Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-04-14
JEFFERSON'S DAY.
Democrats Gather at Monticello
and Talk Politics.
THEGREATSTATEsMAN EUL0GIzED


TclcEraphs That He Il Still in the Race
for Observation-Disclosures Prohibitionist
Talks Of the Coming Convention and Its
Piatform-Political Notes.
MONTICELLO. Va, April 1A-The l53rd
anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth.
day was fttingly observed here, where he
lived and died. by the gathering Of large
number Of prominent Democrats from all
sections Of the country. The distinguish.
ed guests included Vico President Steven.
son, Secretary Herbert, Postmaster Gen.
cral Wilson. Attorney General Harmon.
Ex-Governor Russell (of Mass.), Chauncey
+. Black and Lawrence Gardner (presi.
dent and secretary respectively Of the Ma
tional Association of Democratic clubs),
and nearly two score Of senators and rep.
resentativcs. besides n number Of national
committeeman. The party left Washing
ton IN special train in the morning, or.
riving in Charlottesville about noon and
proceeded ut once to Monticello, about
swo miles distant from the town.
Silver Question Bobs Up serenely.
Here they were welcomed by Jefferson
NJ. Levy. the present owner of the estate.
The exercises commenced shortly after 2
o'clock, and upon the broad lawns were
assembled several hundred people who
mad come from the surrounding towns
and farms. Three addresses were deliv.
ered-the first by Chauncey F. Black, the
second by Ex-Governor Russell and the
third ex-senator Daniel, of Virginia The
greatest interest attached to the speeches
OF the two latter. Russell standing square.
ly on Sound money platform, and
Daniel combating his position with a
free silver argument. The party returned
to Washington about $50 last night.
Secret Of Jcferson's Leadership.
Hon. Chaunccy +. Black, the first
speaker, paid glowing tribute to the
memory OF Thomas Jefferson, and in con.
Guiding introduced Ex-Governor Russell.
The latter declared that tho secret of JET.
fcrson's power and leadership was his
steadfastness TO principle his courage, his
faith; his resolute leadership having
guided the latest rs they did the first Of
the Democratic administrations, which
with vigor and patriotism have made
dominant tho wishes, the rights, and the
welfare Of the whole people. Whatever
the storm. whatever ths gusts of passion n
or OF prejudice, however threatening tho
clouds OF panic and disaster which have
hung over all nations, our presidents has
kept the rudder true.
Russell Not Afraid of Political DerenA.
10 no political flaw has he IClevelandl
uimmed soil, In no stress has he lost
courage or abandoned p<inciple Theru 3
Inspiration for US In the leadership OF Jcf.
ferson and Cleveland. 1t nerves us 70
stand fast 30 principle, to put aside ex-
pcdiency and compromise, ond with cou.
rage and fidelity to meet all pending is-
sues. So shall we merit and win success.
and hold the confidence Of the country as
VIC have In the past. We need not fear
defeat. We met 1t In '6S and then went
forth united and strengthened to trium.
plant victory. We should fear the dis
credit of sacrificing principle TO expedi-
ency, or of turning aside from the safe
course which jefferson established
What the Ship Should Avoid.
Let our good Democratic ship avoid the.
passing flaws which would drift her hither
and thither. content to walt 'the power
full and steady gale which will carry the
nation upon her truo course" Senator
Daniel spoke OF jefferson and his works.
and in discussing the financial uues ton
took opposite views to those expressed by
Governor Russell. who opposed free coin.
ago.
CHICAGO, April ls-Tho anniversary Of
Jefferson's birth was celebrated by Demo.
Gratis at Brooklyn, Milwaukee and many
other cities.