The San Francisco call., 1896-08-28

of vice-presidents of the meeting con-
tanned the names of many men well
known in many walks of life.
Republicans of note as they came in
and were recognized by the crowd were
heartily applauded. The crowd at other
times kept it's enthusiasm at high pitch
by some of its members asking, whats
the matter with Mckinley p" or "Harri-
son ?' or "Platt?" or other prominent men
OF the party. The answer always was 10 the
effect that the particular individual men
toned was ''all right" followed by vocifer-
Gus cheers.
It was just 7:40 o'clock when ex-Presi-
dent Harrison entered the hall. His we'll
known figure was Immediately recognized
and the audience to man rose to Its teet
and cheered again and again. Mr.. Harri-
son looked exceedingly well and smiled as
he bowed his thanks for his cordial recep-
tion. Chauncey NJ. Depew came in ten
minutes after the ex- President and another
noisy demonstration followed. Whats
the matter with our Chauncey2" shouted
one admirer of the popular orator, and
roar of Hes all right" followed the
query. Mr.. Depew advanced to the speak
ers' table and called the meeting to order.
1t was Just 1866 and Mr.. Depew was again
received with cheers. He at once began
his speech and was listened to with close
attention.
Mr.. Depew was frequently interrupted
with applause and laughter. In bringing
out point against silver he said that Mr..
Bryan would rather be with Mexico than
Europe. A voice interrupted him with
the remark: "Why don't he go?" This
sally was received with applause and
laughter which was repeated with great
force when Mr.. Depew replied, He will
later on"
Mr.. Depew spoke for twenty-five min
utes and then introduced ex.President
Harrison, who was received with an out
burst OF cheering which lasted several
minutes. Mr.. Harrison was at once at
ease with his audience. He began his ad-
dress in low clear voice, but as he pro-
ceeded he warmed to his subject and his
voice grew IN volume. He said:
Ladies and gentlemen: am on the Repub-
liean retired list, not by reason OF any age
limit nor by the plea of any convention, but
that the younger men might have chance
and that / might have rest. [Laughter.1
But am not a soured or disappoin ted or bed
did not cease when my last salary check was
cashed. Laughter and sppsdse.l hoped to
get relief from official duties-retirement from
the arena of political debate. But the gentle
men having in charge this campaign seemed
to think In some way might advance the In
terests of those principles which are not less
dear to me than they are to you, by making
here in this great city pubic address. Zap
plause.[ 1 thought they greatly magnified the
importance of anything that could say, but
could not quite content myself TO subordinate
what others thought to be public duty to my
private convenience [Applause.l
l am here tonight not TO make "keynote"
speech, but only to express my personal views
for which no one else will be in any measure
responsible. Applause For this speech has
not been submitted to the judgment of any
one until now. [Applause.l shall speak. my
fellow citizens, as a Repub lean [Cries of
"Good''1 but with perfect respect to those who
hold differing opinions. Indeed have never
had so much respect for Democrats as now
IApplausel or perhaps 1 should say I never
had SO much respect for SO many Democrats as
have now. [Applause.l That party has once
more exhibited its capacity TO be ruptured,
and party that cannot be split is public
menace. When the leaders of party assem-
bled in convention depart from its traditional
principles and advocate doctrines that threaten
the integrity OF the Government, the social or
der OF our communities and the security and
soundDess OF our finance, it ought to split, and
1t dignifes itself when it does split.
bolt from any party is now and then a
most reassuring incident and was never more
reassuring and never had better cause than
now. Applause and cries of "You're right. NJ
But these Democratic friends who are dis
posed, more or less directly, to help the cause
of sound finance in this campaign ought not
to expect that the Republican party will reor-
ganize itself because the Democratic party
has disorganized Itself Laughter and ap-
plause.] The Republican party, the Repub-
lican voter, if sound money triumphs, rs 1 be-
lieve it WILL must in the nature of things con-
stitute the body OF the successful army. We
ought not, therefore, be asked TO do anything
that viii affect the solidity, the loyalty, the
discipline or the epthusiasm OF the Republican
party. Applause; a voice, "Nobody going
out" This referred to the Bryan meeting in
Madson-square Garden and was greeted with
applause.l
The Republican party confronts the destrue-
tionists and trumpets its defiance to the enc
mics of sound money. 1t viii fight, however
without covering any of the glorious notices
and inscriptions that are upon this banner.
Applause. When the house is on fire-and
many OF our Democratic friends believe that to
be the present Democratic situauon-the ten
ant on the top floor ought not to ask the ten
ant in the basement to bury any of his opin-
ions before he joins the fire brigade, and so
our Democratic friends who realize, as we
realize, the gravity, the far-reaching eonse-
quences of this campaign, ought not to ask the
Republican party to reorganize ITSELF to put
aside any of the great principles it has advo-
Gated in order to win vote. If the opinion is
sincerely held as they insist, it ought to deter
mine their action for themselves, without ref
eTenee to what anybody else should do.
And submit to these gentlemen for whose
opinions have the highest respect, whether
II 1t be true, as they say, that the success of
the Chicago nominee would plunge this eoun-
try into irredeemable commercial distress and
drag the Nations honor in the dust, there can
be any question for such gentlemen bnt this
"How can we most surely defeat the Chicago
nomineeP' tApplause.l Neither conventions
nor committees can create issues nor assign
them to their places as to their Importance.
What is the leading issue of a campaign which
most agitates. the people?
In my opinion there is no issue presented
by the Chicago convention more important or
vital than the question they have raised of
prostituting the power and duty of the Ma
tional courts and National executive. The de-
tense Of the constitution, of the Supreme Court