The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-23
WHAT is OUR PURPOSE ?
THE CONSTITUTION DECLARES
1T IN IT'S FIRST SENTENCE.
TO SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY
Impsria ism is the Cry Of Greed. Our Civil.
cation Bids Us Say to All Men, Stand
Up and be Free. Destiny
is Achieved,

Washington, Feb. 22.-The Virginia
Democratic Association of the District
of Columbia, celebrated Washington
birthday by a largely attended banquet
at the National Rifles Armory. Hon.
William J. Bryan was the guest Of
honor and among those present ~tr"
Governor Tyler and Senators Daniel
and Martin, of Virginia; Stewart, of
Nevada; Representatives Bailey ana
Cooper, of Texas; Lentz, Ohio; Greene,
of Wisconsin,; DeArmond, of Missouri;
Bartlett, of Georgia; SulZer, of New
York, and Swanson, of Virginia. In the
centre of the stage to the rear o. the
hall was an immense floral design pre-
sented to Mr.. Bryan by his admirers.
Mr.. Bryan was given an enthusiastic
reception and every reference to him by
the speakers was received with tremen-
dous applause.
Senator Daniel, of Virginia, was the
first speaker, responding to the toast
George Washington, We Celebrate his
Birthday Anniversary for His Worth
as Warrior, Statesman and Patriot. y
He warmly eulogized the memory of
Washington and said he was the I'M
crowned king of universal liberty, en-
lightenment and progress.
"Democracy's mission" was respond
ed to by Representative Bailey, of
Texas. In the course of his speech Mr..
Bailey referred to the organization of
the Democratic party and the faithful
manner in which it had performed it's
mission. The men whose virtues Wa
celebrate tonight did not teach their
children to exchange principles for sue
cess, he said. They taught us that in
this world principle is worth infinite
ly more than a triumph, and if the prin-
ciples are followed out our triumph will
follow our fidelity to them.
Il crave success" said Mr. Bailey,
"as sincerely as any man. but l know
there are things worse than defeat.
We have survived that before and we
can survive that again, but we could not
outline a cowardly surrender of our
principles. We wish the cooperation
of all men who win join with us in res
cuing our beloved country from the per-
ilous situation into which it has been
lead but will brook no deception Of
any man.
'sAs certain as the years 20 by and
the great national convention reassem-
bles, we will rig up the platform made
in 1896 and in his pointing to Mr..
Bryan unsullied name will lift Inc
banner as stainless as his life tgreat APP
plause); and then the great command
ers will give the orders for forward
march, and it will be a march 10 yicto-
ry. Let us here and now renew our
pledge and keep our faith, and when we
have fought the battle in its behalf and
won the victory we shall receive as our
reward the confidence of a grateful
people: and we win reward that conf
dence by reyitalizing these great and es-
sential principles of human freedom
which it is the mission of our party TO
perpetuate and defend.
Mr. Elliott Danforth. of New York
responded to the toast, The State of
New York" He declared that the
Democrats of the entire State are anx-
ious to give their votes to the next
Democratic nominee for President and
lin that contest the standard bearer of
the party is with us tonight"
Hon. ID. A. DeArmond responded TO