Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-06-03
BY RECLAMATION.
Hon. L|eweIIyn Powers Nom
mated for Governor.
One Of Largest and Most Harmonious
Conventions Ever Held.
The Nominating and Acceptance Speeches
Officers The New Committees.

For the second time within littl,
more than month, the Republicans
of this State have been represented IN
convention, the delegations attending
in both instances with almost unbro-
ken ranks.
BY O'Clock. the hour set for the
assembling Of the Republican Gubcr
Material convention in this city. the
spacious hall of the splendid new city
building was filed floor and galleries
All standing room was taken before
the chairmans gavcl fell. Indeed
since the throng first began to pour
into the city, Monday afternoon, it has
been apparent that the size and cnthu-
siasm of this convention was TO sur
pass even the anticipations of the mos;
sanguine.
An enthusiastic spirit pervadcd the
whole assemblage, which was ready t.
respond and did whenever the occa-
sion offered, and that was frequently
1t was a grand, glorious Republican
convention from start to finish.
The first outburst occurred when
Governor Cleaves came upon the plat
form as the convention was assem-
bling
Mr.. J. Fl. Manley. chairman of tho
State committee. called the convention
to order at > o'clock. The call wa
read by the secretary. Mr. Byron Boyd.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. III
George w. Field of Bangor. Chairman
Manley then said:
Under President Cleveland's first ad
mi Ct finn a IN toll,
diplomatic Office a young man from
Maine who had recently graduated
from college and law school Thi.;
young man was a Democrat by in
heritance Of three generations He
discharged the responsible duties en-
trusted to him in such manner as f.
win for himself international fame and
reflect credit and honor upon his Stat
and country. So faithfully and 50
efficiently did he discharge these duties,
Notwithstanding his membership in
the Democratic party, President Har-
rison sent him on two important diplo-
matte missions Upon the incoming OF
the second and last administration Of
Grover Cleveland, this young man. i'm
bued with patriotic spirit, thoroughly
American, knowing from his own ex-
rerience the unAmerican and I'M
patriotic position into which the Dem
ocratic party had drifted, renouncell
his allegiance to that party. and sought
fellowship within the folds of the Re
publican party.
In the campaign of 1894 he rendered
very efficient and valuable servic.,
upon the stump in Maine, in Massachu-
sets and in New York. In partial
recognition of his services the State
committee has designated him as your
temporary chairman. and / know you
will give him the cordial reception NJ
deserves. and will heartily approve o.
your committees decision.
Gentlemen of the convention. | take
pleasure in presenting to you your
temporary chairman. Hon. Harold NJ
Sewall. of Bath. Maine.
Hon. Harold N. SewaII's Speech
Mr.. Sewall was warmly applauded,
and spoke as follows:
Gentlemen Of the Conventions
Forty years ago, the distinguished
chairman of your State committee re
minded yon the other day at Portland
the Republican party came into power in
TINS state under the leadership of Hanni-
bal Hamlin. Forty years ago Hannibal
Hamlin. Democratic senator from Maine
rose in his seat in the Senate. and declar-
ing that he loved his country better than
his party, resigned the Craftsmanship of
the committee. on commerce and re-
nounced his allegiance to that party to
which he owed every honor of his politi-
cal life.
A moral issue confronted the country
then.an issue that was to become an issue
of life or death to the country The Re-
publican party decreed that it should live.
live free and regenerate, live in prosper
,.,l, had
Another issue. a greater issue than any
other that has arisen since, confronts the
country now; And again has come to
Hamlin and those who followed him. and
again there have been Democrats who
have dared to solve that question as Ham
lin did.
And if | interpret the significance of
your action today Alright, this is your
meaning. that as in the days of its weak
ness when girding itself for a mighty and
doubtful contest. it recruited its ranks
from those of its opponents so not less
today in the pride of its penttude and
power as it marches forth to certain vic
tory, it welcomes to share its glory and
approaching triumphs all those of it's
fellow citizens VINO find in it the ark of
the nations covenant and bring to it
their unfaltering allegiance.
And in this spirit | accept this honor
and ask your cooperation and support
that | may Discharge it worthiy.
Fellow Republicans | greet you.
l greet you. young men and Veterans of
Il hundred fights! i greet you as victors
already in another victory! But | greet
you as victors whom long continued and
certain victory cannot make careless of
the welfare of our beloved State entrusted
to the party you represent, almost I'M
waveringly since its existence
Forty, years ago you received this trust.
and only twice since have you failed of
an endorsement by the people you have
sought to serve. Only twice in forty
wears. And in the face of such a record.
care not what his politics may be, tell
me of that citizen of Maine who has not
respect. aye. and within the bounds of
party loyalty. admiration for that party
which has received such an endorsement
by the intelligent suffrage of this intelli-
gent State crowned as it was in the last
election by the magnificent majority of
80 900 votes.
Men may differ and divide among us be-
tween the great national parties as they
do and must, for it is the glory of our
State that ii is State of sturdy convic-
ton whose clear and bracing atmosphere
reflects no neutral tints. but he who
doubts the honesty, the loyalty to her in
terests with which the Republican party
Of Maine has administered her affairs dur
in.. its entire history. doubts the integrity
Of her people and libels the fair name Of
our State herself