Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-02-13
LlNcOLN's BIRTHDAY
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and IL is the same Republican party that
Is gathering tonight from every loyal city
and hamlet all over this broad land, TO
offer tribute to the memory OF that grand
and noble hero, who was It's true ana
trusted leader in the most critical period
of the nations history.
Great and ilustrious have been the
achievements of the Republican parry
during its past history, and the wise ana
able and efficient have been It's great anu
noble leaders, and MS 1t has been III the
past, so may it be in the future
In order that the standard already
attained may be upheld, let the conven-
ton which is to meet at st. Louis III the
coming month of June, select as the
standard bearer of the Republican party,
in the coming campaign, man who will
inspire the people with confidence and
hope and courage.
One who is conversant with history,
finance and science, who has at heart the
great interests OF the country, who is both
enlightened and patriotic, who will merge
his own personal interest in the good of
the people of this republic, whose words
will be received with attention and re
spect by all the nations of the earth, and
who will lead us on to % respondent
victory; such II man, having all these
attributes and more already belongs to
the country, and should receive the nom
ination, ! refer to our distinguished
fellow citizen, Hon. Thomas b. Reed
Gentlemen, your enthusiasm will show
to the country and 10 the world, when the
report of this meeting shall be flashed
over the wires to every part of the globe.
that Thomas Bracket Reed is not with
out honor even in his own country and
his own home.
Mr.. Libby was heartily applauded and
was followed by His Excellency, Henry B.
Cleaves. Governor of Maine, who said:
l salute the Lincoln Club of Portland,
And to you, Mr.. President, to the chair
man Of the banquet committee and his
able assistants, and to the members OF
this stalwart Republican organization on
this happy occasion, we all bear our
hearty appreciation. You are honored,
tonight by the presence of the distin-
guished senator from Washington the
eloquent representative from Michigan,
the able manager and representative of
that great New England Republican
paper, the Boston Journal, and by lead
ing Republicans throughout our own
State; we extend TO all a hearty greeting.
You, gentlemen, are among hospitable
people; you are within the limits of Il
grand and growing city, magnificent
and progressive commonwealth, COM
monwealth that has always shown her
devotion to the flag. and she has never
failed to speak in behalf of humanity and
the protection of American citizenship.
Your club is not only the Lincoln Club
of Portland, but it is a Republican club
it is unanimously, unitedly and devotedly
q Thomas B. Reed club This club not
only exists, but it is fully alive; it thinks
1t acts, it speaks, and its voice is always
heard in favor of Republican principles
in favor of good and pure government il
every part of the country.
The great underlying principles of gov
eminent Lincoln believed III, the prin
ciples he advocated, you believe in anG
advocate, today. He believed in tn,
American Union, and so do you; he be
levcd in liberty, in freedom and equalit.
of rights, and so do you he believed il
unfolding American citizenship every
where; he believed in protecting Ameri
can industries American homes AND
American labor, and so do you. He be
lieved that this great government of ours
owed its first duty to its own citizens, Il
its own people, and that it would be time
enough for us to show our solicitude fol
the welfare of the industrial interests 0
other countries after we had given full
and complete protection to our own. Tha
was Lincon's doctrine, and it is ours.
The Republicans all over the country
are holding meetings, tonight to cele
brate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln
one of the best, one of the noblcst, one o
the grandest Presidents the republic ever
had. And standing out boldly and promi
nently among the many elements of hi.
character was his unfalterng determine
ton to do right, and to deal honestly ans
Justly with mankind. He came to tht
administration Of the great office tina
had been conferred upon him By the peo
pie, at time when the future existence
of the nation was doubted by many; but
he never wavered, he never lost hope o.
courage; he never faltered in his deter
mination to preserve the nation unbroken
united, and with every star brightly shin
ing on your flag
He declared that this republic of our;
had the right, the power and the siren gtl
to preserve its own life, and compel obedi
ence to its laws. He organized vast
armies; he built up powerful navy
more than z, 900, 600 men responded to his
call to aid in UNFOLDING the honor of YOU
flag upon the field of battle Abraham
Lincoln was always loyal to these men
he thoroughly believed in his army and
was devoted to the private soldier TIL.
boys In blue always had bis encourage
ment; they always had his sympathy HI
knew they were loyal to the flag. NJ
more loyal, no more devoted, no NOR
fearless no Drawer than the young me,
of today, who, should any critical emer
gency arise would rally to the support G
the country and the flag with the same
patriotic impulses and enthusiasm tina
characterized the young men of the coun
try in 1861.
The Governor here TO the great dcligh
OF the audience, gave several illustrations
OF Mr. Lincoln reasoning, in lis refusa
to approve of the sentences of the courts
martial of the army, condemning lTnioi
Soldiers u death for violation of militar,
law. In one case Mr.. Lincoln said -
shall not approve of this sentence until
csn settle in my mind whether this soldier
can better serve the country dead thai
living" In another, being urged by th,
Judge advocate general to give his APP
proval, he said: "These are the cases thA
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