Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-11-30

Union league saturday nlght, maze ms
first speech in public since his reelec-
ton His reception by the members
and guests Of this city's oldest and
most influential republican organiza-
tion was enthusiastic. Vice President
elect Roosevelt and Senators Lodge
and Wolcott were also guests at the
banquet, and all three responded 10
toasts. Mr.. McKinley's cabinet, with
the exception of Secretary Root, was
present.
The Presidents Speech.
When the president arose 20 speak he
was greeted with loug-continued APP
plauSe When quiet had been restored
he spoke in part as follows:
Owe are always in danger Of exaggera.
ton on am occasion Of eNultation over
political victory. and while the result is
mainly due 10 the efforts of our splendid
party there is sometimes a tendency 90
give too little credit 10 other forces, which,
silent though they may have been, were
none the less potential.
Generous ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
eve must not withhold generous ac-
know oi1m,ut from that great body Of our
citizens. who. belonging TO another party,
powerfully assisted i'm the achievement of
the result which YOU celebrate tonight;
nor from that other large body, former
members Of our own party, who, with hon
e-ty OF purpose separated from Ms few
years ago on financial issues, have now re-
turned and are home again 90 stay.
Mighty Factor.
"Nor is any accounting for the victory
either just or accurate which leaves out Of
the calculation the almost uubrokeu column
OF labor engaged in mechanic, aud agricul-
tura. which rejected the false doctrine of
class distinction as having no pace in this
republic. and which rchuEed those teachings
which would destroy the faith oil American
manhood in American character and Amer.
Jean Institutions The business men in every
part Of the country, typ.ticd 10y this great
orgau.zatio were a mighty factor in the
recent contest. And may we not also as
crbe much TO the influence Of the home,
with b., affiliations? In any previous, cleo
ton. was 10 greater, or In any did the coun-
sells Of the frc,Idc determine moro largely
The vote OF the electors:
Serious Business.
Nothing In government can he more i'm
prcssivc than a national election, whore the
people delegate their power and invest their
constitutional agents with authority TO ex-
ccute their bchests. The very character Of
the transaction clothes ID with solemnity.
Il is serious business. Its issues are al
ways momentous What lesson IN self
government il teaches, SIX million voters
on the same day. throughout every section
of the United States. depositing their man
date and recording their will. Done by the
people in their own communities. and in
the very precincts of the home, under the
supervision Of their fellowcitizcns and
chosen officials, and, to insure its freedom
and independence, the ballot secret one.
God forbid that any citizen selected for
that sacred trust should ever attempt TO
divert the viii Of the sovereign people or
tamper with the sanctty of their ballots.
value of Victory.
Some disappointments follow al cleo.
tions but all men rejoice when an election
s 30 decisive as 20 admit of neither dispute
nor contest. The value OF national victory
can only be rightly measured and appre-
cated 10y what it avcrts as wei. as by what
10 accomplshes. II is fortunate for the
party in power il il understand, the true
meaning Of the result. Those charged by
the people with administration and legis-
lation are required TO interpret as well as 10
execute the public will, and It's rightful in.
depreciation Is essential 10 its faithful exc
cution.
No Personal Phase.
I'VE cannot overestimate the great i'm
portance and the far-reaching con sequences
of the electoral contest which ended on the
9th Of November II has 10 me no personal
phase 1t is not the triumph of an indivd.
ua. nor altogether OF a party. but an en-.
phatic declaration by the people Of what
they believe and would have maintained in
government 4 great variety Of subjects
was presented and discussed in the progress
of the campaign. We may differ as to the
extent of the influence of the several issues
involved, but we are all agreed as 10 Ger.
tain things which it settled.
what II Endorses.
1T records the unquestioned Endorsement
Of the gold standard, industrial independ-
ence, broader markets, commercial ex.
pansion, reciprocal trade, the open door in
China. the inviolability of public faith, the
independence and authority Of the judiciary,
and peace and beneficent government under
American sovereignty in the Philippines.
American credit remains unimpaired, the
American name unimpeached, the honor Of
American arms unsullied and the obligations
Of righteous war and treaty Of peace un.
repudiated.
Tremendous Responsibilities.
"The republican party has placed upon il
tremendous responsibilities. No party
could ask for a higher expression Of con-
fdence II is a great thing to have this con
idence; il will be greater thing 20 deserve
and hold it, To this party are committed
new and grave problems. They are too cx.
allied for partisanship The task Of settle.
ment is for the whole American people Who
will say they are unequal 10 IT.?
No Danger from Empire.
Liberty has not lost. but gained in
strength. The structure Of the fathers
stands secure upon the foundations on
which they raised il, and is to-day as 1T has
been in the years past, and as it will be in
the years 20 come, the government Of the
people, by the people and for the people
BE not disturbed; there is no danger
from empire; there is no fear for the re-
public"
i
Favor the Canal.
Washington. Nov. 24.-The isthmian
canal commissions report is i'm favor