The Portland daily press., 1899-02-14

American ships won a naval battle. the
Ike on which has never been known In
history, and which electrified the
nation. Then came the victories
at FL Caney. San Juan and Santiago
Schley, Sampson, Wainwright and shat.
ttr won irDperishable renown. The war
ceased and the treaty of peace was ratified
and signed. Now great problem con-
fronts the American people. have the
faith TO prophesy that the party of Biaine,
of Hamlin under the leadership OF Nc
kinley, aided by our own Speaker Heed
whose indominable will and far seeing
statesmanship has turned turbulent
House into a Legislative body. Hale and
iloutelle who built up the navy. Frye, one
OF the commissioners who negotiated the
treaty of pence (applause) will b. equal %
any emergency which may arise and VIII
safely pilot the ship of state through the
dangers which now beset 1t.
At the conclusion of President Virgin
address he was heartily applauded. lie
then read letters Of regret from many per-
sons including the President, Vice Presi-
dent, members of the cabinet, Senator
Hanm, William p. Frye (whose name
was greeted with spplause), Gov. Roose-
welt, Gov. Wolcott and many others.
President Virgin then called upon
Governor Powers whom he asked the
club to give a hearty welcome. and as the
chief executive of Maine rose to his feet
to respond the band played Kali TO the
Chief" and the members of the club all
rising greeted him with three hearty
cheers.
Governor Powers spoke at some length
beginning by saying that he had attended
eight banquets of the Lincoln club in the
past and hoped to be able to attend all
that occurred in the future as long as his
health would permit. He said that the
Lincoln club was u great power in the
politics of the city of Portland and of
the state of Maine. He thanked the club
for their attendance at the state conven
ton at Augusta when he was nominated
and said that he considered 1t great
honor which they had paid him on that
occasion, He then went on to briefly
sketch the life and services of Lincoln,
saving that his name was one of the few
which would never lie forgotten. He said
that while he recognized the patriotism
and devotion of Washington the father of
our country had never won the hearts of
his countrymen as did Lincoln who came
from the plain people. He spoke of bis
greatness as statesman, as strategist,
as an orator, aud in his devotion to the
welfare of the people 1t was Lincoln's
privilege to sign document which had
liberated millions of slaves and since
then, wherever the flag of our country
has gone slavery has not been tolerated.
The Republican party under Lincoln
achieved its first great victory. Whenever
since that time the Republican party has
controlled the country prosperity has fol
lowed. 1t has marched steadily forward
along the paths of progress.
Under Lincoln was sucoeS3fully fought
the war which preserved the unity of the
nation, and under President Mckinley
has Just been fought war which has
shown the world that we are not con-
federacy hut nation strong, powerful
ana united 1t has also taught the world
that our flag must everywhere be re-
spected and veEerated. 1h3 war just
closed has settled some things and left
many others unsettled. 1t has settled that
from this time forth Spanish I1isrule and
tyranny will never again disgrace the
American continent. ~ do not attempt
% outline ahy policy. cortiaued the
Governor. "Those at the head of tn }
fation are amply able to settle cheese mat
isrs. And as party the Republicans
ave always been able to settle all great
Questions 1t settled the greas question
q reconstruction of national cssdit, and
had hoped that it had settled the ques
TIN of free silver, but l learn with sur.
pslse that Byran and Jones are still sit
ti1g up with Its corpse. We want an
he nest dollar in this country. 1t is NO
mte money that we want, but more use
fof the money that We have.
Elaine has done her duty in the past and
viii continue 10 do it in the future and
thg Republican party of Maine will oon-
tin-e TO stand by the national govern
me- t as it has done in the past We owe
asf nation certain things TO the world.
Dor believe from this that l am an ex-
pan. fonist, for 1 am not, but having de-
bout'd TO set up another in its place. l
am fad the Senate had the good sense to
ratifP the treaty of peace. AS victors it
wouli have been unreasonable for us to
have i2fused ID ratify treaty the terms
OF which We had ourselves deman ded.
think that you viii agree with me In this.
l do not, however, intend to cast any
reproath upon those who voted against
the ratification Of this treaty. The
govern closed his remarks by saying
that W need "a greater army and big
navy AID he hoped the national Congress
would ute to give us both of these. At
the ceAclusion of his remarks Gov.
Powers was given another hearty round
Of applsase.
Presto snt Virgin then read character
istic tef'gram from Speaker Reed, which