The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-28
Mrs. Grant Much Affected by n Glow
ing Tribute Delivered by Rep
resentative Cousins.
SPEECH BY CHARLES E. SMITH
THE POsTMASTER GENERAL ON "NA-
: TIONAL DEVELOPMENTS"
Address by Governor Roosevelt nj
Former Home of the Grants
The Country's Problems.

PITTSBURG, April 27.-The fourteenth
annual banquet of the Americus Republican
Club of this city, in commemoration of the
birth of Gen. U. s. Grant, was held at the
Hotel Schenley tonight and was in many
respects the most successful dinner yet
given by the famous organization. The
guest of honor was Mrs Julia Dent Grant,
widow of the great soldier and statesman,
and among the distinguished personages
present were Postmaster General Emory
Smith, Representative Robert G. Cousins
of Iowa. Senator M. A. Hanna of Ohio.
Governor G. w. Atkinson of West Virginia.
COL James E. Barnett of Pennsylvania,
and Charles F. Dick of Ohio
Seated in the balcony at the north end
of the hall was Mrs. Grant and a reception
committee of twenty-five prominent Pitts
burg ladies. 1t was the initial appearance
of ladies at these annual dinners, and the
first time Mrs. Grant has attended BAN
quet given in honor of her husband, al
though frequently invited to such functions.
When she entered the room she was en-
Enthusiastically welcomed, the ovation lasting
several minutes.
Hon. Charles Emory Smith, postmaster
general, responded to the toast, National
Developments" He spoke eloquently of
the achievements of General Grant, and re-
viewed the expansion Of the country. Com
ing down to the present time he said:
There is destiny beyond our own vo-
lition In this history. Our previous expan-
sions were contiguous and continental.
Then we wanted ROOM NOW we want com.
I,erce Then we wanted land for Industrial
upbuilding. Now we want the sea and sea
footholds for commercial communication.
The onward march Of the Republic has
been in the line of logical development.
First the immediate and proximate expan-
sion needed for the creation OF a mighty
nation os unbounded resources, and now
the remoter expansion needed as the key
tc the necessary commercial outlets for a
productive power which stands unrivaled
fla all the world. We did not seek or dream
oe these additions. but If the most pre-
they could not have been more oppOrtune
CT better selected in the unfolding of our
national part in the advance of commerce
ard civilization.
.'We shall give our new peoples liberty
good government and enlightenment be-
yond anything they have ever before en-
joyed. We shall take them by the hand
and lead them forward on the pathways of
progress and prosperity. But they are not
yet prepared for absorption in our political
system They must have the largest free
dom without impairing our own. Our noble
Constitution is fully adapted to the new
requirements. 1t has stood every test in
the past 1t carried Jefferson against his
own doubts through the Louisiana pur-
erase. 1t carried the Union through its
supreme trial. 1t is no less equal to the
demands of this hour. 1t arms Congress
with full liberty and power TO legislate as
justice and wisdom shall dictate for our
new possessions. In the exercise of that
power Congress is bound by the limitations
of our free institutions. but not by the limi-
tations of the charter of the Union of
States.
Starting out as we are on the new path
ways. the final action reached by Congress
ir the case of Porto Rico is intellectually
valuable in it's settlement of principle and
policy. The universal sentiment of the
country for the largest generosity to tbs
suffering brothers of Porto Rico was i'm
mensely creditable to the heart of the
American people. am proud of the noble
impulses OF my countrymen, and 1 am
proud of the deliberate and carefully con-
sldered action of Congress. 1t was more
liberal than the people asked. 1t gave the
largest measure of generosity ever given
ty any government to any people Tt was
far more munificent than if it had extended
our own laws. AT the same time. while re.
lieving the Porto Ricans of all burdens
and showering benefits upon them, il did
rot fall into the mistake Of stripping Con-
gress of authority to deal with each stu
alton as its own conditions require and
the maintenance of that authority Is slI-
premely important In the future direction
of this great problem"
Congressman Robert G. Cousins responded
to the toast Grant The response was a
glowing tribute to the great man, and dur
ing it's delivery the listeners were moved
to tears and again to outbursts of patriotic
applause. The venerable widow. I'm her
| rather secluded position on the mezzanine
floor, was visibly affected