The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-07-02
GREATEST CIVIC HERO.
Blaine Thus Lauded in the Iowa Re-
publican Convention by an
Enthusiast.
The Sentiment Greeted With tho
Widest and Very Pro-
longed Cheering.
HarrisOn's Administration Com m O ended In
Formal Sentenccs-Probib En-
dOrsed-Siiver Dodged.

CEDAR RAPIDS H., July 1.--One OF the
most enthusiastic conventions ever assem-
bled in Iowa convened in this city to-day.
The convention was as distinguished for it's
harmony and good feeling as have been the
conventions of recent years for their dis
cord and dissensions. Among the audience
are many persons of state and national
reputation. Senator Allison, Congressman
Henderson, Perkins, Flick, Dolllver and
Hall, Ex-Governor Gear, ex-Gover-
nor Larabee and Solicitor of the
Treasury Hepburn occupied seats on
the platform, and Mrs. J. Ellen
Foster, representative of the non
partisan Women's Christian Temperance
union, headed a delegation of enthusiastic
lady republicans, who occupied private
box.
Promptly at II O'Clock Chairman Mack,
of the state central committee, called the
convention to order and the divine blessing
was invoked by Rev. julius Ward, of Cedar
Rapids. Chairman Mack's speech was
short aud crisp. 1t consisted in announc-
ing John Y. Stone as temporary chairman
and W. Il. Cochrane, of Taylor county, as
temporary secretary of the convention. In
assuming the chair Stone made rousing
speech which was interrupted many times
by applause. He said: "a most important
crisis is upon us. The political power of
the state is at stake. The good results
achieved by the republican party during It's
rule of thirty years is endanger ed. The
democratic party in Iowa is in battle and
is in ambush. Masked behind pretense
Of seeking the decision of local question
they are aiming by brilliant stroke to
turn Iowa over to the national dem
ocracy. Given control of the executive
and legislative branches of the state
government and it will 80 group counties
into congressional districts as to give it the
greatest possible opportunity to capture the
delegation in the congressional elections
next year. 1t will so reorganize representa-
tive districts next year as to give it the
greatest chance of winning the general as
sembly in 1898, and the consequent election
of United States senator in 1894. Nor
than this. If successful it will initiate the
stroke of the Michigan democracy and pro-
in the gerrymandered districts, and thus
give the democratic presidential candidate
portion of lowa's vote in the elective COL
lege in 1892 Are the republicans of Iowa
ready for contamination like this?"
The spea ker said the prohibition question
can party in Iowa would still fight in favor
Of it. In regard to the peoples party,
torious demand by promoters of the new
movement that they have cause to believ
will not be fayorably met by the republican
party"
In the course of his speech Chairman
Stone praised the administration of Presi-
dent Harrison, saying: IAN past peace ad-
ministrations can be safely challenged. No
presidents record of the first two and one
half years that will rival this. [Great ap-
plause. = But one other can here be mem
tioned-the right arm and loyal friend of
| his chief. the fearless and inoompar able
Blaine" At the mention of the secretary 8
name the convention went wild with en-
thusasm. "He is the first citizen of the
republic and he is the greatest civic hero"
| The speaker " wound up with reciprocity.
He said: "There is but one reciprocity
and James G. Blaine is its prophet. Ire
mendous applause. When he first an.
nounced the gospel the democratic party,
upon the spur of the moment. thought it
saw free trade standing in a more dazzling
| light than ever before. But when the spell
was broken reciprocity was in the republic
an camp and James &. Blaine its chief
priest" Here the convention again be-
came wildly enthusiastic.
Immediately after the reconvening of the
convention, at two p. m.. Permanent Chair
|
speech predicting party success on the tariff
and local issues.
| The nomination of state officers was then
announced in order and the convention de-
clared that no nominating speeches should
be permitted.
For governor, Hiram c. Wheeler, of
Odelbolt, Sac county. was nominated on
the first ballot, amid great enthusiasm. He
| WAS called upon for a speech and returned
thanks briefly for the honor conferred.
For lieutenant governor, George Van
Houten, of Taylor county, developed unex-
| pected strength, and was nominated on the
second ballot. defeating the present incum-
bent, Poyner. For supreme judge, S. III.
Wenver of Iowa Falls, was nominated on
the third ballot, defeating Chief Justice
Beck, present incumbent, and other candi-
dates
public instruction, and Frank L. Campbell
| present railroad commissioner, were re-
nominated by reclamation.
| telegram of greeting WAS read from the
secretary of the National Republican
league and one signed by John Jay, presi-
lection of American Institutions, asking
the convention to recommend i'll tho
platforiA state and national constitutional
prohibition of sectarian appropriations as Il
necessary measure of defence for the
| American common school system.
| Congressman Perkins, chairman of the
committee on resolutions, reported the
platform. That document indorses tho
Mckinley tariff law i'll the warmest terms
and particularly commends the reciprocity
provision and its Interpretation and OBJ
servation by Secretary of State Blaine and
| President Harrison. The course of the re-
publican party on tho pension question is
indorsed and liberal pensions to disabled
soldiers and widows of the nations defend
ers is urged. The financial question is briefly
disposed of by Endorsement of the present
silver law. Harrison's administration
ia Endorsed, the large appropriations of the
| last congress defended as having been nec-
essary for the welfare and developments of
the country as protection to those to whom
liberal appropriations were voted for hav-
ing hazarded life and limb i'll defense of
their country.
| The prohibition plank of the last plat
form is reatfirmed. and the democratic par
ty's local officials ara arragned for conspir-
ing with the law-breaE ing element for the
violation and nom observance of the pro-
hibtion law. The course of lowas sena-
tors and representatives i'll the national
congress- and II particular oulogy Ii ex-
| tended to Senator Allison for his liberal
and patriotic course as chairman OF the
senate committee on appropriations. The
worlds Columbian exposition at Chicago is
commended, and the Iowa legislature urged
to make liberal appropriation for an ex-
| hibit of the resources and products OF the
| Hnwkeye state.
A. j. Hirschel, of Davenport, also mem-
h..