The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-26


Senator Fairbanks's entire address, as
taken stenographically for the Journal, was
as follows:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention-I have not come to make a
speech; 1 have come to witness the great
function you have been called upon to
discharge, and that is to present TO the
people of Indiana a platform of principles
and candidates for their suffrage in No
vember next. / congratulate the Republic
ans of Indiana upon such a splendid con-
vention as this, and 1 congratulate the
convention upon such a party as the Re-
publican party of the State of Indiana.
IApplause] We meet, felow-citizens, un-
der circumstances exceedinly gratifying.
About us everywhere are evidences of
prosperity and of contentment, the like of
which has never been witnessed in the his
tory of the Republic. Four years ago the
Republicans met in this historic hall; the
country was then involved in gloom and
despair; the Republicans assembled here
made patriotic, courageous declaration of
their party faith; they pledged themselves
as unalterably opposed to the heresy of
free silver coinage at 16 to and in favor
Their declaration carried hope and courage
TO the Republicans throughout the Re-
public and they did much thereby to form
the issue-the great central issue-about
which the people Of the United States raj
lied in the historic campaign of 1896 The
Republicans of Indiana have convictions,
and they have what is better greater than
that-they have always the courage of their
convictions. [Applause.l
COUNTRY'S COMMERCE..
"The commerce of the United States-an
| unfailing test of her prosperity-is greater
to-day than in all of the history of the
past. Our domestic commerce defies COM
putation, and our foreign commerce. to
| which the distinguished chairman, my
| friend, has referred. has reached and
passed the high-water mark of the great
administration of our distinguished fellow
citizen. Benjamin Harrison. CGreat ap-
plause.] Do you know what it is? 1t has
exceeded the two billion dollar mark-oyer
two billion dollars per annum represent our
foreign commerce, and more than that.
Mr.. Chairman, the balance of trade in
our favor is greater than ever before.
From March j, 1897. to March l. 1900 the
balance of trade in our favor was, in
round numbers, s1.4S3, 100000. The balance
of trade. my countrymen, from 1870 down
to March, 1S97-during all the administra-
tions from Washington to McKinley-was
| $3.50. .O00.0 900; or. in brief the net balance of
trade in favor of the United States during
three years of McKinley's administration
was over one billion one hundred million
dollars greater than the net balance dur
| ing all of the administrations of all the
| Presidents that preceded him. [App;ausel
And yet there are people who desire a
| change Of administration. ILaughter.J AS
the chairman Of the State committee says,
| they merely talk about it; they don't really
desire IT, think he is correct in his state
ment. The Republican party made great
| promises in 1896 and grandly. my country
men, IT has fulfilled every pledge. 1t be-
| comes a great, strong, conservative party
| to be slow in promises TO the people. and
to be quick in fulfllment OF it's promises
| protective tariff law, as was said by
the distinguished chairman. was one OF the
early laws enacted by this administration.
But q few weeks ago gold standard law