St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-09-21
BEFORE DINNER
The Temporary Organization Was
Effected.

JIG. Raines, of Minneapolis, called
the convention to order, and in doing
so expressed his views on its pur-
pose as follows:
Gentlemen of the conventions: 1t becomes
my duty as Yice-president of the National
Association of Democratic clubs for the state
OF Minnesota TO call this meeting to order
and to state lis object and scope. Before
proceeding TO do this | desire to congratulate
you all upon the very suspicious beginning
already made in this state in the matter or
club organization. 1t is very gratifying to
see so many delegates here from all portions
of the state and to know that so many OF
them are young men who will cast their llrst
vote for the next president of these United
States; and it is pleasing TO note the presence
of so many scandinavian Americans VINO
have also discovered that the Democratic
party Is all that its name signlhes-the
party of the people. | say again THIS Is
most significant II vindicates change OF
sentiment favorable TO Democracy, and there
fore in the interests of the masses.
Recurring to the history OF the movement
relating to the organization OF nauonal ana
state associations of clubs, will state That
ii is of very recent origin. There nave
always peen campaign clubs in both parties,
but il was only within the present year That
an attempt was made to effect national or
ganiZation of all clubs i'll the Union.
From the outset this movement has had
regular organization OF the party. and Is now
regarded by those high in authority as
most valuable aid to the national committee
i'll spreading the doctrines OF free govern
ment.
Only the other day Grover Cleveland, in
response to letter from President Black,
said: Every citizen should be regarded as
q thoughtful, responsible voter, ana ne
should be furnished the means of eXamln-
ing the issue involved in the pending can
vass for himself l am convinced that no
agency is so effective 10 this end as the clubs
which have been formed in all parts OF the
country and are making their influence felt
in every neighhOrhoOd."
However we have been strongly urged by
the officials or the national association 10 Or
ganiZe a state association, ana hence TINS
present meeting. The grand object Is 10 ell
feet permanent organization, which snail
act in harmony with the state central COM
mittee and become part of the national as
ISOLATION, thus completing system through
which great deal can be accomplished
which would otherwise go undone. Now,
am fully aware that this is no time to enter
upon an extended description OF the issues
of the hour and vet / feel that, in view OF
the fact that this movement was inaugu-
rated by the young men OF me
party and must be largely carried forward
by them, 1 shall be justified in stating brief
Democratic party. would not ask him 10
give this party his support merely because
it has been restored to power by the people,
and in all human probability VIII be con-
timed there for years to come-no such
motive should move him. 1t is serious
step and should be taken only III the llgnt
of reason. :. ,
He should come to the question in the
spirit of absolute fairness. lie should divert
his mind of all prejudice and regard the two
great parties as they are-not as they were.
What concerns us now is what they now pro-
pose-not what they did or failed to do TWEEN
ty-fve years ago. Understand, nave no
apology to offer for the attitude OF the OLD
Democratic party on the slave question.
What the party then experienced only serves
to point the present argument. Slavery was
q class institution, the very nature Oh wnlcn
was bitterly opposed to the spirit or Amerl-
can freedom-and when those who loved this
class institution more than they did their
country, gained control OF the party. IL soon,
and very justly, expired.
Whenever any party falls into the hands
and control of any class of individuals VINO
insist upon administering the government in
the interest of that class instead of the
masses. then is the doom of that party sealed.
The same disease that destroyed the old
Democratic party has seized upon its proud
successor and laid it low. The people
would not endure the idea of slavery,
and no more will they tolerate The
system of protection when they come
to realize that this, too, operates to dis
criminate against the masses and in favor
cover of the law to tax us all upon the shall
low preteuse that they give employment to
labor at increased wages, which has been
disproved so often and so clearly as not to
merit further discussion. The basis of
American liberty is the grand old Democratic
principle that ''all mem are equal before the
law" The party which suffers itself to be
lured away from this great fundamental
truth upon any pretext, however specious, is
an enemy to the race, while that party which
adhere to it, and that party alone is to be
entrusted with the reins Of government.
When Mr.. Haines had concluded,
Col. Crooks was made temporary chair
man and Orville Rheinhart temporary
secretary. Col. Crooks said:
ave have reason to believe that, at
the least, Minnesota is doubtful state.
These clubs are to do good. to propa
gate the faith, and continue their work
after the election is over"
On motion of A. T. Ankeny, Mr..
Croker, of Fairbault, was made assist
ant secretary.
On motion of Mr.. Greenhoot the tenn
porary organization and the executive
committee was made a committee on
credentials. The following committees
were appointed:
Resolutions-A. A. Greenhoot Ramsey
county; C. NJ. Foot, Hennepin county; John
Moonan, WaSeca county; Byron Hughes,
Blue Earth county; j. II. Newdahl, Wright
county.
Permanent Organization-J. II. Long, Hen
nepin county; David Fitzgerald, Ramsey
county; John Hill, Rice county; Wallace
Wall, Hennepin county; Joseph Jepson,
Hennepin county.
A recess was then taken until 2:30.