New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-06
PATRIOTISM AT NASHVILLE.
A REMARKABLE GREETING TO THE REPUB-
LICAN DELEGATES.
WELCOMED BY GOVERNOR TAYLOR AND THE
TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE IN THE STATE
CAPIToL-CLOSING DAY OF THE
LEAGUE CONVENTION.
1By TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUsE.I

the most significant convention that ~
has ever held. Some of the reasons that
will Justify these declarations were set forth yes
,erday in speaking of this historical place OF meet
ing the conditions under which it was held, the
peculiar circumstances connected with IT, ana the
elevated. eloquent and patriotic character OF the
opening addresses. TO these elements OF interest
were added to-day others so striking rs 10 cause
the proceedings 10 become actually dramatic, maxi
ing scene that will live forever in the history
of Tennessee and in the memory of everyone who
witnessed It,
It. hapmncd in the famous old State Capitol
shortly after midday. Both branches OF the Leg
islaturc. overwhelmingly Democratic had been in
session all the morning. Promptly at the hour
of noon recess was taken TO receive the members
Of the League who came in response TO Governor
Tayors courteous invitation TO visit the Capitol
and meet the State officials. 1t showing hard
when the visitors headed by President Thurs
ton left Amusement Hall: but that did not pre-
vent the delegates nor even the Northern ladies
present from going through the storm. The
State delegations marched with flags and banners
hyng an Ohio band in front playing " Dine
As they approached the Capitol building. the
members of the Legislature came forward to greet
and cheer them The Governor shook hands with
President Thurston. and together they marched
down to the speakers stand. and there MI lhurs-
ton was introduced by the Governor TO the pre-
siding officer of the House. Mr.. Clapp. lie
was invited TO occupy seat beside the Speaker.
the Governor taking the chair on the other
side -JIcantnc, the visitors crowded tlS lower
floor and galleries. The members of the Senate.
headed by President Lea. came in just as the
bard ceased playing tho South's favoriie ar.
Instantly there were calls by the members for
4 la r1.srf.
Of applause the National tune was rendered with
a dash and energy that would have done credit
10 Gilmore
Then followed the speeches. which were most
happily in keeping with the great occasion.
Speaker Clapp arose first. He spoke briefly and
in excellent taste He welcomed the delegates
to Tennessee soil and 70 the Tennessee Capitol.
10 the home Of jackson. Of Polk.
and Of Johnson He touched upon the beauty,
the wealth and the future Of the State. ani after
repeating his hearty welcome 10 the delegates
closed with a good-naturcd thrust nj Speaker
Reeds famous action that made everybody laugh.
Next came Governor Taylor, a typical IenncSSean,
keen courteous and thoroughly dignlied. lie
reiterated the welcome extended 10 the League
men and then. true T. his Democratic faith or
assurance calmly remarked that he hoped the
Republican, would help reduce the tarin 50
that Tcnnc.src's resources might be- developed -
a remark that caused even the Democratic members
H. smile But the Governor scored one on the
visitors Immediately affcrwari. when hc added
IN his dry way that the selection of Nashville
as a place for holding the League Convention was
sngularly appropriate in view of the educa-
tional character Of the city. There was another
laugh at this. and then President Thurston was
called upon Mr. Thurston has made many good
speeches. but. III tie opinion OF those VINO heard
him at the Capitol. he never did better than he
did iE response to the Governor and Speaker
Capp He fulfilled all the requirements OF the
sitraiion lie spoke Of the kindly reception cN-
tended 10 the visitors. and declared that the hos
pirality of Tennessee was not outrIvalcd by that
Of any place on earth.
we shall take home pleasant memories, he
said in closing I'VE shall understand YOU bet
ter. for We shall know more Of You. As well aS
Of yonr great resources. OF truth God has
layi,hcd his gifts upon Tennessee. We recognize
the fact that two political parties are necessary.
The safety of the country is best preserved when
they are nearly equal thank Eod there Is n
Republican party, and also Democratic party
70 hold IT, down. God bless Tennessee, Heroes
on both sides fell here face to face lighting for
the best Glory Of this country. We are glad that
IN me ~plln lllflf wv 'lhitA' " P''i' VI wv
Union Army Let us pass The bowl Of friendship
from In 10 lin and smoke The pipe of peace.
Others spoke on both sides in the same patriotic.
fratcrna strain and the notable assembly dis
pcfscd with tie band playing My Country
III, of Thee. 1t WAS one of the srandcst sights
I've witnessed since the War; said an old citizen
Of Nashville tonight. in speaking of the matter
He voiced the general sentiment.
The regular proceedings Of the day. though
devoted 70 business, were lively and entertaining.
Toward fhc close they became somewhat cNclt-
inc owing TO the contest over the question OF
where the next convention should be held
number of the prominent League men were de
srous of having the meeting IN the South, he
lic,ing that this would be- in accordance with the
Leagues policy regarding its work IN the Southern
States: 50 they urged that some city like New
Orleans, Memphis Atlanta, Birmingham or st.
Louis be chosen. But majority, led by the
Ohio "hustlcrs." took different view OF the
matter aud, notwithstanding the opposition on
the part of Dctr:its friends, they succeeded IN
getting Cincinnati named for the next meeting
While this il Disappointing Ia those VINO apprccl
ale the importance of having these conventions III
| the South. there is consolation in the fact that
| the next National gathering will certainly be -
success. for Ohio never does things by halves.
President Thurston's unanimous reelection VIII
give great satisfaction TO all members of the
| League He has demonstrated his eminent nj
ness for the place 50 completely that when he
consented to take the Office for another year
| Mr. Stuart of PENNSYLVANIA. and all other candi
| dates declined to allow their names to W. pre-
scnted The opposition To the reelection OF
Secretary Humphrey was not based upon any
feeling against him or failure 10 appreciate his
excellent services for the league but was simply
bccaui,, the Pcnnsy lvana League wanted to honor
| one of It's loyal members by giving him the place
| When Mr. Stubbs saw that the Overwhelming ma
| orty of the Convention wanted llr. humphrey
he retired, and tlsr election OF MIR. Humphrey
was made unanimous There oppos
tion TO the reelection of TREASURER lounsbury
| The finances of the League shown TO he
in fairly satisfactory condition. All the eX-
pcnscs are paid mp 10 date. and there is a small
surplus in the treasury.
As was expected there was rcd-hOt debate
over the natform II began in the committee
Tor hnur In lh. Lnu