Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-06-11

Mr.. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMAN OF THE
CONVENTION: The Republicans Of the west
sometimes differ with the Republicans of the
eass as to what is wanted. On this occasion
there is remarkable difference between the
genuine Republicans of the west and the genu-
Inc Republicans of the east as to who is needed
The western Republicans know the man thev
want, and his nan IS Blaine. [Sixty seconds
OF choc, .As. The greatest American now liv-
m &c.. '.rd defeat eight years ago because the
party \. Eigh lie led and honored was torn by
di@cord, and because fraud triumphed
ICha@rS We meet today to undo the wrong
ana 10 present TO our uncrowned leader the
pledge of our Unswerving devotion and the
assurance of vic;oryin November tornado
OF ap9lausel that will obliterate in his heart
and ours the memory Of past defeat.
There is practically an agreement among the
g,.rgatcS Of this convention, certainly among
The delegates whose opinion should be followed,
tAr delegates from the Republican states. as to
who cur leader shall he and that expression
would today receive almost unanimous voice
We're 1t not ly- a mistaken feeling among some
OF our associates that the beStswal OF office
is personal gift. The welfare of our beloved
party, Mr.. Chairman. Is of infinitely greater
Importance than the nomination or vindication
oi any person within our ranks, and when the
roll of stateSis called l believe it will be
remembered that the obligations Of the Office
are repaid solely by faithful performance OF
the duties, and that manhood and independence
are not barte"ed among good men for the EN-
oluments and honors of public station
Our candidate, Mr.. Chairman. has never been
the president Of the United States. He will he
Great cheering But if he has not vet occu-
pied that high office he has by MS devotion to
his party made Republican presidents possible
and he has guided two administrations with
his sagacity and faithfulness. We are respect
tl and honored abroad. We owe it to his state
craft. We are gathering the republics of all
America together in bonds of closest friend
ship. 1t Is because he devised, planned and
shaped the policy. We are protecting our own
people on the farm and in the workshop, and
by concessions are inducing the nations of the
world to open their markets TO our products.
His far-seeing and discriminating vision saw
the possibilities Of reciprocity. [Cheersl
There is no public measure since the days of
reconstruction which has tended to the ad-
vancement Of our country with which his name
Is not identified and when the history of this
generation of the republic shall be written his
name viii stand foremost among statesman.
No official title or station can add to or de-
tract from his fame. But we may at least let
history record that all we had to give we gave
with loving and loyal hearts. The best gifts of
the world are not TO those who seek them Our
votes are to be cast for one who is almost every
Republicans candidate except his own For
my part rejoice that the opportunity is given
me 10 cast my vote for nominee who seeks
tNSl ItiLS L'E us country ana nothing for
himself. And the same devotion to the nations
welfare which has guided him in his public life
for nearly generation, insures his acceptance
OF any duly which this convention may impose
upon him
For many months there has been apprehar
sion in the public mind respecting his health
and strength. 1t Is gratifying to be able to
state that the fears which moved Us We're
groundleSs For our countrys sake and his
own we could wish that lie We're again the
Young and ardent leader whose light has flashed
IL countless battles, and that his youth could
be renewed like the eagles. Experience how
ever, Nlr. Chairman. comes only with ripening
years, and though time has tinged his hair with
White the same unCCnqUerable will and
lofty patriotism still dominates his being
The years of struggle in public service have
left their impress. Tut he stil stands to us who
love him. the embodiment Of all that is bright
est and best it American craftsmanship. and
menowed and frightened by the crceuiur =
hours of time we thank God that he Is still able
and equipped to give the people Of the states an
administration which shall not only protect
ourown citizeIs,Hu looking beyond the confines
Of our own borders shall embrace the well
being of all Americans
With our reputation for fealty and devotion
it Is 10 us a matter of comparative indifference
who shall be chosen to lead the Democratic
hosts. but we trust they viii again reroninate
their prophet of tariff reform IN order that we
may demonstrate how short life has SANDER
and calumny. that our country may repair the
wrong of 1851, and that we may stamp with the
seal of final disapproval a policy which could
lead only to impover.shment at home, and
which brought Us only contempt and dish9nor
abroad.
And 50, Mr.. Chairman. in the hour when vic
tory is at hand we turn to the intrepid leader
who has shaped for this party the policy
which has lifted it above the danger Of further
defeat, and 10 those of Us who belong TO the
younger elemant Of the party. who are content
to Jollow and not to lead, and who ask only to
bear their share of the burden and defeat of
the day, he stands ideal-our inspiration.
His name is engraved on all our hearts in liv-
ing letters that shall never fade-the brave.
trt.e hearted and great. There is not one Re.
publican who Will not follow where he leads
With loving faith and trust that Providence
will long spare himto a people whose
grateful homage he has earned, and whose
ffectio2ata devotion he possesses.
we pledge our unfaltering and loyal support
to James Il. Blaine
The close of his speech was marked by
scene of enthusiasm that has never been
surpassed in any convention.
Seconding speeches We're made by w. F.
Mollison, colored, of Mississippi: Warner
Miller, New York, and Downing, of Wv
oming.