Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-20


and meet here today one Of these bending
under the weight Of 70 wears, with voice
trembling with weakness and with moistened
eyes he said 10 me: Il am in the Lords
hands; my time is short, but my PRAYER is
that | may be allowed 10 vote for j. G.
Blaine Applause.
Could | counsel in aught affecting the dis
tinguished citizen OF Maine, who | believe,
under the providence of God, is 10 become
our chief magistrate; | would implore him
70 remember our still wronged and outraged
fellow citizens.
Scene OF Great Euthusiasm.
Blaine Hamlin and Robe arrived at two
o'clock and were escorted to the grove with a
band. They reached there at the conclusion
OF Gen. Swift's speech. The whole audience
arose and scence of wild enthusiasm en-.
sued. Three times three cheers echoed
through the grove. For five minutes men
waved their hats and women their handker
chiefs. Mr. Blaine said
Fellow Citizens-The place and the time
where the republican party was first organ
lied, will, | preshme, remain like the birth
place of Homer, a subject of unending dis
puts. Seyan cities claimed the latter and
seven states may claim the former. 1t could
hardly be doubted that great thought, com
mon to the minds of a million of men would
find expression al the same time in places
widely separated, but think that it is his
torIcally true that the patriotic men met in
the town of Strong in 1854, were the pioneers
of the great movement which resulted in the
organization of the republican party. The
men of that day build,d better than they
knew and initiated movement whose gran.
deur and destiny could not be measured
Great parties never came by "whereas
and resolve" Parties can't be improvised
and extemporized. Teey grow. They come
from an instinct in the masses of the people
and are not the product of political leaders
Thus it was with the federal party, with the
old republican party. with the democratic
party, with the whig party and with the great
party whose existence we celebrate today.
am here TO exchange congratulations with
neighbors and old friends, congratulations
on all sides has been accomplished already,
congratulating Oh the spirit and courage OF
the party to continue its great work in the
future.
Blaine's speech was frequently interrupted
with applause and closed with a grand out,
burst.
A remarkable figure was that of Hannibal
demonstration. shouts and applause He
stood erect AZ 4 maple saying, ia a CLAW
hammar coat, and spoke with old time fire.
He reviewed the work of the republican party
and spoke of the heroes of the war which that
party fought Hear their voices, said he
demanding that We preserve the results of
their toll and their lives. Applause. Pause
upon the responsibility that rests upon you.
| am relOiced to see the large number of
Young men here. They feel the duty that
rests upon them and that duty will be done.
Now am here in a somewhat new capacity
in the capacity of a high private. When
addressing YOU before have generally been
a candidate for some kind of office and per-
sonally interested Ny Judgment might have
been Influenced Today | have no special
interest. No sympathy beats in my heart
that ought not to beat in yours. Now there
are some aspects in this campaign that are
discouraging. Blaine could not get handful
of votes in England or in Canada, but if we
look over own land where the ballot does the
freeman's will as the lightning does the work
of God, the prospect is different | have
never seen an outlook so iattering. 1t is my
sober Judgment and opinion, and am right
in my opinion, that when that little tick of
the telegraph comes in November. you will
be much surprised and the democrats
almighty surprised. We are going to sweep
the country like a. vast prarie fire Won't
we be happy thens If you have any tears
prepare to shed them now for your democratic
opponents.
Ia closing, Hsmin paid a tribute to the
1reat value of the work done in the conven-
ton of 1854 by Benjamin F, Easton. Some
body shouted, He Is here" Bring him up
here then" said Hamln. A dramatic scene
ensued as the venerable man came forward
amid applause. The two veterans clasped
hands warmly and Hsmlin kissed Easton
Easton made a brief speech saying that he
never expected to live to see this day.
"He is SAINT shouted Hamlin, as Easton
mounted the stand.