The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-10-30
Why He Flnnn2d.

Mr.. John Lanahan, the scrap iron
dealer, of Pittsburg, Pa, has joined
the Republican ranks, and gives the
following reasons for doing so: at
having recently been stated in the
daily papers that had Topped to the
Republican party, although the pub
LEGATION was made without my know
ledge or consent, do not contradict
it, but cheerfully indorse it. 1t is
but right that | should assign rea-
sons for taking this step, and l will
explain to the best of my ability. l
have been thirty years in this coun-
try, and have always voted with the
Democrats. / now admit that l
never gave the subject of politics the
consideration its Importance required
but 1 have recently reasoned with
myself, and the result is, ] have con.
Guided to cast my vote for Garfield.
l am convinced that a change in the
national administration would throw
us back to the financial and comme,-
cial depression from which we are
now gradually and surely recovering.
The Republicans accuse us Irish
Catholics of being controlled by a
few intriguing politicians, and | think
it is true in many instances. The la
boring men often vote for these de-
signing fellows without at all consid-
ering their fitness for the offices to
which they aspire. 1 am at a loss TO
know what claim the Democratic
party has on our SURFACES, and why
they should get our undivided sup
port. The reason assigned by many
is that the Republican party is com,
posed Of old Know-Nothings. Let
us look into this. In 1854, in ST..
Louis, Louisville, and New Orleans,
Catholics were deliberately murdered
on the streets because of their reli-
gion. Then why should we ally our
selves so faithfully to the Southern
ers? Really, l can see no good
reason why we should not all be Re-
publicans. That party has never
made an attempt on our lives. On the
contrary, it has, through various en-
terprises, given US the means to sus-
tain and enjoy life. 1 am in faver of
giving the Republican party a fair
share of the Irish Catholic vote. BY
so doing we will do more than has
ever yet been done to separate reli-
gion and politics. | have not been
influenced to flop by the promise or
hope of an Office, but l have my busl
ness in view, the nature Of which
brings me in contact with our heav~
lest capitalists. All of these l find
unfolding Republican principles.
My friends, their knowledge of what
best conduces to our prosperity is
undoubted, and it is our duty at this
critical time to espouse the cause
they uphold. l wish to impress up
on my toiling countrymen that l am
no biroling or office seeker, and thai
l am above giving them advice that
would prove detrimental to them
selves and families. / am honestly
convinced that it is my duty to sup.
port the iron interests. So it is the
duty of all who live in this great
manufacturing district. We have
fair times, sound currency, no soup
houses-as he had under Democratic
rule-and there is no call for a change.
1t is full time that Hibernia's gallant
sons would study their interests and
vote with the Republicans. Let us
show the rebel brigadiers that we
understand the situation, and devote
our energies to the work of saying
the nation"