Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-09-03
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

Its Thirtieth Birthday F1ttingIy Celebrated
by the People of Maine Mr.. Blaine
Makes Speech.
The thirtieth birthday of the Republican
party was celebrated at Strong, Me-, on the
18th of August. Five thousand people,
says dispatch from Strong, the largest
crowd ever gathered in the county, were
present. The town was decorated with
flags, streamers, and banners, on which
were printed the original platform of the
convention of 1855. An innovation upon
the custom of the Grand Army of the Re
public In not participating in political cele
brations was made, six posts being repre-
sented in full regalia and the procession,
followed by forty-seven of the 288 dele
gates present thirty years ago. Several
large banners were hung in conspicuous
places bearing the following: owe accept
the issue forced upon us, I'm the defense
of freedom we will cooperate with all, of
whatever name or party"
The meeting was called to order by J.
W. Porter. A list of officers, including
Congressman Dingley as President, was
read. Mr.. Dingley took the chair and made
an address, reviewing the growth of the
party.
Mr.. Blaine, accompanied by Hannibal
Hamlin and ex-Gov. Robie, arrived at 2
o'clock, and was received with enthusiastic
cheers. Gov Robbie first addressed the
meeting in a brief speech. He caused
considerable merriment by calling for all
in favor of Blaine for President to raise
their hands. The whole assembly apparent
ly responded. "And now," continued the
Governor, "all those in favor of any one
else raise their hands" One man held up
his hand amid roars of laughter, whereupon
the Governor exclaimed: May God have
mercy on his soul" Blaine was loudly
called for, and upon coming forward was
received with wild applause. He said:
FELLOW CITIZENS The place and time where
the Republican party was first organized will, /
presume, remain like the birthplace of Homer, a
subject of intending dispute. Seven cities
claimed the latter and seven States may claim
the former. 1t could hardly be doubted that a
great tho ught common to the minds of million
of men could find expression at the same time
and in places widely separated. But think it
is historically true that the patriotic men who
met in this 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 builded better than
they knew, and initiated movement whose
grandeur and whose. destiny could not
then be measured Great parties never come by
a whereas and a rule. They grow Parties can
not be improvised or extemporiZed.' They come
from an instinct OF the masses OF the people and
are not the product of political labors. Thus it
with the Federal party, with the old Repub-
lican party, with the Democratic party, with the
Wing party, and with that great party whose
existence we celebrate to-day. | am here to ex-
change congratulations with old neighbors and
old friends; congratulations on all that has
been accomplished; congratulations on the
spirit and courage Of the party to continue its
great works in the future.
Mr.. Blaine's speech was frequently inter-
rupted by applause, and he closed amid
great enthusiasm.