The San Francisco call., 1898-07-24

ping With passion thunQered forth Sucn a denunciation of Req and his methods as was probably never before heard in a party council.
 When Mclaughlin declared he would devote the remainder of his life, if necessary, to rdding the Republican party of bOssiSm and boss rule the members fairly hoWled their approval, but though the cheering was terrific. the major never ceased his denuncia- ton. He was too terribly in earnest to pay heed to the applause his words had called forth
 Through it all Req sat grinning i'm pudently, and at the close attempted to challenge McLaughlin's remarks by asking if they were directed 1t him. But when the chairman, looking him straight in the eye, replied, You ought to know, MT. Req, you have had plenty of experience as a boss,' the master of Santa Clara politics hung his head, and from that time until adjournment had nothing more to say.
 Of course his job was defeated. and after most of the committee had left the hall Req went among a few who would listen to him, telling them that his only object was to avoid so many primaries, for under his motion only one would have been necessary in Santa Clara County, while now three would have to be held
 Aside from the turning down of Req, the proceedings were marked by the greatest enthusiasm and harmony. The complimentary resolutions rendered Major Mclaughlin at the opening of the session, amended to include the other officers of the committee, were adopted with loud cheers. Every men ton of President McKinley's name was greeted with applause and when Chairman Mclaughlin spoke of the certainty of a sweeping Republican victory next November his hearers in dorsed the prediction with shouts of approval
 The speech of Chairman Mclaughlin was more than temporary in effect, It took hold of his listeners and after ad- journment it was the one topic for dis cussion. There was a feeling that the major was entitled above all others to such honor as the party he had served so long and so well could bestow. But while he appreciated this feeling he was absolute in his declination to en- courage it. Many people high in party affairs called upon him to congratulate him upon his denunCiation of boss rule, and to say to him that if he would but consent to receive the nomination for Governor his support from the party would be unanimous and enthusiastic and his election certain.
 "Gentlemen.' said the major, and he had to reiterate the sentiment to others, T esteem my friends, l have given to my party my time and my best efforts, but l cannot accept any office, however honorable As much as I love my party, as long as l have worked for it, as dear as its success is to me, I would see it defeated before l would Waver in this determination.
 To all the urging of his associates he turned a deaf ear. His resolution was fixed and final If any of you know a way in which l can express myself more forcibly," he said, 'T am ready to accept the amendment"
 But realizing what his devotion had been, the worth of his services, the high value he set upon the success of the party, they could think of no .cerned Major Mclaughlin placed him. self beyond all consideration. There were many expressions of rgret, but no question as to the gentleman's sin cerity With preferment within easy reach he thrust it aside. He refused reward freely rendered, and made plain the fact that his loyalty to the party had in 1t no selfish purpose. The party is welcome to his counsel. sure of his support. For the filling of it's offices 1t will have to look elsewhere The posi- ton of the major is regarded as almost unique in politics.
 It was 145 o'clock when the com mitteemen took their seats in Golden Gate Hall and Major Mclaughlin called the meeting to order. call of the roll showed that there were but few ab- sentees, and the majority of those who were unable to attend were represented by proxies.
 "Gentlemen of the committed" said the chairman, 'I congratulate. you and the Republican party on the interest shown in party affairs by the large at tendance. I thank you one and all for the wise and able support and counsel from the executive officers during the last campaign. By united action. Cali fornia was again placed in the Republi- can line and assisted in giving us Presi- dent Mckinley The party is to-day in splendid working order, and there is no doubt that In -the next campaign we will win another great and sweep ing victory"
 At this point Frank Coombs of Napa arose and introduced the following resolutions, thanking Major McLaugh- lin for his able administration of the affairs of office:
 Resolved, That the thanks of the Re- publican party of the State of California are due, and that they are hereby given, through it's representatives in committee Y for the able administration of the affairs of his office as chairman of the State Gen. tral Committee; for his efforts in the last campaign, bringing victory out of appa- rent defeat, and for holding the party together from that time to the present, thereby keeping the Republican organi- zation intact, and insuTlng a united effort for the future
 Among the many able and distinguished gentlemen who, during the past forty years. have led the party of freedom and progress in the various political cam paigns in this State as chairman of this committee, it Is no disparagement to any to say that Major Mclaughlin is the peer of any of his long and brilliant line of predecessors in the extent and value of his services to the Republican party by the constant exercise of wise foresight l a uniform courtesy and tact in dealing with difficult and veXatious questions, an unfailing degree of patience high sense of justice and integrity, and by maintain ing a permanent headquarters of the com mittee throughout the year, and an un- remitting personal attention to all of the tedious duties of his position By the ex- | ercise of all these amiable characteris- tics he has not only earned the thanks of this committee, but he has personally endeared himself to it's members
 Resolved, That the thanks of this com mittee are extended to Secretary M R Higgins, Assistant Secretary J. Step