The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-09-24
1t Was Cast For Abraham Lin
coin In 1850.
QUOTES LINCOLN, TOO.
He Said: ''SOme Speak, Some
Sing and All HOlIer.''
Mckinley Calls His Opponents
the Enemies of Law.

bic recognition of the women who have
honored me today. They are a mighty
factor in our progress and civilization
and they have been most potential in
every crisis of American history. I am
glad to know they are interested in the
party of good morals, good politics,
good government and public and pri-
vate honesty. (Great app1ause.)
THE presence of this body of young
men who are to vote for the first time
in November is to me an inspiring
sight, and that you are so soon to en-
joy the priceless privilege of citizen
ship must be to all of you an inspiring
thought For 81 years you have been
enjoying our free Institutions the pro-
lection and opportunity of our laws
without any political power or respon-
sibility. You are soon to assume. your
share in government and bear your
share of duty and responsibility. I
wonder. as I look into your faces,
whether you fully appreciate the privi-
lege and honor which you are so soon
to have. I fear sometimes that few Of
US estimate citizenship at its true
worth. 1t is a guarantee to our iber-
ties and institutions, and is our surest
safety. 1t is the constitutional mode OF
expressing the popular will. Through
public laws enacted. Through it ad-
ministrations are changed and admins
trations are made. Through it our
whole governmental machinery is con-
Quoted. 1t is indeed a priceless inner
itance and should be valued as such by
every young man.
with the privilege comes grave re-
sponsibilities in it's use. It should ex-
press the intelligence and judgment
=
never be employed for any base uses.
1t should be exercised with courage,
wisdom and patriotism. It should new
er, no never, be thrown against the
country, and should never represent
public dishOnor. Great applause.) 1
recall, young men, my first vote. With
what a thrill Of pride I exercised for
the first time the full prerogative OF
citizenship. I have not realized greater
pride since. felt I had some part in
the government. The period and cir
cumstances when I cast my first vote
may have a deeper impression upon
me than it otherwise would, but 1 re-
call it now after 30 years with sensa-
lions of joy and satisfaction. Cap
plause)
In the crisis of war in the field, my
first vote was cast for Abraham Lin
coin. (Great cheering.) It is to me
privilege to have been permitted to vote
for a candidate for president whose
services to his country in the greatest
peril of it's life rank with the services
of Washington, the father of his coun-
try. (Applause.) Priceless memory to
me that could vote for the martyr to
liberty, the emancipation of a race, and
the savior of the only free government
among men. Great cheering.) You,
gentlemen, did not have the privilege
but it having been denied you there
will be some satisfaction to you to vote
for the party of Lincoln which rallied
the young men of the country around
the banner of liberty, union and ma
tional honor, between 1860 and 1855,
(Applause.) and now summons you
under the same glorious banner.
Il cannot omit here to make a quo
tation from Mr.. Lincoln, written to the
young men of Illinois on June %, 1864.
Mr. Lincoln said: Now as to the young
men. You must not wait to be brought
forward by the older men. You young
men get together; form q rough and
ready club, and have regular meetings
and speeches. Take in everybody you
can get. AS you go along, gather up
all the shrewd boys about town, wheth-
er just OF age or a little under age. Let
everyone play the part he can play
best. Some speak, some sing, and all
hOller. (Great laughter.) Your meet
ings will be of evenings. The older
men and women will go to hear you
and see yOu.It will not only contribute
to the election of Jack. but it will be
interesting pastime and improving to
the intellectual faculties of all engag-
ed Great applause.)
I commend these hOmely words of
Mr.. Lincoln to the young men of the
country. Such organizations as he ad-
vocated will help in the political con-
test which is now upon US. They will
not only inspire the young men, but
will cheer the hearts of the older Re
publican party. 1t is seldom given to
the first voters of this country to start
in so important a rational contest
where so much is involved and where
so many interests are at stake. It is a
year, too, when old party divisions
count for little; when men of all parties !
are united in the common object to
save the country from dishonor and the
currency from degradation 1t is al
ways wise to stand against lawlessness
and Reputation. Applause and cries:
that. riSht.O 1t is always a'riotic
to stand agajns' use " h0 are opposed |
artificial barriers between classes or
sections in the United States. (Great !
appIaIse) [ congratulate you upon /
the glorious opportunities you have |
and, I am sure you will use them fOl |
the welfare of the people and the glory
of the country.
MY fellow citizens, I ventured a few
weeks ago, to suggest in a public speech |
that It would be better to open the |
mills than to open the minis. (Czreat |
cheering and cries: that's right.O |
see that some of your political adyer- |
sarieS criticiSe the statement, saying /
it IS putting the cart before the horse |
They seem to think the way to open |
the wooden mills, for example is to |
start a yard stick factory Great ap- |
and laughteE.) They forget that 1
YOU must make cloth before you can |
measure it and that the weaver must :
be employed before the yard stick is |