Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-06-21

Speech of Temporary
National (
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Philadelphia, June 19.The full text
of the address delivered by Senator
Wolcott, of Colorado, temporary chair
man of the republican national conven-
ton, at the opening of the convention
in this city today, follows:
Since the first party convention in
these United States, there was never
one gathered together under such hope
ful and suspicious circumstances as
those which surround us today. Unit
ed, proud of the achievements of the
past four years. our country prosper
GUS and happy, with nothing to regret
and naught to make lis ashamed, with
a record spotless and clean, the repub-
lican party stands facing the dawn,con-
fdent that the ticket it shall present
will command public approval, and
that in the declaration of its principles
and it's purposes it will voice the aspi-,
rations and hopes of the vast majority
of American freemen.
We need 'no omen but our country's
cause" yet there is significance in the
fact that the convention is assembled
in this historic and beautiful city,,
where we first assumed territorial re-
sponsibilities, when our fathers, cen
fury and quarter ago, promulgated
the immortal Declaration of Independ-
ence. 81
The spirit Of justice and liberty that
animated them found voice three-quar-
tiers of a century later in this same
City of Brotherly Love, when Fremont
led the forlorn hope OF united patriots
who laid here the foundations of our
party ard put human freedom as its
cornerstone. 1t compelled our ears to
listen to the cry of suffering across
the shallow waters of the Gulf two
years ago. While we observe the law
of nations and maintain that neutrality
which we owe to a great and friendly
government, the same spirit lives today
in the genuine feeling of sympathy we
cherish for the brave men now fighting
for their homes in the yeldts of South
Africa. 1t prompts us in our determi-
nation to give to the dusky races of
the Philippines the blessings of good
government and republican institutions
and finds voice in our indignant pro-
test against the violent suppression of
the rights of the colored man in the
south. That spirit will survive i'll the
breasts of patriotic men as long as the
nation endures; and the events of the
past have taught us than it can find it's
fs,i , fall In,
in the principles and policy of the re-
publican party.
The first and pleasant duty of this
great convention, as well as its instinc-
tive impulse, is to send message of af-
fectionate greeting to our leader and
our country's president, William Nc
4 Kinley. In all that pertains to our
welfare in times of peace, his genius
5 has directed us. He has shown an un-
erring mastery of the economic prob
lens which confront us, and has guild
ed us out of the slough of financial dis
saster, impaired credit and commercial
stagnation, up to the high and safe
ground of national prosperity and f.
nanciai stability. Thru the delicate
and trying events of the late war he
stood firm, courageous and conserva-
tive, and under his leadership we have
emerged triumphant, our national hon
or untarnished, our credit unassailed,
and the equal devotion of every section
of our common country to the welfare
of the republic cemented forever. Ne
yer in the memory of this generation
has there stood at the head
OF the government a truer
patriot, wiser. or more cour-
eageous leader, or a better example OF.
the highest type of American man
hood. The victories of peace and the
@on his banner. Those of us whose
pleasure and whose duty have called
us from time to time into his presence,
know how freely he has spent and been
spent in his country's service; but the
same vigorous manhood and clear and
patriotic vision animate him as of old,
and give us confidence and trust for the
future of the republic, because his
hand will guide us, and his genius di-
rect.
Two Great Leaders.
Four years ago the republican party
at St. Louis named ticket which COM
manded the confidence and support of
B the American people. It bore the
names of two eminent Americans, each
endeared by years of loyal service to
his country and his party. No whisper
OF personal attack intruded upon the
national issues which determined the
contest. There was a double safe
guard for the country's welfare. Every
true American knew that if in the dis
pensation of Providence our Leader.
should be called from his high place,
there stood beside him statesman de-
voted and staunch, in whose hands the
vast and weighty affairs of our country
could be well and safely entrusted.
Had Garrett Augustus Hobart been
spared to us until today, the work of
this convention would have been limit
ed to cordial and unanimous indorse-
ment of the leaders of '96 Dis alter
visum and when, a few months ago,
our dear vice president left this sphere