Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-03-24

said the Herald, sis happy one. There
is now no other figure in our section OF
the state or indeed in the common
wealth that commands greater respect
than our honored and esteemed fellow
citizen"
At last the day before the convention
came, and we sent up special tram
with our candidate. In the prospective
governors car, back toward the rear,
sat old Governor Culberson, a strange.
erect, impassive figure amid the CLOUDS
of tobacco smoke. That evening he
went for short time with the rest
through the corridors Of the hotel. where
the committee headquarters were. and
watched, as he had many times before,
the spirit Of Americanism worshiped
with the incense of cigars and mixed
drinks. He did not know many people
there now, however, and he went to
bed early for his effort of the morrow.
The convention Of that year was
quiet and harmonious one, without any
marked features, and it is perhaps for
that reason that l, with many Others,
had indelibly fixed in my mind the fine
old figure Of Ex-Governor Culberson as
he made his little speech Of nomination.
There were some little things to regret
about the affair, those little things In
great occurrences which are so painful.
and the old man WINGED when the
chairman referred to his former distin-
gushed service as governor of the state.
But he had himself well in hand for
the occasion and was more governor
in appearance than any man on the
platform. His broadcloth was perfect,
his linen immaculate and his carriage
dignified and proud. He went up to the
crisis of his life like Culberson and
man.
There was some surprise at the start
ON the part Of the northern delegates
but 1t changed into admiration as the
old politician made his simple speech.
He confined himself to plain. sincere
eulogy of the party and the ability OF
the candidate to serve it.
II am an old man, Mr.. Chairman,
he said. 81 have feeling-indeed, l
may say an assurance. sir-that shall
not be present at another gubernatoriai
convention. AS an individual, sir,
have not been eminent in our party
but l stand, sir, today as the repre-
sentative Of a generation of men now
nearly passed away whose service has
been honorable and distinguished, and
In behalf of them l wish to hand over
the welfare of our great party to your
hands. 1t is a party with a great past
Il need not rehearse to you how great.
May its future be as notable and as
strong.
ut is perhaps fitting for me as a
man who is about to leave the stage
forever to introduce to you the man
who is about to occupy Its center. |
am about to bring before you. gentle
men, a man of great vigor and ability
and conscience. the man who Is the
unanimous choice Of our section of the
state, as your candidate. need not
say more. He Is, l venture to predict.
YOUR favorite as we'll as ours, and he
does not need my Introduction. The
time has now come, Mr.. Chairman, and
gentlemen Of the convention, for me to
bring to n close my little speech, the
last shall make at political gather
Ing. 1t is said that 1t is the great fault
of old men that they do not know how
| to get through. but old men learn their
lessons as well as young. And in clos
Ing 1 wish to propose to you. gentle
men, an old fashioned sentiment from
the bottom Of my heart: The dear old
party, God bless 1t, and Miles Hol-
| comb, who will be Its candidate and
the next governor of the state"
The fine old figure stood erect for a
few seconds, while the cheering arose
and died away, then sank back Into q
chair.
"That," said gray haired delegate
next to me, "is the stun we used te
make governors OF.
The exercises were pushed forward
at speed which is only obtained wher
everything is cut and dried. 1t wa.
but q short time before the nominating
was over and Miles Holcomb made hi
speech of acceptance. 1t was a shor'
speech. evidently ready made and de
livered' with the schoolbOy gestures ol