Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1892-11-26
CIcy.landss Best Speccil.

Mr.. Cleveland had prepared only
few notes, and for the most part the
speech was eXteInpore. One OF the
guests. however, was an adept at
stenography. and Mr.. Cleveland, s.
utterances were recorded verbatim.
Therefore it is possible to present
what those who heard it pronounce
it, the gem of all orations that have
vet fallen from the lips OF the Presl-
dent elect.
at was afterthe coffee and we had
pushed back our chairs preparatory
TO enjoying an informal chat said
one of the gentlemen yesterday WHO
was present. .Then our host arose
md in few words expressed his
pleasure that so many had responded
to his invitation. Turning to the
President. elect he declared him to be
the 'beacon-lighto of Democratic prin-
ciples,' and announced that though
it had not been intended to have any
formal speech making, still he had
prevailed upon Mr. Cleveland to say
word or two.
II shall never forget how, when he
took the floor. Mr.. Cleveland in-.
pressed me. I have known him for
years, and yet / never have seen him
when he seemed to be oyerpowered
with q sense OF the responsibility
which soon will be thrust upon him..
There was nothing OF triumph about
his dcmeanor or his remarks. lie
talked to US as If he were 4 father
giving advice to his sops, or as au
srmy commander to his lieutenants
on the eve of Il desperate battle. The
speech was not prepared, and yet it
seemed as If it had been thought out.
III have heard nearly every address
made bv Mr.. Cleveland since he be-
came known III the political world,
and we all agreed that this WAS the
greatest that ever fell from his lips.
When it had ended aitd the cheers
had subsidized and the listeners crowd
ed about the President.elect to grasp
his hand, u close friend came near to
DIR. Cleveland end said: Mr.. Presi-
dent, | regard Your address as the
grandest that either you or any NOR
tai man has yet delivered
"Mr. Cleveland's reply was given
with look of affection. He simply
said: IF / had not known you SO IN
timatcly for so many years l should
suspect that you were trying to flat
ter me-
This was Mr.. Cleveland's speech:
find it impossible to rid myself at
This moment OF the conflicting emo
sions which stir within me. ] see
here assembled good and staunch
friends who have labored necessarily
and devotedly for the success which
has crowned Democratic efforts in
the canvass just closed. and / cannot
forget how greatly these efforts have
been characterized by personal at
sachment and friendship for the can
didate selected to carry The Demo
cratic banner. This awaken q sense
of gratitude which it is great pleas
ure for me to thankfully acknow-
ledge. confess, too. that l have
fully shared in the partisan satisfac-
ton which our great victory is cal
culated to arouse in every heart so
thoroughly Democratic as mine.
1t is seldom given any man to con-
template such splendid campaign.
so mastery arranged in his behalf
by such good friends, followed by
such stunendous and complete
triumph. / should not, perhaps, in
.roduce anything sonbre' on this oc-
casion, bnt know you will forgive
me WHEN say that every feeling Of
iubilatinn ard even my sense of
stitu lie is so tempered as to be al
most entirely cbscured by q reaiizn-
lion. nearly painful, of the resronsi
l,ilitv have assumed in the sight Of
she American people. BY love OF
country, my attachment to the prin
aip!as of true Democracy, my appre-
citation of the obligation have en-
.ered into with best and most con-
faing people OF the world and a con-
sciousness of MY own weakness and
;1nperfections, all conspire to fill my
mind with sober and depressing re-
Elections.
When I consider ali that we do as
party charged with the control Of
the Government. feel that our cam
paign, instead Of being concluded, is
but Just begun. What shall our per-
Torrance he Of the contract, we have
made with our counfrymen. and how
well shall we justify the trust they
have imposed in us?
If we see nothing in orr victory
butalicense to revel in partisan spoils,
we shall fail OF every point. If we
merely profess to enter upon our
work and if we make apparent en-
deavor to do it a cover for seeking
partisan advantage, we shall invite
contempt and disgrace. II we at
tempt TO discharge our duty to the
people Without complete party har-
inonv in patriotic action. washall
demonstrate ourincompetency.
l thank God that far above all
doubts and inisgivings, and away
beyond all difficulties, we may con-
stantly see the light of home and
safety. The light we see is the illu-
mutation from the principles of true,
honest and pure Democracy, show
ing the way in all times of danger, !
and leading US to the fulfilment OF
political duty and the redenption Of
all our pledges. The light is kindled
in the love of justice and in devotion
to the peoples rights. 1t is bright
il a constant patriotism and in a
nations promise. Let us not he mis-
led to our urdoing by other lights of
false Democracy which may be kin
died in broken faith which, shining
in hypocrisy, will, if followed, lure
us TO the rocks of failure and dis
grace. If we see stern labor ahead
of us, and il difficulties loom upon
our horizon, let us remember that in
the thickest weather the mariner
watches most anxiously for his true
light.
Who in our party charged with any
responsibility to the people has not
pledged his devotion to the principles
OF true Democracy. and who among
MS has made pledges with intent to
deceived / have faith in the manli
ness and truthfulness of the Demo-
cratic party.
NY belief in our principles and my