The Portland daily press., 1880-10-05

important so far as anything that 1 have to
say to you is concerned, because | shall not be
able to make any Of you hear; but after me
comes speaker whom know you will be glad
to hear and you can do so by keeping quiet
and orderly. Not being accustomed TO speak
ing publicly, have drawn off . few words
which will say in advance of the gentleman
who is to follow me
Taking roll of manuscript from his pocket,
the General read In view of the known
character and ability of the speaker who is to
address You today, and his long public career
and association with leading statesmen of this
country for the past 20 years, it would not be
becoming in me to detain you with many re-
marks OF my own but it may be proper for me
10 account to you ON the first occasion of my
presiding at political meetings for the faith
that is in me. l am Republican, as the two
great political parties are now divided, be-
cause the Republican party is the national
party. seeking the greatest good for the great
est number OF its citizens. There is not pre-
cinct in this vast nation where Democrat
cannot cast his ballot and have it counted as
east, no matter what the predominance of the
opposite party. lie can proclaim his political
opinions. even if he is one among thousands.
without fear aud without prescription on ac-
count OF his opinions There are IA states and
localities in some others. where Republicans
have not this privilege. This is one reason
why am Republican,. But am Republi-
can for many reasons. The Republican party
assures protection OF life property, public
credit and the payments of the debts Of the
government, state, county or municipal. SO far
as it can control. The Democratic party does
not promise this. If it does, il has broken its
promises to the extent of hundreds of millions,
as many Northern Democrats eau testify to
their sorrow.
L have been in some parts of every state
lately in the rebellion within the last year
was most h spitably received at every place
where l stopped. My receptions were not by
the Union class alone, but by all classes, with
out distinction. / had free talk with many
who were against us in the war and who have
been against the Republican party ever since.
They were in all instances reasonable men,
Judged by what they said. believed then,
and believe now, that they sincerely want
breakup in this Solid South, in its political
condition. They see that it is to their pecun-
iary interests, as well to their happicess,
that there should be harmony and confidence
between all sections. They want TO break
away from the slavery which binds them to a
party name; they want pretext that enough
of them can unite upon to make it respectable.
Once started, the Solid South will go as Ku-
Kluxism did before, and is so admirably told
by Judge Tourgee in his Fools Errand.
When the break comes those who start it will
be astonished to find how many of their friends
have been in favor of it for a long time and
have only been waiting to see some one take
the lead. This desirable solution can onlysbe
attained by The defeat, and continued defeat,
OF the Democratic party as now constituted"
am a RepuDllcau as between existing par
ties because it fosters the production OF the
field and farm and of manufactures, and it en-
courages the general education OF the poor as
well as rich. The Democratic party discour-
ages all these when in absolute power The
Republican party is the party of progress aud
OF liberality towards its opponents. Ii encour-
ages the poor to strive to better their condition.
the ignorant to educate their children to en-
able them to compete successfully with their
more fortunate associates, and, in fine, 1t Sc
cures an entire equality before the law of every
citizen, no matter what bis race, nationally
or previous condition. Itstolerdtes no privileged
class; every one has an opportunity TO make
himself all he Is capable OF. Ladies and gen.
tlemen, do you believe this can be truthfully
said in the greater par of fourteen of the
States of the Union to-day which the Demo
Gratis control absolutely. The Republican
party is party Of principles the same princi-
pies prevailing wherever it has foothold.
The Democratic party is united in but one
thing. and that is getting control of the Gov
ernment in all its branches 1t is for internal
improvements at the expense of the Gov
another 1t favors the reputation of solemn
obligations in one section, and the honest pay
ment of its debts in another (where public
opinion will not tolerate any other view). 1t
favors tiat money in one place, and good money
in another. Finally, it favors the pooling of
all issues not favored by the Republicans, to
the end that it may secure the one principle
upon which the party is a most harmonious
unit namely, gaining control of the Govern
ment in all its branches.