The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-02-27

PRESIDENT EMERSONS SPEECH.
At $50 the speeches commenced, and Pres
ident Emerson rising said:
A citizen of this city remarked to me the
other day that Portland had reason to be
proud Of the Young Mems Republican Club.
He was entirely correct. There are few
cities in the country that can equal club
like this. There is none that can excel it.
On this occasion, year after its organiZa-
tion into its present form and two years af-
ter its origin as lively, enthusiastic, cam
paign club. 1t Is not out Of place for us to in
dulge in little selfcongratulatiOn, briefly
and truthfully.
Political clubs are usually born, live and
die during the heated months Of a campaign.
Only the very ittest survive and hold over
until another canvass awakens interest and
renews club life. 1t takes something more
than the fittest to maintain an existence such
as ours, so interesting and active. We are
an organization of nearly two hundred
young men-and young men indeed-b0und
together for the advancement of the Repub-
lcan party and its reforms, with finely ap-
pointed home and social features to lend an
additional charm to our mission. We know
no factions. We know the Republican party,
take pride in its past and present, and have
confidence in its future. am not believer
in off-year apathy. 1t is our duty not only to
stimulate party spirit when 1t is already high
but to maintain IL at a time when ii Is likely
to be low. In 1887 and 1889 we get the good
VI ACpuDHCdu SlCbUilco WOu III lOcO anu 1000.
We should not fail to recognize it at the
time.
The late Henry w. Grady, in his last and,
think, his best speech, remarked upon the
constancy to principle of that handful Of
Vermont Democrats who march over the
hills year after year to certain defeat. There
is touch OF pathos in 1t to be sure, but af-
ter all it is not difficult to be constant under
such circumstances The Vermont Repub-
LEANS and the Maine Republicans as we'll
who march over the hills year. after year to
certain victory are the men who are in dan.
ger. The hour of triumph is the hour of
trial. and this applies more to political par
ties than anything else in the world. The
greatest testimony to the efficiency, honesty
and straightforward practices Of the Repub-
lican party of Maine is the fact that it wins
ana then wins again.
There is every inspiration for the grand
work Of this club. We live and have influ-
ence in State in which it is an honor, not
alone to be born, but to live. As for birth.
it is proverbial piece Of good fortune. As
fyr living, | ask in all candor is
that presents better opportunities for the en-
ergetic young man of today than Maine.
SiouxFalls to the contrary notwithstanding?
1t is state that has always given eminent
men to the councils of the nation, and, think
of 1t, one that today provides the country
with its Secretary of State and Speaker of
the House of Representatives, the two men
next IN Importance 10 the IreSiuent nlmSeif
and besides this a congressional delegation
unexcelled in ability, brilliancy and capacity
for conscientious work. And Maine, it may
also be said to her credit, knows enough to
keep such men at the capital. But this is
not all. At the present time we also furnish
United States Senators for two other states,
and Representatives to Congress for three
other states. So Maine really has delega-
tion of twelve at Washington, and they
were all elected where there was free ex-
preston of the will of the people.
And then, too, this club exists and has in.
fluence in good city There may be little
tardiness in regard to state houses and opera
houses, but after all, a very good
city, one that has something else
besides harbor q feet and 6
inches deep at two hours tide, although
this is about the only advantage recognized
by the Democratic candidate for Mayor. 1t
is city, which, unlike many other New
England cities, is beginning to show grow
ing confidence in its young men, city that
has always presented glorious examples of
craftsmanship in the past, and as for the
present, one that gives to the Republican
party, Congress and the country the most
successful, unique and tremendously able
man In political life today, who in one short
week put himself in the very front rank of
Americas common sense statesmen, who
has proved the courage and irmness Of his
convictions, who sees man when he sees
him and isn't afraid to tell him SO in SPITE of
all protests, who believes that the majority
of the National House have rights as we'll as
the minority.
There is good reason then for a little off.
year Republican rejoicing. 1t seems to me
that the time was never more fitting and it
will give me great pleasure, gentlemen, to
present to you eminent Republicans who
have done us the honor to come here and
rejUice with US.
MAYOR MELCHER's SPEECH.
Mayor Melcher was then presented and
spoke substantially as follows:
It makes one realize, to a most uncomfort-
able degree, that he is growing old, when,
recognizing the fact that he Is not eligible to
membership In this club beeeuse of his age
put appreciate the honor of the reception
here on this delightful occasion. / under
stand fully that It is not on account OF age
OF personality, but because of the office that
admission is given me here tonight and to
this club, as one of the most important fac
tors Of the Republican party, am indebted
i0r tnis position. Let me say just here, gem
tlemen. that In reviewing the record OF that
once 1or the year nearly past, the keenest
regret that comes to me Is because have not
more fully realized your desires and expecta-
| tions.
There is ample opportunity in the rapid
| development of this republic for all 10 exer,
| else the full measure of their capacity, ana
| rejoic in the knowledge that every actor mas
| equal power in his vote, II not III MS personal
| influence.
III ever the thought should come that in
| this FAR away, down-east state, your intiu-
| ence NAV not be felt at the great political
| center. YOU are only to remember that while
onr etota inst missed suDDlVinp n RanuhIi