The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-16
UnbOunded Enthusiasm for
Thomas B. Reed.
Names Republicans Loudly
Cheer Speakers Name.
A Solid Delegation Will Support Him
at the Convention.

PORTLAND, Me-, April 16-with en-
thusiasm almost unequaled the conven-
tion for the nomination of delegates to
the national convention, to be held at
st. Louis in June, was held here today.
The almost unparalleled fervor OF senti-
ment was centered about the name of
Hon. Thomas Bracket Reed, who was
the unanimous choice Of the convention
as the candidate for President OF the
United States. In fact there was no one
to be found among all the delegates from
whom the slightest reference to Reed
did not call forth demonstration OF
some sort. Reed buttons and badges
were everywhere to be seen and from
Hon. Joesph Manley, who called the con-
vention to order, to the least prominent
delegate, present, there was an apparent
desire TO enter into competition TO show
who could cheer the ioudest for the favo-
rite candidate.
The convention was the largest that has
ever assembled in this city, every delega-
tion being filled. Previous to the State
Convention, the first Congressional dis
trict convention was held. Charles 4.
Libbey OF Portland, was chosen CHAIR
man and after a brief speech by the pre-
siding officer the following delegates
were elected: George p. Wescott. Port
land, Charles Il. Townsend, Brunswick;
j.. II. Davidson Of York, and Captain }.
4. Warren of Buxton, were chosen alter
mates.
Resolutions were adopted supporting
Reed and recognizing no second choice
at st. Louis.
The State convention, which is to
nominate delegates to the national con-
vention, was then called to order by Hon.
Joseph II. Manley, chairman OF the State
committee.
Hon. Hannibal f. Hamlin OF Ellsworth
was chosen chairman, and in acceptance
OF the Office spoke as follows:
Chairman Hamiin's Address.
After reviewing the history OF the Re-
publican party Chairman Hamlin said:
"Gentlemen of the Conyention--One OF
the most important issues now before us
relates to the protective tariff. We glory
in the fact that this is nation of clti-
zens, not subjects. The foundation upon
which this republic rests is universal citi-
zenship and equal ufirage. The govern
ment and the people are so closely con-
nected that what affects one quickly
Affects the other. The condition of the
government depends upon the condition
of its citizens. Whatever Will develop our
resources, foster and encourage our man.
ufactures, secure the highest wages and
independence to our laboxjDg classes,
should be the policy OF our nation. This
Is the aim of a protective tariff and the
history OF this nation shows how tre-
mendous an aid it has been TO American
industries and In Dor.
sit costs about 81, 900, COD day to carry
on the operations of this government and
psy its expenditures and obligations.
This sum must be raised either by direct
taxation or by duties upon imports. Di-
rect taxation is keenly felt by the peo-
- d.. lar kau .f h<o.
sorted to except upon pressing national
exigencies. The Republican protective
tariff not only provides this money neces-
sary for the government expenditures,
but it has furthered the pstriotic motive of
strengthening aud ssmaking independent
its country and its people. 1t places du-
ties upon foreign articles imported which
compete with those we produce ourselves
and uffers those which we cannot and
do not produce Ouxuries excepted) to
enter our ports free. 1t says to the for
eigner: III you want TO bring your mer-
chandise here to compete with ours, you
must pay for the privilege 1t thus
onakes the foreigner pay the revenue and
at the same time encourages and stimu-
lates our own industries and protects our
own Ia 5orsrs.
1.-THE protective tariff has enabled our
manufacturers to pay better wages for the
same services that were received eles-
where. All our laborers in any branch
have received higher pay than in any
other country. Not only have they been
the best paid, bat they have been the best
educated, the most independent and the
best citizens of the laboring classes
throuAhout the world. Protection is
nothing new. Washington, Adams,
Franklin and others were protectionists.
petition presented to the first Con-
gress in March, 1850, before Washington
was inaugurated, came from hundreds
of citizens of the town OF Baltimore ask
ing that Congress would make the coun-
try independent in fact as well as in
name by imposing protective duties on
~foreign manufacturers.
"Under the protective system, so well
provided by the Republican party In
i9s3, when the Democratic party last
went into power, the United States had
become prosperous bevond the most san
guine expectations. In 1881, when the
Dempcratic party went out OF power our
when the Republican party went out Cf
power, our total wealth was more than
$50, 600, 900, 900.
"In the year 1893 the Republican party
went out Of power, while the wheels OF
industry were steadily turning and the
laborer had plenty OF employment The
Democratic party, pledged to its doctrine
OF free trade, came In. Confidence was
shaken, the wheels OF industry stopped;
hundreds OF thousands of workingmen
were thrown out OF employment, Coxey's
army invaded Washington; mills shut
down; banks failed; railrosds went into
the hands OF receivers, and depression fol-
lowed which called to mind the dis
astrous panic OF 1873
During the administration o: Presiden.
Varrison. I'm the wears 1890 .G1 ,g2 and