The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-20
MIR. CLEvELAND's SPEECH.
Former President Announces lie Is
Out of Active Politics for Good.

Out OF Active Politics for Good.
There was tremendous applause as Mr..
Cleveland ascended the small platform.
This applause wound up with three cheers
and tiger" When quiet was restored
the former President began speaking. He
said.
Il have been urged to participate in this
occasion by those who have assured me
that this handsome structure is 10 be ded-
icated tonight TO the rehabilitation and
consolidation OF the Democratic party, un-
der the inspiration of a name which dur
ing the days of Democratic strength and
achievement was honored in every Demo-
cratic household. Such an assurance made
TO one who followed with hearty devotion
the leadership of Samuel j. TiIden when
living, and who has since found in his ca
reer and fame the highest incentive to
Democratic steadfastness, could hardly
fail to overcome the temptations OF my
contented retirement from political ac-
tivity.
Perhaps there are those who would de-
fine my position as one of banishment in
stead of retirement. Against this 1 shall
not enter a protest. 1t is sufficient for
me in either case that l have followed IN
matters of difference within our party the
teachings and counsel of the great Demo-
crat in whose name party peace and har-
mony are tonight invoked. No confession
of party sin should therefore be expected
of me- / have none TO make: nor do 4
crave political absoution.
Il am here TO take counsel with others
processing the same party faith concern
ing the Democratic situation. / suppose
we all are convinced that this situation
might be improved. and some of may
think il is perilously undermined. What
ever the measure of its impairment may
be, our condition as an organization cannot
be improved by calling each other harsh
names nor by inaugurating system OF ar
bitrary prescription and banishment.
THE members of business firm i'm
financial embarrassment should not sit
down and look in each others faces i'm
mute despair; neither will they regain
financial soundness or the confidence OF
the business community by recrimination
and quarrel: nor Will any members Of the
firm aid n its restoration 10 solvent
strength by an angry insistence upon
continuation of the business methods
which have invited its embarrassment
The Democratic party is very far from
political insolvency, but no one here
should be offended by the suggestion that
its capital and prospects have suffered
serious injury since Mr. rilden was elected
President. Inen and afterwards Northern
Democratic States were not rare curiOsi-
ties Northern Democratic senator's now
practically extinct. were quite numerous.
and Northern Democratic Governors, now
almost never seen, were frequently en-
III this state OF impairment exists. an
instant duty presses upon the managers
OF the Democratic establishment. and one
which they cannot evade with honor.
Those OF US less prominent IN the party
the rank and nle-are longing 10 be led
through old Democratic ways 10 old DEM
ocratic victories. We were never more
ready 10 do enthusiastic battle than now.
If We can only be marshaled outside the
shadow OF predestined defeat Is II too
much TO ask our leaders 10 avoid paths
that are known 20 lead 10 disaster? Is IL
too much to ask that proven errors bs
abandoned. and that We be delivered from
& body OF death and relieved from the
burden OF issues which have oeen killed
bv the dCcrecs OF the American people9
Ought We not 10 be fed upon something
better than the husks OF defeat7 IL these
questions are met I'm honest manly
fashion / believe IL will be productive OF
the best kind OF Democratic harmony.
I'm dealing With new issues We OF the
Democratic faith are extremely fortunate
I'm the simplicity OF Democratic standards
and the ease with which new questions can
be measured by those standards. A party