Telegram-herald. ([Grand Rapids, Mich.) 18??-1892, 1891-10-13

ORR CANDIDATE

tue Republican congressional cOAFen-
ton must he taken as . vindicatlon OF
his course III congress. He served the
people with fidelity, and earned the
proud distinction of being = diligent
worker. He did not-probably. he
could not-please all mis- constituents,
but he exerted himself to the full
measure of his ability TO serve all the
people, and he Was successful. The
nomination went to him IN the face OF
formidable opposition, IS the most
available man. IL would be untrue to
say that he did not desire the elevation,
for he, like every other true American,
IS inspired with a laudable ambition to
serve the people IN an Official capacity.
However, he Is the choice of the Re-
publicans Of this district, worthy
choice, and will receive the spontaneous
support of every genuine protecuonist
and loyal Republican. His record as
soldier, citizen, a public officer, is
without blemish. His associations
and his sy mpathies have been and now
are with the common people. He is
man of the people, earnest, faithful
and intensely sincere. He doe, not
claim to be finished schoiar-his edu-
cation was secured by dint of self-sac-
rifice and indomitabie perseverance in
the attic of his modest home by the
light of q suffering candle. No
convenient college nor plethoric
purse were at his command. He
dug out chunks of solid wisdom
by hard knocks against fortune
and circumstance. He Is pre-emi-
nently self-made man. With such a
man as standard-bearer,v victory seems
to be within easy reach. His friends
will see to it that no petty disappoint-
ments over MINOR t airs are permitted to
imperil the chances for Republican
success. Mr.. Belknap stands not for
himself, not for the veterans, not for
this faction, nor that following, not
for the city of Grand Rapids, but he
stands as the champion OF Republican
principles. He is for protection to our
Industries and homes; he is for the wise
policy Of reciprocity; he is for sound
financial policy, and opposed to free
coinage Of silver to enrich few mine
owners aud impoverish those air eady
poor; he is, IN word, for the people of
this district first, and for the grand
fundaments of Republicanism always.
The resolutions adopted by the con-
vention are plain, direct and unequiv-
ocal. Every paragraph rings with
the independent conviction of right.
There Is ne minclng OF words nor
adroit circumlocution. 1t voices
sentiment and does not suggest an
apology. Republicans cannot afford
to truckle with ''isms." In the party
platform adopted, there is fearless
denunciation OF the free coinage
heresy, because it is heresy. The MIS-
cradle spectacle OF Democratic misrule
and legislative dishonesty in the state
receives stamp Of disapprovai that
can be felt. There is no hypocrisy, nor
| coddling to possible disgruntled fac
tIons IN the hope of securing q few
struggling votes. The platform is Wig
orous, incisive and complete.
With such candidate and such a
platform the voters of this district will
have no hesitancy in making their
choice. AS against Mr.. Lawrence, the
Democratic candidate, Mr.. Beiknap
will command the support Of manufac-
turers, workingmen and farmers. He
has the experience required to make a
Congressman valuable to his district.
Mr.. Lawrence has no such experience.
Mr.. Belknap would be able to accom-
plish something for the district because
he is familiar with the workings
of the governmental machinery.
Mr.. Lawrence would be compelled
to learn what Mr.. Belknap already
knows. The extent of Mr.. Lawrencc's
usefulness would be to keep q chair
warm and draw his salary. That is all
any new man can accomplish in his
first year in Congress. The business in
terests of this district demand that an
experienced man be sent to Congress.
That demand will be supplied by the
election of Mr.. Belknap.