The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-01-29
centred in the sphere
OF common duties.

and battling daily in the fierce currents Of
trade. production and finance, or immersed
In the exacting labors OF professional life,
but not unmindful that for every thoughtful
American, partner and co-worker II the
nobest federal commonwealth the world has
yet seen there are interests Of government
and social order demanding q higher ale
gence and n more unselhsh devotion than
any mans individual struggle FOR wealth or
honor. Aud there is good old fashion in
Virginia, which we are DESTROYS to keep up,
that no great object can be properly ad-
vhnced until we have met our friends face
to face about some hOspitable board. and dis
cussed it and weighed IL and reused men $
hearts about II In the kindllng light OF that
blessed gift OF mans Creator-the light OF
social JOY. (Applause.)
And what better inspiration can we ever
find for such festival than the political
revolution which has just swept over the
country like some elemental force?
Who can measure the boundless influence
on mems minds-the dynamic impact OF a
triumph so complete and decisive! Those,
perhaps who, Ike ourselves. have felt the
full stroke OF contrary fate.
For the space OF half an ordinary life
time, with only a brief interval OF executive
power In Mr. Cleveland's administration,
we have been familiar with defeat and fall
ure. These are conditions In which are
nourished the virtues IF patience and forti-
tude; Of vigilant and courageous resistance
to the encroachments OF authority But for
the work of progressive and constructive
statesmenship there are needed the quicken
ing influences OF party success and the pri-
vileges and responsibilities OF power
This is the great opportunity which Is
now to test the claims Of the Democratic
party. II our leaders Itove themselves
worthy OF IL; II they take up the questions
awaiting solution as statesmen, looking only
to the cOuntrys gOOd-nOt as politicians
weighing the effect OF votes on personal
fortunes; If. in short, they will give express
sion in their practical acts to the great
principles on which the Democratic party
declared itself united. then the confidence
OF the people will be Justified; then the
country will enter by leaps and bounds on
a new career Of prosperity and develop
ment.
Some Of the leaders to whom we look for
this wise guidance are with us tonight,
and doubt not you will hear from them de-
claratiOns on the cardinal matters Of finance
and tariff reform which will send you home
with renewed confidence In the stability OF
our currency and the uninterrupted progress
OF all the great interests OF American trade
and production. But | must not detain you
longer from the privilege or hearing them.
| shall best promote your pleasure and con-
suit my own II | efface myself and proceed
ar once to draw on the rich and varied IN
teectual resources which your committee
has provided. For the moment accident has
placed me In the position OF some great ma
gician. who can call forth at will all the
grand organ-notes OF wisdom and eloquence.
Statesmen orators. rulers OF the people Will
answer at my bidding and lavish on us their
wealth of thought and fancy.
Gentlemen. l feel happy in the first mani
festatiOn OF this magical power when |
announce that the first toast Of the evening
will couple the name Of Grover Cleveland
(applause) with the Democratic party, and that
you are to hear on this inspiring theme q
statesman OF Kentucky, bound to us by
hereditary ties. who continues and fills out
In his own person the fame OF eloquence
associated with several generations Of his
ancestOrs-men deserving to be remembered
as leaders of free State-friends and coun-
sellers OF the people. Applause.) Such Is
the orator, gifted with wisdom in copious
utterance, who will speak to us about that
strong and courageous statesman, Grover
Cleveland, and the party he has led 10
triumph-the only party Of real union
OF the States. and policy commensurate
and coextensiye with the imperial fortunes
A.