The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1892-11-24
Mr.. CLEV ELAN DIS LAST SPEECH

At the d inner given by Henry
Willard, in New York, Mr.. Cleveland
spoke as follows
1 find it impossible to rid myself at
this moment of the conflicting emotions
which stir within me. see here as
who have labored necessarily and
devotedly for the success which ha>
crowned the Democratic effort in the
canvass just closed, and I cannot for
get how greatly these efforts have
been characterized by the personal
attachment and friendship for the
candidate selected to carry the Demo-
cratic banner. This awakens a sense
of gratitude which it is a rare pleasure
for me to thankfully acknowledge.
| confess, too, that l have fully
shared in the partisan satisfaction
which our great victory. is calculated
to arouse in every heart as thoroughly
Democratic as mine. 1t is seldom
given to man to contemplate such a
splendid campaign so masterfully ar
ranged in lis behalf by such good
friends. followed by such stupendous
and complete triumph.
l should not, perhaps, introduce
anything sombre on this occasion, but
l know you will forgive me when l say
that every feeling Of :jubilation and
even my sense of gratitude is so tenn
pered as to be almost entirely obscured
by the realization. nearly painful, Of
the responsibility have assumed in
the sight of the American people.
My love Of country. my attachment
to the principles of true Democracy,
have entered into with the best and
most confiding people in the world,
and the consciousness of my own weak
ness and imperfections all conspire to
fill my mind with sober and oppressive
reflection. When l consider all that
we have to do as a party charged with
the control Of the government. l feel
that our campaign, instead of being
concluded, is but Just begun.
What shall our performance be of
the contract we have made with our
countrymen and how we'll shall we
justify the trust they have imposed in
us? If we see nothing in our victory
but license to revel ir partisan spoils,
we shall fail at every point.
If we merely profess to enter upon
our work and if we make apparent
endeavor for dark cover for seeking
partisan advantage, we shall invite
contempt and disgrace.
If we attempt to discharge our duty
to the people without complete party
harmony in patriotic action we shall
demonstrate our incompetency.
l thank God that far above all doubts
and misgivings and away beyond all
the difficulties, all may constantly see
the lights of hope and safety.
The light we see is illumination
from the principles of. true, honest and
pure MISUNDERSTANDING the way in
all times Of danger and leading us to
the fulfillment of political duty and the
redemption Of all our pledges.
This light is kindled in the love of
justice and in devotion to the peoples
rights. 1t is bright in a constant
patriotism and in nations promise.
Let us not be misled to our undoing
Wy ol0 otIlci llSuCS Vi ldlSc DtIlOCIdCy
which may be kindled in broken faith
and which thing in hypocricy will, if
| followed, lure US to the rocks of failure
and disgrace.
| IT we see stern labor for us, and if
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 principle
of true Democracy, and who. among
us, has made pledges with the intent
to deceive our faith in the manliness
and truthfulness of the Democratic
party. My belief in our principles
and my faith in my party constitute
my trust that we shall answer the
expectations of our countrymen and
shall raise high aloft the standard of
true Democracy to fix the gaze for
many years to come Of a prosperous,
| haDDV and cOntented DeOD1e