The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-07-15
PERMANENT ORGANIC ALTON.

Eloquent Speech of Col. Villas, the
Silver-TOngue Orator of WiscOn-
sin.
CHICAGO, july 9.-The report of the
Committee on Permanent Organ z,,ion
was,then made, the name Of W. Fl. Villas,
Of Wisconsin, being presented as presi-
dent, with list of ,i;e presidents, one
from each State and several secretaries
and assistants. Hendricks, OF Indiana,
with ave others, was appointed CON-
mittee to escort Mr. Villas to the chair.
The temporary chairman in presenting
Mr.. Villas to the convention, returned
thanks for the charity and forbearance
shown toward himself, and which be
said the permanent chairman would need
much less. Mr. Villas. in taking the
chair, returned thanks for the honof done
him, not as recognition OF himself but
of the young Democracy Of the NORTH
west. II was their fair due 1t was q
tribute to their zeal and patriotism. They
hailed it as piessage and prototype OF
the coming triumphs. Applause.
This convention was assembled to
consider great cause 10 pronounce a
momeDtous judgement. Its hand was
on the helm OF mighty nation. Eaith's
greatests, noblest, free society would
rj)ice in the well considered work OF
this convention. Its import and value
lay not in The hope OF mere party VIC
tory in clutching the spols OF office
The opportunity was frequent with
mighty possibilities OF good men. The
Republican party which had recently
held it's convention here had tendered
nothing worthy the fervent aspirations
Of the people. To country rejoicing
in restored unity and concord it tender
ed The renewal Of Sectional Strife, To
nation that felt the impulse OF mighty
growth, it offered the inspiration of a
national Calamity and misfortune. Tosa
proud and sensitive people, demanding
deliverance from dishonoring corruption.
demanding deceucy in seeking snd clear
liness In holding public station, it Of
fered the guilty. darts of skil.ful d-ma-
eogues. In political parlance soap was
its inspiration and ammunilionlo THE
air was already filed with vaporsqof vi,-
sionary schemes ADDRESSED to various in
terests and factions. Some were in
dulged to expect advantage from the
possibilities of foreign war. Others
were promised relief or gain from lega-
lized usurpations on the national treas
ury. A great change has been wrought
in recent years in this country in the
minds OF the people and in political
forces. We have ceased 10 fight over q
suicidal war. The sin of slavery has
been purged. The work accomplished
by those who la6ored to save the Union
remains undi ,tnrbet', and the gratitude
OF the people is their rewsrd" At this
point Gen. Butler entered the ball, and
was heartily applauded. The speaker
rpsuming. said The country had heard
repeated promises OF reform from the
party In power and had been disappoint-
ed. until there is a growing conviction
that the only hope lies in the utter de
feat OF the party in power, and there is
but hope. 1t is vain to look to any new
party organization. Iu the wisdom and
patriotism Of the Democrats here as
sembled is the only hope OF relief. The
party is adequate to the great RESPONSE
bilities. 1t is the great party Of Jeffsr-
son and Jackson to-day as formerly, and
the principles they promulgated are its
principles now. 1t is the party of the
people; OF economy and honesty 1t
has shaken off the venial and lime-serv-
ing and has recruited from the ranks of
it's opponents the best and truest The
Democracy were ready to continue such
exchange. In conclusion he counselled
moderation in their action and bespoke a