The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-06-17
DEPEw's SPEECH,
An Able Tribute to Harrison's Admin
istratiOn.

An able TIlDute TO darrisons Auhlh-
istratiOn.
When the cheers which followed the
speech of the colored delegate had sab
sided the name of New York was called.
As the courtly Depew arose 5000 Harrison
representatives burst into one mighty
cheer
1t is the popularity of Republican
National conventions that each one of
them has distinct and interesting
history. We are here to meet conditions
and solve problems which make this
gathering not only no exception to the
rule, but substantially new departure.
That there should be strong con-
victions and their earnest expression as
to preferences and policies is character
istic of the right of individual Judgment,
which is the fundamental principle OF
Republicanism. There have been oc-
caSions when the result was so sure that
the delegates could freely indulge in the
charming privilege of favoritism and of
friendship. But the situation which
now confronts us demands the exercise
of dispassionate Judgment and our best
thought and experience. We cannot
venture on uncertain ground or en-
counter obstacles placed in the pathway
of success by ourselves. The Demo-
cratic party is now divided, but the hope
OF the possession of power once more
will make it in the final battle more ag-
gressive, determined and unscrupulouS
than ever. 1t starts with 10 States secure
without an effort, by processes which
are travesty upon popular government,
and if continued long enough will para
I'VE institutions founded upon popular
suffrage. 1t has to win four more States
in fair fight, States which in the
vocabulary of politics are denominated
doubtful. The Republican party must
appeal to the conscience and the Judg-
ment of the individual voter in every
State in the Union. This is i'll accord
ance with the principles upon which it
was founded and the objects for which
il contends. 1t has accepted this issue
before and fought it out with an extra
ordinary continuance of success.
The conditions of Republican victory
from 1860 to 1880 were created by
Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.
They were that the saved Republic
should be run by it's saviors; they were
the emancipation of the slaves, the re-
construction of the States, the reception
of those who had fought to destroy the
Republic back into the fold, without
penalties or punishments, and to an
equal share with those who had fought
and saved the Nation in the solemn obi
cations and inestimable privileges OF
American citizenship. They were the
embodiment into the constitution of the
principles for which two millions of men
had fought and half a million had died
They were the restoration of public
credit, the resumption of specie pay,
ments and the prosperous condition OF
solvent business.
For % years there were names with
which to conjure, and events fresh IL
the public mind which were eloquent
with popular enthusiasm. 1t needed
little else than a recital of the glorious
story of its heroes and statement Of
the achievements of the Republican
party to retain the confidence of the
people. But from the desire for change
which is characteristic of free Govern
ments there came reversal; there came
a check to the progress of the Republi.
can party and four years of Democratic
adn1inis IauiUu. THESE IUuI vrvr lrq ,Sls
Telegated to the realms of history past
issues, and brought us face to face with
what Democracy, its professions and its
practices, means today. The great mass
which adorned the roll of Republican
statesmen and soldiers are still potent
and popular. The great measures of the
Republican party are still the best of the
history of the century. The unequalleo
and uneXampled story of Republicanism
iE its progress and in its achievements
stands unequal in the raoH.-'g 0f paIVles
il Gnvo4nnIUIItS which are Tree. But we
live in practical times, facing practical
issues which affect the business, the
wages, the labor and the prosperity OF
today. The campaign will be won OF
lest, not upon the bad record of James
Polk or Franklin Pierce or of James
Duchanan-not upon the good record OF
Lincoln OF Grant or Arthur or Of Hayes
OF of Garfield. 1t will be won or lOst
upon the policy, foreign and domestic
tile industrial measures and the admin
istrative acts of the administration OF
BENJAMIN Harrison. Whoever receives
tile nomination of this convention vii
run upon the judgment of the people as
to whether they have been more prosper
Gus and happy, whether the country ha:
been in better condition at home anC
stood more honorably abroad undel
these last four years of Harrison anC
Republican administration than during
the preceding four years of Cleveland
and Democratic government.
Not since Thomas Jefferson has am
administration been called upon to fact
and solve so many or such difficult prob
lens as those which have been exigen
in our conditions. No administration
since the organization of the Govern
ment has met with difficulties better o
more to the satisfaction of the American
people.
Cnlle has been taught that no matter
how small the antagonist no communit,
can with safety insult the flag or murde
American sailors. Germany and England
have learned in Samoa that the Unitet
States has become one of the powers o
the world, and no matter how might
the adversary at every sacrifice Ameri
can honor will be maintained. Tn
Boring sea question, which was the in
surmOuntable obstacle in the diplOmac
of Cleveland and of Bayard, has beef
settled upon a basis which sustains til
American position until arbitration shall
have determined our fight.
The dollar of the country has bee
placed and kept in the standard of com
mercial Nations, and a coin has bee
agreed upon with foreign Government
which, by making bimetallism the polio
of all Nations, may successfully solve al
our financial problems.
The tariff, tinkered with and trifle
with to the serious disturbance of trad
and disaster to business since the day
OF Washington, has been courageous
,y,bodiad into a pOda-a pola which ha