The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-06-20


united was the keynote tonight of a
great gathering of representative
Democrats who had come to attend
the opening of the handsome new
quarters of the Tilden Club Ad-
dresses were made by prominent Dem
ocrats, and afterward a collation. was
served in the banquet hall to the dis
tinguished guests of the evening and
buffet supper was served in the
basement for the rank and file.
To Democrats the event was one of
the most memorable for many a day,
as Grover Cleveland and David B.
Hill met in harmony, seeking to draw
the factions of their party together. 1t
was the first public political appear
ance of the ex-President in five years.
He spoke first. Ex-senator Hill spoke
after him, and then Gov. A. j. Monta-
que of Virginia and Col. w. A. CASTOR
of Boston delivered addresses.
William ]. Bryan had been invited
to attend, though not to speak, but
no reply was received from him.
Mr.. Cleveland arrived at the club
house, accompanied by H. D. Hotch-
kiss, DR.. Joseph E. Bryant and John
c. Calhoun He had scarcely got into
the building when ex-senator DaVld
B. Hill, accompanied by L. Latin KEEL
logg. came in Mr.. Hills eye caught
Mr.. Cleveland as soon as he had en-
tered the club foyer and moment
later they were cordially shaking eacn
others hand.
Loud and prolonged applause greet
ed the two men as they entered the
assembly room. President Bowling OF
the club soon began to speak, and IN
Introducing Mr.. Cleveland, said
I'VE have founded this club to pro-
mote the best interests of the Demo-
cratic party. For that reason we
have invited Democrats from all parts
of the country to listen to the words of
those prominent in their party. We
have named this club after that great
statesman. Samuel j. Tilden, and this
club stands for the political and gov
ernmental honesty for which the name
of Tilden stands.
Greatest of Living Democrats.
I'VE have with US here tonight the
greatest of living Democrats. The
first speaker l have the honor of in
Producing to you is the successful can
didate OF two nominations eX-President
Grover Cleveland"
There was tremendous applause as
Mr. Cleveland assembled the small plat
form This applause wound up with
three cheers and a tiger" When
quiet was restored Mr.. Cleveland be-
gan speaking.
MIR. CIeVeIand's Address.
Mr. Cleveland said:
Il have been urged to participate in
this occasion by those who have as
AI.s- cfr1 Yntr re-
is to be dedicated tonight to the re-
Mobilization and consolidation of the
Democratic party, under the inspira-
ton of name which during the days
of Democratic strength and achieve
ment was honored in every Demo-
cratic household. Such an assurance
made to one who followed with hearty
devotion the leadership of Samuel j.
Tilden when living, and who has since
found in his career and fame the
highest incentive to Democratic
steadfastness, could hardly fail to
overcome the temptations of my con-
tented retirement from political activ-
ity. Perhaps there are those who
could define my position as one of
Punishment, instead of retirement.
Against this I shall not enter a pro-
test. 1t is sufficient for me in either
case, that 1 have followed in matters
teachings and counsel of the great
Democrat in whose name party peace
and harmony are tonight invoked.
NO confession of party sin should,
therefore, be expected OF me. nave
none to make; nor do / crave political
dissolution. l am here to take coun-
sci with others processing the same
party faith, concerning the Democratic
situation. ] suppose we all are con-
hot cd fra
improved; and some of us may think
It is perilously undermined. What
ever the measure of its impairment
may be, our condition as an organiza-
uon cannot be improved by calling
each other harsh names, nor by IN
augurating a system of arbitrary pro-
scrption and Punishment. The mem
ners of a business firm in financial
embarrassment should not sit down
ana look in each others faces in mute
Despair; neither will they regain finan-
elal soundness or the confidence OF the
business community by recrimlnation
ana quarrel; nor will any members
Of the firm aid in its restoration 10
solvent strength by an angry insist
'Hce upon q continuation OF the bust
ness methods which have invited its
Embarrassment.
PIain Talk ny cIevIand.
The Democratic party Is very far
liom political insolvency, but no one
mere should be offended by the sug-
ttuon that its capital and prospects
ItFe suffered serious injury since nj
'Nqen was elected President. Then
'l4 afterwards Northern Democratic
nNs were not rare euriositesi horth-
Democratic senators, nov pfac'
'ily extinct, we're quite numerous