The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-10-08

discourse was the issue commonly de-
nominated imperialism, or the dangers
| of expansion as advocated by the Re
publican party. He also devoted much
time and argument to the prosperity
theme that is so much put forward by
the same opposition. Mr.. Cochran was
sadly handicapped by hOarseness, yet as
the register of his voice rose after a few
moments Of speaking, his utterances
were caught distinctly in every part Of
the hall Throughout there was intense
earneStnesS in his speech, but the native
fund of wit would crop out and the out
bursts of sympathetic applause were
pressed hard for place by the rounds Of
laughter. Both were frequent and
hearty.
All kinds of political creeds were rep
resented in the big audience There were
Democrats, Republicans and Populists,
Independents and Suffragists- There
was quite a sprinkling of femininity in
attendance. Non partisans enjoyed the
eloQuence of the gifted speaker as much
as the partisans Of the same political
tenets with him. Some Of the people who
left before the meeting was over, re-
marked as they passed out, that ne
ssnisrepresented things" which might
be interpreted into a whole lot of mean
ings or none at all.
There was an enthusiastic welcoming
when the speakers party advanced upon
the platform Steinberg's orchestra
cheered. This was followed by Dixie
as the delegation was seated and the
demonstration was renewed with vigor
The party consisted of Ex-Governor John
W. Leedy. who presided, David Over
myer, and the members of the escort
committee
The platform was decorated with the
national colors and pictures of Bryan,
Stevenson and John W. BreidenthaI
were hung on the walls.
Ex-Governor Leedy called the meet
ing to order in q very few words I'm
the beginning of this campaign 'he said,
cipal or paramount issue. The Demo-
cratic party contended that the word
imperialism constituted the paramount
issue to be discussed In this campaign
Republicans said that prosperity was
the magnet to which they would cling
They struggled along under this delu-
sion until the man with the dinner pail
struck for wages. Then the man with
the dinner pail found it full of promises
only. Since then the Republicans have
been struggling for plank on which
they can ride"
This preliminary served to give David
Overmyer the floor to in turn introduce
the distinguished visitor. In his talk
Mr.. Overmyer said the people were there
to exercise one of their highest privi-
legess and one of the highest duties
to peaceably assemble and take counsel
respecting the welfare of their common
country. He dwelt upon imperialism.
calling it absolutisn, which is itself I'M
restrained. unlimited, underlined power.
and that the first essence of liberty is
jealousy of power. Against this tenden-
cy Democracy has set its face like f1ins
and viii not stop until it is checked Mr.
Overmyer cracked the funny-bone of the
crowd hard by telling that the Repub-
Hcan ticket has the greatest weight in
its tail. Roosevelt afeecrs the heroic =
he said. He reminds me of the pompous
drillmaster who was drilling an awk-
ward squad. The sergeant finally be-
came Disguised and yelled at his rock
les. See herei What makes YOU look 50
simpler Look fierceI Look like -!
Look like meiiP -
Mr.Cockran was then presented as one