The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1892-12-15
REFORM CLUB BANQUET.
GROVER CLELAND MAKES A
SPEECH,
A Large Number of Prominent Men
We're Present--the President Elect
Enthusiastically Cheered.
TBy Southern Associated Press. !

by Southern Associated Press.1
New YORK, Dec. 1O-At the annual
banquet OF the Reform Club tonight, at |
Madison Square Garden, the President |
elect was the bright, particular star and
most honored guest. He occupied the
post of honor at the right hand of E.
Elery Anderson, president of the club.
Many other we'll known Democrats
and tariff reformers, discussed the choice
menu at the same table that Mr.. CIeve-
land did.
Mr.. E. Ellery Anderson introduced Mr..
Cleveland in a highly laudatory speech
in which he said his election to the Presi-
dency was a personal triumph for the
man. President-elect Cleveland was re-
ceived most enthusiastically and three
cheers were given before he was allowed
to proceed. The people in the boxes
rose with one accord. Even the ladies
in the gallery cheered while Mrs. Cleve-
land looked placidly on, and with a
smile on her face, made a remark to
Richard Watson Glider. When the ell
thusiasm subsidized Mr.. Cleveland said:
Mr.. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen -
have nothing new or startling to say
to you, and hope to do little more than
remind you of the meaning and signii-
canoe of this occasion.
AS we are here gathered together. We
represent those who have been willing to
risk all consequences in a battle for
principles which are grounded in purest
patriotism, because they accord with
purposes and objects Of our free instltu-
lions.
A plain feature of this gathering, which
| am sure warns the hearts OF all OF us,
is our celebration OF one of the grandest
and most complete victories ever achiev-
ed in the struggle for right and justice;
and our glad greeting OF the brightest
light of triumph our generation has seen,
encouragement.
Let me suggest to you, however, that
we can contemplate nothing more graft
fying in connection with this assemblage,
than the proof it affords that the Ameri-
can people can be trusted to manage the
Government which has been given into
their keeping.
II there are those who have been disap-
pointed and disheartened by the extent
to which our people have deceived and
misled, or who, with fear, have seen heed
lessness of the duty OF citizenship open
wide the door of corrupting influences,
or who, with sad forebodings, have be-
held popular rule nearing the fatal rocks
! of debauched suffrage, or who have
mourned because appeals to selfishness
and promises OF unequal advantages
were apparently undermining that patri-
otism which alone justified our hope Of
national perpetuity, let this occasion
| and the events which have led to it, re-
instate their faith and their confidence
in their countrymen.
| If it has seemed to those striving for
better public sentiment that the DISPOSE
ton was growing among our people to
regard their Government as depository
of individual benefits, to be importuned
and threatened and dispoiled, let them
take heart from the evidences now before
our eyes, that there is still abroad in the
land a controlling belief that our gov
eminent should be a source of just and
benefcent rule, proudly supported by
watchfulness and returning to all our
people with equal hand, the safety and
happiness it holds in store for them.
If we have learned that an appeal to
the patriotism OF our cCuntryman, and
an honesJ presentation of politivah prin-
ciple to their intelligence and Judgment
are not in view, the thought mu. ! not
escape us, that while our people will in
the end repay with their support the
political party which addresses their un
derstanding and reason, instead of theil
prejudices and selfish interests, they will
surely revenge themselves upon those
who deceive or betray them.
The national Democracy and its allies
in political principle rejoice over the de
feat OF those whose fate is full of instruc
ton and warning. While we find in oul
triumph result of popular intelligence
which we have aroused and consequence
of popular vigilance which we have stimu
lated, let us not for a moment forget
that our accession to power will fine
neither this intelligence nor this vigilance
neither dead or slumbering. We art
thus brought face to face with the re
Election that if we are not to be tormenteG
by the spirits which we ourselves have
called up, we must hear, above victori
GUS shouts, the call of our fellow-ceuntry
men to public duty, and must put on {
garb BETTING public servants.
The sentiment suggested by this oc
casion which should dwarf all Others, hal
relation to the responsibility which awaits
those who now rejoice in victory. If w
redeem the promises we have made to tn
|
task can hardly be exaggerated, Condi
lions involving mostimportant interest.
must be reviewed and modified, and per
picking problems menacing our safet,
must be settled. Above all, and as tn,
ultimate object of all we do, the right
and the welfare of our people in ever,
condition OF life must be placed upon
more equal plan of opportunity an
advantage.
l am confident the wisdom of the Dem
ocratic party will be equal to the emery
, ency; and base my confidence upon / h
belief that it will be periodically true t,
its principles and traditions will folloy
the path marked out by true American
sentiment.
+ We should not enter upon our work il
the least spirit of resentment, nor il
needless disregard Of the welfare of an,
portion of our citizens. The mission o
our party and the reforms we contem
plate do not involve the encouragement
OF Jealous animosities, nor DESTRUCTIVE
discrimination between American in
tereSts.
; In criier mat we may begin, with fire.,
hands we should vigorously oppose al
decisions which have their origin in un
DEM Rcratic teachings or in demagogi
W uCCciSc Ouc pcOptc. Met
., cas0h words which, if they mean any
thing, have no relation to sound polio,
and phrases, invented to please the ca
of the victims OF cunning greed, ough
not to stand in our way. Looking be
yond all these things We shall find JUS
hprinciples, furnishing vantage GROUND
from which We can lay out safe cours
o. action.
We should strive to rid ourselves AM
| our countrymen of the idea that there il
. anything shabbE<Q ~disgracefnE in econ
omy, whether in public or private life. i
extravaganza in public expenditure ha'
prevailed in the past itlaffords no exeus
. lor ITS continuance; and there is M
t oreach OF DUTY SO palpable as the vast
} peoples use ~ = - .,
t Our Government was founded in 4,
spirit of frugalitY and eco,.on - -