Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-08-08
A GREAT CONVENTION
The Cedar Rapids Convention
Will Mark m Epoch In
Iowa Politics.
Changes in Party n.n.t ement
and Leadership That Will
Be HealtKful.
Much Praise Heard for the Able
Speeches Of cummins
and Others.
Special to Tlmes-Republic'an

l WHAT IL 0eIore them. Too much ca N NOT
be said about this convention. Ii is
something Cedar Rapids people will
have to look back to for many day.
fnere has been no other like it In recent
Iowa history. II ever; for It was the
largest convention, the most representa-
tive. one of. the best managed and most
interesting ever known. 1t might easily
have been different. For instance. if 1t
had been held two weeks ago the heat
would have been insufrerable in the big
auditorium. Then. IL the Cedar Rapids
people had not provided everything for
the comfort Of the visitors they might
easily have suffered. But the conven
ton was success in every way. 1t does
not, perhaps, mark the opening of u new
era IN politics In the state, but II does
indicate that we are already pretty well
INTO those gradual and necessary
changes in parry management and the
personnel Of party leadership which are
essential to healthy party existence.
The men at the convention were young
men. They were there resolute Of pur-
pose and fearless. Some things we're
done that men may have case to regret
IN after years. and 1t is not beyond pos
saDility that mistakes were made which
VIII rise up to plague the party-but the
men who We're in control are republi-
cans, they are in earnest and they have
the courage that makes for victories
When the smoke has cleared away It
VIII be found that splendid ticket has
been named, a fine platform adopted
and the party is In good condition for a
winning fight.
During the long wait in the afternoon.
4 while the. credentials COMMITTEES z VA !.
putting Up pretty scheme of robbery
to be knocked out by the convention. ad- Z
dresses were in order and some excellent
speeches were made. Senator Do,ltyer
spoke feelingly, for he had been we'll re-
ceived. Your cordial reception has
touched my heart deeply" he said "all
the more go because it Is only contin-
uation Of the good will which has fol-
lowed me all the days of my life.'' He;
said he had inherited his esteem for th.
republican party and had never had oc-.
casion 10 belittle or deprecate 1t. He
spoke generally of national affairs and
said that every one recognized the fact
that the tariff will have to be revised
along the lines Of reciprocity or other,
wise. He said that at one time he had
mtsgtvings about our unpreparedness
for the meeting of emergencies, but
since he had seen the failure OF Great
Britain in South Africis and had wit,
messed the whole civilized world stand
ing impotent at the walls Of Pekin. he
had higher appreciation of the re-
sourcefulness Of the American nation,
Congressman Hepburn talked OF the
commercial greatness Of the nation and
congratulated the convention on the.
personnel and high purposes which
moved those who had gathered here to
name a state ticket. Congressman Cous-
ins declared he had no doubt the con-
clusions arrived at here would be fri
umphantly ratified by the people. Con-
gresham Lacy felt sure that IL his
friend Senator Titus was here he would
be glad hir amendment failed, FOR that
would have deprived us OF the pleasure
of gathering here in this great meeting.
He declared the tariff question should
be approached with greatest caution.
Senator Allison referred to the fact that
when the republican party was founded
there was not that spirit of liberty
abroad In the laid there Is now. The
growth of the nation in d material way
and in ideals was colncident with the
growth Of the republican party Con-
gresham Smith spoke particularly of
the question Of the elective franchise in
the United States and in foreign lands
under the flag. He showed up the In
consistencies of the democrats on this
question. These SIX speeches took up
about two hours Of time and they were
decidedly refreshing and interesting
All OF the speakers made telling points
Any one OF them can hold convention
for several hours. 1t was fine oppor-
tunity to hear sound republican doctrine
from the leaders Of the party In the
state.
A. b. Cummins. the nominee for gov
ernor, was especially happy in tis little
speech before the convention. The un-
usual thing was done when the conven-
ton received the successful nominee and
resolutely pushed him aside thar the
roll call might be finished before permit
ting him to make his speech. 1t was
not from lack OF enthusiasm, but recog-
milton Of the fitness of things and be-
cause the convention meant business all
the way thru. Mr.. Cummins had per-
haps ten minutes before the convention
to gather his thoughts before speaking;
and then what words Of eloquence, and
how carefully chcsen withnreference to
friends and former foest Perhaps no
other in Iowa could have done III better.
or SO we'll. His speech was a gem. In
opening he referred to the fact that the
nature Of his contest had been such that
he had not felt warranted la preparing a
speech Of acceptance In advance. The
convention knew that very we'll 81 swiil;l
accept the nomination. hes ssaid, with
full appreciation of the setavs sresponsi-
bilities It imposes: annRI promise Won
and all the people Of Iowa that &c / am
chosen to he the chief ms ststrat atS sof this \
state I viii do mr. whoa1 euty before
fs ~ e tx 81 y q.