Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-08-03

Des Moines, Aug. 2.-(By Associated
Press 1.-THE republican state conven-
ton met at ii o'clock. this morning
with the largest attendance for years.
Charles E. Pickett was made tempo
rary chairman and on assuming the
Sgavel made stirring address, after
which the convention adjourned till 2
p. m.
chairman Pickett's address in full
will be found on page 6 of this issue.]
MIR. Pickett,s Address.
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention:
appreciate too deeply the great
honor you have conferred upon me to
attempt any further acknowledgement
than the modest eNpression-l thank
you.
The history, of the republican party
stands for the Heroic Age in American
politics. Its character lines are boldly
defined. 1t received it's first lessons
from the supreme and patriotic states
manship Of abraham Lincoln. Born of
the people, it has ever been proud of
its parentage and courageous in de-
tending its birthright. 1t has never
seized with nerveless grasp the i'm
portant problems confronting it. 1t
discerned the growing needs of the
people, anticipated future develop
ments, comprehended the boundless
possibilities of our great republic; and
with high resolve, an honest convic-
ton, and fearless leadership, I'M
3furled the banner of national progress
Z IN ite brpolact op1 friieSt hoe
been true to the instincts of our his
tory. In it's party organism are found
those vehement, verile and forceful
traits that have made our people the
greatest character-pecple in civilized
history.
1t is true of nations as of individ-
iuals, that the strongest types are pro-
duced by opposition. Courage, strug-
gle, victory, is written on every page
tof our history; they have developed the
little band in the Maytiower into u
mighty and powerful republic. At.
everv step in our onward march we
have met with opposition; but from
each and every contest, whether with
nature, sayages, despotism, internal
discussion or foreign foe, have arisen
grander and stronger than before.
Never Shirked Responsibility.
We have never shirked responsible
tty, nor evaded the mandates of duty.
We have never repudiated the guiding
spirit of a God-ordained destiny. We
have never paused to question whence,
but have simply asked whittier. The
I. Divine Doner seems to have encircled
our self reliant, liberty loving and pro-
gressive people with all the generous
bounties of hospitable nature, and with
prophetic command, bid us grow.
"Thus far and no farther" is not found
in our national lexicon.
The republican party at its birth in
herited these ideas. 1t has stood in
the past, and stands today, for the
broader, higher and grander destiny of
our chosen people.
When the nation stood face to face
with its supreme test, when the can
cerous growth OF state rights was en-
tering the very heart of the union,
when the pillars of state caught in the
deadly coils of secession were .totter-
ing on their very, foundation stones,
when black and ominous rebellion was
raising its gaunt visage, when the poll
teal parties of the time stood power
less to act, in the presence of the
seeming catastrophe; when political
leaders We're blending the pregnant
hinges of the knee" for selfish adpan-
tage, when the eyes of the world were
focused on our young republic, await
ing the outcome of the imminent ira
gedy, there was born, as ii by divine
amendment, a new party; born that the
republic might live, and, mirroring
the name on every patriot heart, re-
spending to the word on the lips of
every lover of the republic, it was
christianed the republican party.
Met and Mastered Every Crisis.
And what record it presents. Tt
never had childhood. 1t passed from
birth into the vigor of manhood. In
vested with plenary control of the ma
tion, it demonstrated patriotism of
motive, courage of conviction, and a
wisdom in public affairs, only equalled
by the supreme and presiding spirits of
the constructive and formative period
of our history. 1t comprehended the
full import of the definition of Ed
mund Burke, that Craftsmanship is
the science. of circumstances" 1t has
met and mastered every crisis--every
problem-every condition confronting
1t found the nation discordant and
warning. and brought about peace and
HARMONY.
1t received treasury depleted and
bankrupt. With United States per
cent bonds selling on the markets for
eiphty-eight cents, with an appalling
indebtedness. with national credit at
its lowest ebb, it has placed our credit
so hi-h that the humblest citizens of
the republic, and the most cautious
money dealers of rival nations are
alike willino and anxious to carry The
bonds OF the government at less than
3 per cent.
Comprehending the boundless wealth
and possibilities of the west. il enact
ed wise homestead laws, thereby ce-
nlenting the fortunes of the people
with the development of the territory.
Once let citizen become free-holder,
his feet resting upon ground in his
own right, sanctified by the name of
home, and you have a citizen in whose
keeping the destiny of our country is
L Supplemental thegeto, u eac0Wagsd