The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-26
A BIG M'KINLEY CLUB
RCUsING SPEECHES At CRIMINAL
COURT MEETING LAST NIGHT.
w. y. Harding Elected President of
the New CIub-The Prohibitionists'
Convention To-Day.

the avowed purpose of working for the
nomination and election of Ohio's favorite
The purpose of the organization is to Sc
cure the selection OF Mckinley delegate:
to the st. Louis convention in the Seventh
congressional district. Each speaker stated
that no matter who chances 10 be the
nominee Of the party he shall receive the
undivided support Of all members OF the
new club Nothing but the greatest respect
was expressed for the candidates other thar
Mckinley, but as the latter has been sc
clearly identified with a tariff system which
the condition OF the country now needs
ne was regarded as the logical candidate
During the meeting there was nothing
which aroused more enthusiasm than the
mention of General Harrison or reference
TO his administration. The prosperous days
which the country enjoyed under Mr.. Har-
rison's administration were repeatedly men,
toned and contrasted with the present de-
preston, due to incompetent hands in
charge General Harrison and Major Nc
Kinley were spoken Of together as defend
ers OF the principles which have given this
country its best government and the adj
vocacy OF the latter's candidacy, it was
stated. was made as a consequence of Gen.
erl Harrison's letter declining to be a can
didate.
Addison c. Harris was unanimously chos-
en- chairman of the meeting. J. J. Higgins
was elected secretary. T.. 4. Martindale in
troduced the following declaration of pur-
pose, which gave TO those in attendance
the intent of the organizers:
The four years of unexampled pros
perity under Harrison and the Mckinley
tariff. and the three years of depression
a nd ha N mt n1ar Lave 1an nd and he
Wilson tariff furnish an object lesson
which should be kept before the people of
this country in the approaching presiden-
tial contest. The Harrison administration
under the Mckinley tariff paid the ex-
penses of the government. maintained the
reserve In the treasury and reduced the
public debt from the revenues under a
tariff that furnished protection to Amer
lean Industries and employment TO Amer
lean laborers.
The Cleveland administration under the
Wilson tariff showed an annual deficit in
the revenues TO meet the expenses of the
government. a depleted treasury, the sur
plus consumed to make up the deficit. the
increase of the public debt by millions bor-
rowed, at an unusual rate of interest from
a syndicate of Wall-street SPECTATORS I'M
der their ostentatious promise to maintain
the gold reserve in the treasury.
THE business interests OF the country
demand a return TO days of prosperity, and
no man who Is named for the presidency Is
better qualified to administer the govern
ment so as to secure this return than Will
liam Mckinley. OF Ohio
We. therefore, agree to form in the city
OF Indianapolis a Mckinley Club and
pledge ourselves to work for the nomta-
ton of William Mckinley as the Republic
an candidate for President at the st. Louis
convention. and to secure his election when
nominated"
Following the reaolng OF the declaration
of purpose, Mr.. Harris made a spirited
speech, declaring himself for Mckinley and
stating the purpose of the meeting to be
to hear the expressions of Marion county
Republicans. In the audience werea number
CT men from towns outside Indianapolis, but
they were not called upon for speeches. Mr..
Harris would look about the crowd and see
ing some one he recognized as ready
speaker, would ask for few words Ex-
Judge Lewis c. Walker was called to the
front. Judge Walker is a native of Ohio
and stanch friend OF Mr. Mckinley. He
said that since the disastrous results OF the
last election were first felt the whole coun-
try has been interested in the coming strug-
gle. He urged that there be softening of
asperity OF strife and that it be not said
that those who oppose the principles or
opinions of the Republican party or the
belief OF a portion are enemies. Mr.. Walk
err said that four years ago ne was
affected by the demands for a reform of
the tariff, but history had reformed him.
He spoke for tariff which will again re-
American business. He spoke for revenue
which VIII be sufficient to meet expendi-
lures, make coast defenseS and place an
American navy on the seas which snail pro-
tect American trade to all ports. Mr.. Walk
er announced himself for Mckinley because
the Ohioan has been an able defender of
such tariff as he believes the country
needs. The speaker said it has been alleged
that Mckinley is single idea man and he
continued that when where there is one good
idea, there are probably others. He said a
multitude OF ideas cannot he expected from
a man who has not one He referred to the
candidacy of Mr.. Allison and Mr. Reed
paying both men a high tribute and saying
the country would be safe in the hands of
either.
During the latter part Of Judge Walkers
speech Colonel w. X. Holloway arose to
bench and the cheers which the picture
evoked interrupted the remarks OF Mr.
Walker.
s. III. Spooner was introduced and he
spoke in favor of McKinley's nomination.
basing his argument on tariff history. He
expressed the wish that the man who has
and Republican principles might be the
choice of the St. Louis convention. John
.. Hicks. yardmaster at the Big Four
shops, followed with a few words, in which
whom he is associated favor the nomination
of Mckinley. John McLregor. member of
the last Legislature, spoke in the same
strain, saying a protective tariff ia to the
best interests OF the wage Garner and Nc
Kinley is recognized as an Incorporating
defender OF tariff.
r. o. Hawkins was introduced as a son
of Ohio and lifelong friend of Mr.. Nc
kinley. Mr.. Hawkins began by referring
TO a prediction which General Harrison
made IN 1892.
II recall" said MIR. Hawkins, that the
greatest man that Indiana mas produced,
said in 1892 that the country was Begin
ming on four years of depression and hard
ships such as had never been known. He
said the country would operate for that
period under a low tariff. but after that
form for twenty-five years to come"
Mr.. Hawkins concluded that the country
is now tired of tariff reform. He said he
had known Mr.. Mckinley a boy who
early in life learned severe lesson in the
tariff. His father was bankrupted by low
tariff. Mr.. Hawkins knew the distinguished
Ohioan poor boy and when he enlisted
as a private in the war. IF people believe
Mr.. Mckinley is a man of a single idea"
said Mr.. Hawkins. they will be sadly mis-
taken. He represents principles and that is
what the people are going to vote for in
the coming campaign.
DR.. :. A. Ebert. leading colored physi-
clan of the city, made few remarks. He
was connected with the regiment of Major
Mckinley and the doctor said he was an
compromisinsly for Mckinley. but If some
other man should be nominated ne would
work equally as hard for his election
Charles ~ Bool<walter made an emphatic
speech urging all those present to work for
Mckinley's nomination and thoroughly or
2aniZe.