Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-13

At the grand stand, Gen. COnnor, who pre-
sided. called the audience to order. He
esteemed it a high privilege to be called to
preside over such an assemblage. These
were proud days for the old Third district Of
Maine. for it was here that the republican
candidate for the presidency, James G. Blaine
applause had launched upon his honorable
and glorious public career. 1t was unneces
sary to speak of his merits. His public life,
until he had reached his present high position
in the este, m of the people, was matter of
record, and it was sufficient to say that he
bad not been uufaithful to any principle or
trust reposed in him by his party. The plat
form of the republican party stands for
policy that shall knit into closer bonds the
union of States 1t stands for the protection
of American citizens at home and abroad,
for the suppression of polygamy, for the
interests of the soldiers Of the late war for
the maintenance of that civil service reform
begun by the republican party, free aud un-
intimidated expression of the will of the
people at the ballot box, and for national
supremacy. The platform of the party and
the acceptances bf the candidates are clear,
unmistakable and in perfect accord. The
party stands united, free from cliques and
rings, earnest and enthusiastic, and bent on
victory, and he heartily congratulated it upon
the bright outlook
Governor Robie.
Gov. Robie was then introduced, and was
received with great applause. He said this
vast coucourse of people had come here today
to show their attachment to the great repub-
lican party and their loyalty to its principles.
The party possessed glorious record, and
all who had follow ed its fortunes for the last
quarter of a century must feel proud Of its
glorious achievements and of their own efforts
to sustain it, The time had now come when
New England hail candidate for the presi-
dency, and he appealed to her to know whe-
ther should again elect from her borders
president to preside over the destines Of the
country, and who will raise her to the position
sh9 once occupied. The responsibility in a
great measure rests upon Maine and it should
meet it with one mighty voice for the election
of James G. BlainP- great applause.
There were LOUD tsnl frequent calls for
Mr. Blaine, who came forward. A voice
called for three cheers for the next president
of the United States, and they were given
with great earnestness.
Mr.. Blaine Said:
NV friends-I came here today not to
speak, but to hear. have been too long ac-
customed to attend every political gathering
in Kennebec county to miss this one, laugh
ter and applause and so | came from old
habit just to see if they were held as well as
they were in the old days when was so often
imposed upon you for your suf1rages, an ex-
action which, can say with candor, never
had any expectation of again laying upon
YOU. But am once more before the peo-
ple of Maine, a people in whom | have never
trusted in vain. A voice, good" and
great applause. ! am OBTAINING you by this
simple word from the enjoyment of hearing,
a voice. ''go on, Y a great orator from the
West am as anxious for the treat as YOU
are, and so yield the platform to him.
Hon. Emory A. Storrs.
Hon. Emory A. Storrs of Illinois then came
forw ard and was Introduced He sharply ar
raigned the democratic party for the record
it had made When he characterized it as
diabolical in purpose he said nothing extrav-
agant or ungenerohs. He was simply quot
ing history when he said it never did a great
thing except at the wrong time. He did not
complain that the democratic party was sin
full, but that il was sin itself. Laughter. I
1t had been said that these were old issues.
Should the preacher stop denouncing sin be-
cause it was an old issue? He would COM
ment upon the democratic party As long az !;
was above gronnd. and when 1t had passed
out Of existence VI tn its Infamous record he
would cease to speak of it as a painful re-
minescence and sf warning for the future,
He regetted the absence Of the independents.
They had left frequently. He was satisfied
and felt resigned when he read they had
abandoned the party. But when be read that
Mr.. Curtis said their absence was only tenn.
porary. and that that gentleman was TO return,
he felt the gravest and direst apprehension.
Those gentlemen for the last II years had
playing a series of farewell engagements, and
the patience of the people had become ex-
hausted. He saw those lady-like statesmen
depart from our midst; he saw those female
gentlemen abandoning the republican party,