Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-07-19
MEET FOR
LOVE FEAST
National L:agu: of Rspub-
lican Clubs in Session
in st. Paul.
GOV. ROOSEVELT ISTHERE
Addresses the Convention Briefly
Senator Nelson Speaks on the Ma
tionaI Issues-Ringing Speech De.
livered by President George Stone.

| ~SN~-'
of the National League of Republican
Clubs was called to order at 1890
o'clock this morning by President Geo.
Stone, at the Auditorium. There were
present about 800 leaguers, but later
on the hall was filed and presented an
imposing appearance. After prayer
and a welcoming address by Jesse
Gregg, representing Mayor Smith,
Governor Roosevelt was introduced
and spoke very briefly. Senator Nell
son, of Minnesota, then addressed the
convention on the issues of the open.
ing campaign.
/ President Stones address in full
was as follows:
Gentlemen of the Republican
League: During the brief period of
two years, since last we met in con-
vention, many pages have been added
to the history of the American repub-
lie which so long as that republic
shall exist will evidence the wisdom
and loyalty of the republican party;
a party knowing how to govern the
country for the security, welfare and
glory of its people. Inseparably con-
nected with. and forming part of
that record, is the name of that wise
and patriotic statesman, whom repub-
licans delight to honor, and whom all
Americans can safely trust,-Presi-
dent William Mckinley.
We cannot soon forget the paralysis
in business and the industrial ruin
wrought by the disastrous financial
policy, as exemplified under the last
democratic rule; nor should we ever
forget the marvellous change that i'm
mediately followed the election of
Mckinley, in 1896. A change that
brought prosperity to the producer
and laborer, and to the democrat and
republican alike. Confidence was re-
stored; the wheels of trade and COM
merce moved again, and the world
was notified that the people of the
United States would not allow its
credit destroyed, nor its currency
i made commodity.
The searching test of application
has proved the wisdom of the position
taken by the republican party on ev.
sIery national issue. Every pledge has
been redeemed; every opportunity for
the advantage of the people has been
\ grasped; every crisis unshrinkingly
met, and the unbroken record of its
successes, at the minimum cost of
treasure and blood, causes the heart
of the true American to swell with
i pride.
/ Clouds have gathered on the hori-
zon of the great nations. Human
foresight cannot prophesy whether
they will spread or dispense. 1t is our
duty as people to be watchful and
prepared for whatever complications
may arise or dangers threaten our
ship of state. Therefore, it behooves
us to continue at the helm, our pilot
tried and true
4 Figures are stubborn facts.-and
convincing,-no figures of speech:
these we will leave to our populist
friend from Nebraska. He has had
four years constant practice, and
doubtless has invented others as start
ling as the "cross of gold" upon which
the hapless American working man
was to be crucified. The figures to
our purpose are the good, old fash
Toned kind learned at school, and which
We're clearly presented for the con.
sideration of the American voter, in
a mastery manner by the leaders of
our party in the Philadelphia conyen-
ton. The incontestable facts, which
the democrats will not see, and to
which the republican triumphantly
points, that under the present finan.
1 nio1 nn1ipxy tno II,
lation OF money per capita, in the his.
tory of the nation, and that the coun-
/ try under the gold standard is pros.
porous to degree that commands the
attention Of other nations, has caused
the populistic-democratic party to SUI
coordinate the shiboleth OF four years
ago, to other forecastings of impend-
ing disaster. With prodigious effort,
in solemn conclave, 1t brought forth
this latest pigmy of the brain and
named it imperialism" placing it up
on platform which they fondly be-
1 lieved to be impressive arraignment
of the republican party.
1t is a senseless cry, and has not
4 been, nor ever will be justified by any
1 conditions of our body politics. We
| do not set our boundaries unchange-
ably: expansion has been our oppor-
tunities and possibly our salvation.
| The possession of the Philippines was
the natural sequence of events, COM
mencing with the destruction of the
Spanish fleet at Manila bay; events
which followed each other with start
ling rapidity, making a brilliant epoch
/ for Americans, in the closing Yeas of
the century; and shall we think so
Tightly of those who asked only of
glory the privilege to sustain their
country's flag on those distant islands,
and who now in the flower of their
manhood fill the humble grave OF a
soldier. What those lives have won
shall we cast aside as of no conse-
lquence?
4 People from foreign countries enter
our gates by thousands, rejoicing to
| possess homes and blessings under
our flag, denied them in their native
land. We still have unbounded faith
that wherever that flag is raised.