The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-10-07
ENTHUSIASTIC RALLY.
Col. j. H. Davidson EloQuently Ad
dresses Crowded Opera
House.
A Most Interesting and Convincing Ar
gument.


city and surrounding country, who
were anxious to hear the true political
doctrine expounded by one of the
most brilliant orators in Minnesota
Col. j. H. Davidson, of st. Paul. They
were not disappointed in this, though
regretting the enforced absence OF
Knute Nelson, on account of his sick
ness, and the address was well receiv-
ed. The speaker INDUCED in no mud.
Singing or personalities, and treated
all political parties with respect and
consideration. His arguments were
presented in distinct and interest
ing manner, which his fine delivery
aided to impress upon the audience.
He was frequently interrupted by ap.
plause.
The ConcOrdia band was present
and furnished some excellent music.
The stage was occupied by several
prominent local party leaders.
Geo. t. Barr, in introducing the
speaker, referred to the deep disap-
polntment Of all at the absence of
Hon. Knute Nelson. He had been in
formed that the county committee
would apply for future date for Mr..
Nelson.
Col. Davidson stated that he had
filled three or four of Mr.. Nelson's en-
gagemehts and was pleased to do So.
He spoke of the undoubted patriotism
Of all parties and said that the coun-
try is large and wise enough to stand
any change in administration. 1t
was incredible that any national
convention should name man who
would not make creditable presi-
dent. But there are reasons why ev-
cry one should support the Republican
party. He gave the different parties
the credit of believing what is in their
platforms, and from them it appears
that the issues are mainly on financial
and tariff questions. The Republicans
believe in protection, and the Demo-
Gratis in tariff for revenue only. That
party is not free trade party, al
though some in the South favor it.
There is a party which takes a
gloomy view of the condition of the
farmers and lab0ring men. If their
respondent picture is correct it is
time something was done. But. one
should look at the general condition
of the country, outside OF personal
disappointments, and the decision of
the voters will be in favor of the Re-
publican party by large majority.
1t istnOt necessary to 60 back to
the war. That is back number and
even Democrats concede that they
made grave mistakes We then had
no army or navy and were without
the sinews of war. Immediate steps
were necessary to strengthen the
North, and under Republican admin
stration the country rose year by year
in strength. The Democrats favored
peace commissions and concessions,
even after Fort Sumpter had been
fired upon. But all Democrats were
not of that class, for some backed the
government up in everything. But
that was the record of the party. 1t
opposed the issue of bonds as uncon-
stitutional, and declared the issue of
paper money unconstitutional. But
it was an emergency and decisive
measures had to be taken
The Democrats fought every meas
ure of reconstruction as unconstitu-
tional, until ten or fifteen years after
these bills passed when they admitted
that they were mistaken. They were
to be seen way in the rear of the wag-
on, trying to get in, and it has always
been so with them. They have always
been hesitating and drawing back, an
incubus on national progress.
We need navy to command respect
on the seas. We must have war ships
to send to the sealing grounds
and to South American nations
which are undergoing revolutions.
We must have internal improve
ments, such as canals. ETC., cheaper
ing transportation from west to east.
The pension list of the United States
government is greater than that of
any four or five European govern
ments, according to the Democrats.
The old soldiers are dropping into the
silent tomb one by one, and the list is
growing smaller, though it must be
large for some years to come. No one
begrudges the manned and helpless
wards of the government, who de-
Tended it in its necessity, their pit
lance.
The question is how can the great
revenue needed be collected with the
least feeling it by the people. The
Republicans believe that it can be
done by protective and internal reve-
une tariffs. Is it better to have di-
rect tax or tax on the luxurieS, which
the rich pay, with compensating
higher wages to American workmen?
Reciprocity was advanced and made
ft,1 1u 1o@