Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-03-28
Springfield 8spnblis
WEDNESDAY EVENING. MARCH %. 1903.
THE CONGRESSIONAL CONTENTION
md ITS WORK.

THE CONGRESSIONAL CONTENTION
md ITS WORK.
The congressional convention held by the
republicans of the Eighth Ohio district, in
this city, Tuesday. March 27th, 1883, was
exceptional and really extraordinary in
character. 1t was held in the magnificent
Buckeye club roOm-one of the finest rooms
of the kind in Ohio, impressing our visitors
abroad with its great beauty and its re-
markable adaptedness to its purpose. At
the close of the convention, however, when
those present crowded down through the
single and narrow exit, it became apparent
that the hail was not suited to convention
purposes. A panic from an alarm of fire
would have undoubtedly resulted in loss of
life. II the room is to be used for large
gatherings, other and ample exits must be
provided TO meet both the requirements of
safety and of the state law.
A catholic spirit and a determine
tion to promote harmony in the ranks of
the party were shown in the proceedings Of
the preliminary meetings. All participat-
ing were republicans and all were breth-
rem, and it was the universal
purpose, as shown ON occasion. that in
all differences which might come to thesur-
face, Individual and minority rights should
have fair consideration. and that nobody
however great or however humble-should
be trampled upon. In the Clark deleRa-
ton there was an opportunity for, or pos
sibility of, factional fight. Mr.. John
Foes and General j. Warren Keifer, were
connected with the representation of Clark
county in the national republican conven-
ton to be held at Chicago. We had urged
the election of Mr.. Foos, having not heard
that anyone desired to bring out any Other
person for the position. The editor of the
REPUBLIC was a very warm friend of Mr..
Foos, but he was also very warm friend
of General Keifer, and had stood by him,
uninterruptedly and faithfully, as well in
storm as in sunshine, and when some of his
friends declared that he would be in a can
didate. not only the editor of the REPUB-
Lie. but a large number of republicans,
were ''in strait betwixt two," and in an
embarrassing situation. But as the gen.
eral and Mr.. FoOs were old friends and
neighbors, and as Mr.. Foos had been
one of the generals most active and eff
fective supporters and defenders, it was
believed that no real contest would be
made. When the caucus met there was q
hesitation as to the taking of an expression
as to preference between Mr. Foos and
the general, and finally the general himself
solved the problem by saying that, although
Senator Sherman had earnestly desired him
to he delegate, on account of his old per-
sOnal friendship and his wide acquaintance
throughout the country, he believed that,
in the circumstances, Senator Sherman
would be quite satisfied if he withdrew in
favor of Mr.. FoOs, who, he was assured.
was earnestly and actively for Sherman
This fraternal utteraace on the part of
General Keifer gaze great satisfaction .
his many personal friends and partisans
and TO expression as to choice was made by
the caucus, but the general was
heartily and unanimously thanked for the
position he had taken, and when the ball,
was taken in the convention, although the
general was not a candidate, he received
several votes, Mr.. Foos receiving nearly
all, and afterward when the general ap-
paared upon the platform, to name General
Kennedy for denomination, the applause
that greeted him from his old neighbors
sad from the delegates generally. really
amounted to an ovation.
The honor bestowed upon Mr.. FOos by
the convention was something quite un-
usual. He has not been known as poll
tician, in the light Of a man seeking office
for himself or any of his political friends,
but only as private soldier in the republi-
can ranks who has always shown himself
good fighter for. and liberal supporter OF, |
the good cause. In this line we have no |
citizen who has done better work than Mr.. !
FOOs, and it was proper and due to
him that this honor should be bestowed
upon him. And let it be understood that
Mr.. Foos has large acquaintance, not only
in Ohio, but throughout the country and |
in the south. In Louisiana Mr.. |
FoOs is as well known as are many of IFS |
own citizens and political leaders, and it is |
a solid fact that he has exerted a wider and |
stronger influence in congress, in behalf of |
the protection of sugar interests, than the |
entire delegation of Louisiana in that body. |
Thsts the election Of Mr.. Foos gives great |
satisfaction TO his fellOw-citizens here. does |
not need to be said. 1t is universally sp-
parent.
Our citizens have another source of salts |
faction, in the fine appearance and magnlti- |
cent utterance of General Keifer, when he !
a ppeared upon the platform and made his |
5 Sech nominating General Kennedy, to !
which we have alluded in the foregoing. |
Ths Generals arraigDment of the demo- |
cratic party and his ringing declaration that |
we must not only have protection for the |
American citizen, under the folds of our !
lag in foreign lands, but must have protec |
ton also for the American citizen in every |
part of the United States, in the discharge |
1f his duties, called forth tremendous ex-
preston of approval. The General was for |
. free ballot and an honest count, and his !
iemand made on this occasion was one of !
he most effective utterances to which we |
,aye ever listened. The General then made