l am against the ticket and all its works.
THE GENERAL ISSUE A SECTIONAL ONE.
The general issue confronting Us is in itself
and in It's bearings sectional. [ would, and
you would, it were not So but it is so. If in
one portion OF the country one party outnum-
bers the other even ny overwhelming odds, the
fact need not be blSmable, ror proof of sec
t.onal aggression. But if in any section
party gains and keeps control, not by num-
bers, not by honesty and law, and then,
safi ng free discussion and action, attempts to
grasp the government Of the whole country,
the proceeding is sectional, guilty and mon
strous. In twelve states of the Union the
approaching election is to be no more than s
farce, unless, as has sometimes happened. Ii
be turned into tragedy. There is to be 10
free debate, no equal rights, no true express
sion in these states; and III several states the
clear mai ority is to have no deciding power
not even 8 chance IN rattle such IS that in
which lots were cast and the booty divided be-
tween Tammany Hall and the upper air and
solar walk reform Democracy. Senator Hamp-
! ton largely promises forty thou aud Demo-
cratic majority IN South Carolins. where the
actual majority is forty thousand the other
| way. In several Southern States there is
| large, well known, often ascertained Republic
! an majority, hut all Southern States alike
! without exception or doubt, are relied upon to