The San Francisco call., 1896-06-19


This is the year of the people. They have
risen in their might. From ocean to ocean,
from lake to gulf, they are united as never be-
fore We know their wishes and are here to
register their will. They must not be cheated
of their choice. They know the man best
qualified and equipped to fight their battles
and win their victories. His name is in every
heart, on every tongue. His nomination is
certain, his election sure. His candidacy will
sweep the country as prairie is swept by fire.
Thisis the year of the people. In their name, by
their authority, L second the nomination of their
great champion, William Mckinley. Not as a
favorite son of any State, out as favorite son
of the United States. Not as q concession to
Ohio, but as an added honor to the Nation.
When his country called to arms he
took into his boyish hands musket and fol-
lowed the flag, brayely barring his breast to the
hell OF battle that it might float serenely in the
Union sky. For quarter OF 8 century he has
stood in the fierce light of public place, and
his robes of Office are as spotless as the driven
snow. He has cherished no higher ambition
than the honor of his country and the welfare
of the plain people. Steadfastly, courageously,
VIGOROUSLY and with tongue of fire he has
pleaded their cause. His labor, ability and
perseverance have enriched the statutes OF
the United States with legislation in their
behalf. All his contributions to the master
pieces of American oratory are the outpour-
ings of pure heart and a patriotic purpose.
His God-glven powers are consecrated to the
advancement and renown of his own country
and TO the uplifting and ennobling of his own
countrymen. He has the courage of his con-
viotions and cannot be tempted to WOO success
or avert defeat by any sacrifice of principle or
concession to popular clamor.
In the hour of Republican disaster, when
other leaders were exeusing and apologizing,
he stood steadfastIy by that grand legislative
act which bore his name, confidently sub
mitting his case to the judgment of events. and
calmly waiting for that triumphant vindica-
tion whose laurel this convention is impatient
to place upon his brow.
Strengthened and seasoned by long Congress
sional SERVICE broadened by the exercise of
important executive powers; master of the
great economic questions of the age; eloquent,
slngle-hearted and sincere, he stands to-day
the most conspicuous and commanding char
acter OF this generation; diyinely ordained, as
I believe, for a great mission-to lead this
people out from the shadow OF adversely into
the sunshine OF a new, enduring prosperity.
omnipotence never sleeps. Every great cri-
sis brings a leader. For every supreme hour
providence finds man. The necessities of '96
are almost rs great as those of '61. True, the
enemies of the Nation have ceased to threaten
United States no longer tolerates that shackles
shall fret the limbs of men; but free trade and
free coinage hold no less menace 10 American
progress than did the armed hosts of treason
and rebellion. If the voice of the people is
indeed the voice of God, then William McKin-
ley IS the complement of Abraham Lincoln.
Yea, and he will issue a new emancipation
proclamation to the enslayed sons of toll, and
they shall be lifted up into the full enjoyment
ties that belong of right to the American peo-
pie.
Under his administration we shall command
the respect of the nations of the earth; the
American flag Will never be hauled down; the
rights of American citizenship will be en-
forced; abundant revenues provided; foreign
merchandise will remain abroad, our gold be
kept at home; American institutions will be
cherished and upheld; all governmental obli-
cations scrupulously kept and on the escutch-
con of the Republic will be indelibly engraved
the American policy, Projection, reciprocity
and sound money"
My countrymeni let not your hearts be
troubled; the darkest hour is just before the
day, the morning of the twentieth century
will dawn bright and clear. Lift up your hope
ful faces and receive the light; the Republican
party is coming back to power and William
Mckinley Will be President of the United
States.
In an inland manufacturing city, on election
night, November, 1894, after the wires had
confirmed the news of a sweeping Republican
victory two workingmen had started to climb
to the top of great smokeless chimney.
That chimney had been built by the invita-
ton and upon the promise of Republican pro-
tective legislation. In the factory over which
it lowered was employment for twice q thou
sand men. Its mighty roar had heralded the
prosperity OF a whole community. 1t had
stood cloud by day and pillar of fire by
night for a busy, industrious, happy people.
Now bleak, blackened voiceless and disman-
tied, like grim specter of evil, it frowned
down upon the hapless city, where poverty,
idieness, stagnation and want attested the
complete disaster of the free-trade expert
ment.
Up, and up and up they climbed, watched
by the breathless multitude below. Up, and
up, and up, until at last they stood upon its
summit; and there, in the glare of the electric
lights, cheered by the gathered thousands,
they unfurled ana nailed an American flag.
Down in the streets strong men wept-the
happy tears of hope-and mothers, lifting up
their babes, invoked the blessing of the flag;
and then impassioned Ii ps burst forth IN song
the hallelujah of exultant hosts, the mighty
pean of peoples joy. That song, the enthusi-
astic millions sing it yet:
Hurrah! hurrahi we bring the jubilee
Hurrah hurrah the flag that makes us free,
So we sing the chorus from the mountains to
the sea;
Hurrah for Mckinley and protection.
Over the city that free flag waved, caressed
by the passing breeze, kissed by the silent
stars. And there the first glad sunshine of the
morning fell upon it, luminous and lustrous
with the tidings of Republican success.
On behalf of those stalwart Workmen and all
the vast army of American toilers; that their
employment may be certain, their wages just,
their dollars the best of the civilized world;
on behalf OF that dismantled chimney and the
deserted factory at its base; that the mighty
furnaces may once more fame, the mighty
wheels revolve, the whistles scream, the an
wills ring the spindles hum; on behalf of the
thousand cottages roundabout and all the
humble homes of this broad land; that COM
fort and contentment may again abide, the
fresides glow, the women sing, the children
laugh; yes, and on behalf of that American
flag and all it stands for and represents; for
the honor of every stripe, for the glory of every
star; that its power may fill the earth and its
splendor span the sky ask the nomina-
tion of that loyal American, that Christian
gentleman, soldier, statesman, patriot, Will
liam Mckinley.
HASTINGS SPEAKS FOR QUAY.