Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-01-19
DESERVED COMPLIMENT.
senator Ia the Democratic Caucus
a stirring Speech.

The caucus Of democratic senators and
representatives which was held in Spring.
field Wednesday evening. did what every
democrat In the state wanted them 20 do
nominated Gen. John nj. Palmer for
United States senator OF course II was
only complimentary nomination, but
still 1t afforded an opportunity for the
democracy of Illinois to show their high
appreciation of the grand old man" and
il came as e sort of endorsement of his
gallant fight for governor last fail The
caucus was called to order by Senator
Shut. of Sapgamon, and the roll call of
both houses, showed seventy>three sena-
tors and representatives present. Repre-
sentative Wells. of Adams, was selected
as chairman, aud Senator Higbee. OF Pike,
as secretary, and E. W. Hurst. of this
city. as assistant secretary.
The nomination was made by Hon. T.
E. Merritt. of Marion, in an eloquent
speech. He said:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
joint caucus: ! arise before this caucus
tonight with view of placing in nomin-
alton for United States senator. a gentles
man | know il will be perfect honor for
every man in this room TO vote for.
wish to place in nomination man whom
| know if it could be done, it vould be
not only an honor to the State of Illinois,
but greal honor to the nation to have
take his seat in the United States senate
at Washington one who is a noble man.
one who has made the most vigorous
campaign that has ever been made in the
history OF the United States applause a
man who has become familiar in the
mouths of all the leading politicians
man of this great government; one who
was felt, and one who made the party
that boosted of her 10000 and so, 900
majority not long since spend many
sleepless nights through the campaign
contriving measures by which they could
deceive the people TO defeat this great
man. When we present his name no
man can be ashamed of him. He is Il
soldier; he is u statesman, aud he is an
honest man He advocates the great
principles which. though they may have
laid down, have laid down not TO sleep,
but merely TO rest until the tidal wave of
fanatiCism may pass over; until the poor
men that vote in this country and the
working classes will find out that the
great principles of democracy are Justice
and right. and the organization that takes
possession of this national government
on the 4th OF next March is nothing but
an organization OF capital against labor,
and that for the purpose of making the
rich richer and the poor poorer. Great
applause For that reason we take
great pleasure in placing before this lolnt
caucus good man, a representative man
of the great state of Illinois, Gen. John
NJ. Palmer. Tremendous applause.
A committee was appointed TO escort
Gen. Palmer to the hail. and his appear
suce was greeted with an outburst of APP,
plause. Dir. Palmer said:
Last May the democratic state con,
vention nominated me as q candidate for
governor OF the state OF Illinois. When
the canvass commenced il occurred to me
that it was matter of mere form. But
learned during and after the canvass that
II had had more courage | could have
inspired the party throughout the state
with such degree of enthusiastic reso-
luton that | am almost persuaded the
state could have been carried | did my
duty then, think, and | have the salts
faction of knowing that the whole party
all the party in all parts of the state
gave ME generous. true and earnest
support Applause SO that no can
a IaNn ~ 81,
prouder of his party supporters. The
democratic party of the state, although
defeated, is now a united party. 1t IS u
harmonious organization, and ! am es
pecially proud that have received your
nomination as a candidate for the senate
For. although | know you are iu the
minority, / know that nomination by
this earnest, generous, patriotic minority
is an honor that any man may treasure
while he has permission to think and ap-
preciate at all. 1t is proud thing TO re-
ceive such a compliment at the hands of
he dem0crary of Illinois. Not on &C
count alone of its caruestness during the
last canvass. not alone on account of its
patriotic devotion TO principle. not alone
on account of the gallant. upfiinching
paign, when no democrat :altered in the
line, but on account Of its never>dying
faith in eternal truth. Applause
I'm the canvass just concluded no at
tempt was made 10 dodge or evsde. We
were following presidential candidate
who was an embodiment of patriotism
and courage, earnest, manly. self sacri>
ficiDg and energetic Great applause
And every democrat In the state felt the
inspiration of his example. and we fought
the battle for the democratic principles
without compromise, without falteI, and
without surrender on any occasion. The
democratic party is united party now,
and let me tell you the democratic party
now is the hope of the country. APP
plause 1t has nothing 10 give; it offers
no bounty TO capital; 1t is not prepared
to give u cent a pound to the sugar
makers OF Kansas; it has nothing TO offer
except simple. plain constitutional gov
eminent. II offers the equal protection
of the law to every interest. TO every man
in the state OF Illinois, and as far as its
Influence extends nationally; 1t still offers
nothing but an economical adminisira-
ton of the national and state govern
ments-a close observation of the con-
stitution, the most profound respect fol
the rights OF property, and, more than
that, the most profound respect for the
rights of men. Prolonged applause
During the last canvass bouniies
were offered to almost every interest
The manufacturers were told they should
have high prices; they should have pro-
lection that delusiUn of modern politics
Laberers were told that, the manufactur
er being protected, they would take cart
OF their employes-they would be pros
porous. There was no interest but what
was fiattered and fed with the most ex'
aggerated promises. Gentlemen. no gov