The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1888-05-18
Blaine and Alrer.

Inc nepuDnChn CiuD AZ the university
II Michigan, on Friday evening of last
week. held mock National Convention.
This club numbers some SIX hundred of
the energetic young men of the University,
OF whom 4l2 were delegates in the Con.
ycptlon representing every State and Ter
ritory. OF this Club, Mr.. Henry b.
Dewey, late OF THE TIMES, is President,
and in calling to order the convention, ad.
dressed his associates as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: "A
few months ago the Republican students
of the University met aud organized Re-
publican club as branch OF the Michigan
Club. Since that time the membership
has increased from less than one hundred
to over five hundred. and we are today the
largest organization Of students In
this great university. We meet
here to night as National con
vcnti0n to express our sentiments upon
tho great political issues OF the day, and
10 designate our choice of standard bearer
IN the coming campaign. AL such time
II is extremely fitting to make a review
Of the past and take a look into the future
The Republican party has met in seven
National conventions since ii selected John
c. Fremont as its first candidate for Pres
ident in 1855, and six of its candidates
have been chosen to the proudest position
that any American can claim. To attempt
TO recall its achievements would be but to
read consecutive pages of history for a
quarter of century. This period wit
messed the elimination Of the slavery
agitation; the suppression OF the greatest
rebellion of modern times; the unprece
denied development of the country under
the influence of a protective tariff, the en-
actment of liberal homestead law; the
linking of the metropolis with the Golden
Gate. by bands of steel; the fostering of
National credit. unequalled since the
dawn of history; and today, as result OF
the judicious management of the Republi-
can party, the United States is the bright
est star in the constellation of nations. It's
leaders have been uniformity men whom
the Nation might well be proud to honor;
its statesmen comprise long list, includ
ing such men rs Lincoln, Seward, Sumner,
Colfax, Grant. Garfield, Chandler and
hundreds of others whose names will ever
occupy proud position on the scroll OF
history.
But to turn from the past to the present,
we ask what are its tendencies and princi-
pies In 1888! 1t seem to me that the Re
publican party, IS now, more than ever
before, the representative exponent OF the
idea of the further expansion aud diversity
of American industry, by means of ju
dici0uS protective system, so adjusted that
the benefits accruing shall be National and
not individual. The Republican party
demands free ballot, an honest count,
South as well as North; and it protests
most vigorously against the practical multi
fication of the constitution at every election
held In the Southern states. The Republi
can party is the staunch friend of the free
school system, which has received, In fact,
It's greatest development under the impetus
OF Republican rule. Upon the vital ques-
ton of temperance reform, the Republican
party advocates such practical measures as
shall soonest and forever destroy tho rum
traffic and secure prohibition, state and
National.
In general the Republican party appeals
to its record as the best guarantee of what
the character of its administration will be
when, after March 4. it again assumes the
reins of government in both the executive
and legislative departments. under the
guiding hand of the nominee of the coming
Chicago convention.
OF this speech the Detroit Tribune says,
':.Mr. Dewey's illusions to the Republican
party as the party of protection were
greeted with the greatest enthusiasm"
Following the opening address the au.
dience sang an original song entitled,
"There Will be No Cleveland There"
The committee on permanent organiza-
tion presented their report naming James
N. Mcbride. of Burton, as permanent
chairman. and who the Tribune says,
twas unanimously chosen, enthusiastically
cheered and accepted in neat speech
setting forth the principles of the party"
On behalf of the Michigan delegation |
Frank K. Converse. of Owosso, presented
The name of Gen. Russell A. Alger, in the
following eloquent speech, which we es.
pecially commend to the attention of our
friend Frazier, who is to do for Michigan
The same efficient service at Chicago. Mr..
Converse said:
MR.. CHAIRMAN, GENTLEMEN OF THE
For the first time in the
history of the Republican party does Mich
gan come forward with q Presidential
candidate. Never before has she asked
,ught of the National conventions. When
,ver her voice has been raised it has rung
,ut in clarion notes. michigan will poll
solid Republican electoral vote" And,
gentlemen of the convention, that pledge
las never been broken. Michigan points
With pride to her glorious record. Under
he shade of her stalwart oaks was the
rand old party born. In that state did
Is great principles of free soil, free
peech. free labor and free men" first take
leep root. 1t was Michigan that cherished
nd fostered the infant party. 1t was she
hat furnished one of its greatest lead
RS in the stalwart Zach" Chandler.
But no longer can it be said, Anyone can
AIRY Michigan" Today she stands in
he list of doubtful states" She asks
ot of the party mere favor. She will
onor it by the candidate she offers. And
GU, gentlemen, will serve its best inter-
sts IL you accept the honor on its behalf.
The Republicans of this great Nation
emahd as their leader in the coming strug.
lie man of intelligence. They demand
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