Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-09-13
REMARKS OF John L. STEVENS
In Granite Han at the Opening Of the
? Republican Meeting Saturday Even
ine. Sept. 10, as the Presiding Officer.

History il a servant of Providence to teach
men and nations their duties. For nearly
century the Democratic party has been
menace to the peace and prosperity of the
American people. Born and nursed among
the enemies of Washington, it antagonized
the national policy which the father of his
country inaugurated. The mother of the
doctrine of extreme State Rights, and the
protector of slavery, it has opposed constant
ly the central idea of the American Union.
There are those here tonight who remember
freshly as | do, As years ago, when the Wing
statesmen promised that if the people would
e1pel the Democratic party from power, the
industries of the country should be protected
Harrison was elected, aud the tariff of AZ
was enacted, under which the country en-
tered on a career of industrial prosperity.
Forty -four years ago the Wings said, if the
Democratic party were returned TO power the
Protective tariff would be changed, and war
with Mexico in the interests of slavery be the
result These patriotic warnings were dis
regarded. Polk and Dallas were elected the
Protective tariff was crippled by the revenue
Free Trade tariff of 40, and the Nation was
plunged into war with Mexico, costing this
country 25 900 lives and more than sl63,-
600, 900. In 1860 the Republicans denounced
the Democratic party as an enemy of the
Union and the defender of slavery. This
terrible Indictment was verified by the ire
mendous war of four years, which the domi-
| nant portion of that party in league with the
Free Traders of England waged against our
national existence. To-day the Democratic
party with the same allies is making war
against the protective laws and industrial
| interests of the United States. We, of
Augusta, should oppose the designs of this
unhallowed alliance by all fair and honora-
Bile means. Twenty-Five years ago those of
| us who were then voting citizens here agreed
to give and did pay $3.50, 900, to make avail
able, for manufacturing enterprise, the
waters of our beautiful river, which other
wise would flow useless to the sea. That
| large sum of money was appropriated in the
expectation and belief that our national p o.
| tective policy would be maintained. If we
now help vote from power the party which
is seeking to destroy our Protective system,
we shall prove that we prize the welfare of
our city and our homes above the demands
of party, and show ourselves worthy of be-
| ing American freemen. will not say of the
Democratic party as the old Roman patriot
and statesman said of the mortal enemy of
his country CARTHAGE MUST BE DESTROYED.
But will say, that in the light of history
and of existing facts, that the party of
Grover Cleveland and of Free Trade should
be driven from the control of the Govern
ment, that it ought to be and will be over.
whelmingly defeated in Maine next Monday
and in the Nation in November, and that on
the fourth day of March next, the White House
at Washington will be vacated by its present
occupant, to the great relief of the American
people.