The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1903-02-05


rapidfty in manufactures during the
! past few years. and the diversity of
our material resources, and our geo.
graphical location with reference to
the markets and the consumers are
such that we must continue to gain
IN manufacturing strength, but we are
first and foremost and must continue
to be largely an agricultural commu-
nifty. And fortunate 1t is that this
is so.
Farmers q BuIwark.
"a state can have no better con-
stituency than an enlightened agricul-
tural constituency. There is to be
found in the field where the plowman
Is In partnership with nature less poll
teal hysteria than elsewhere, less
sympathy with the demagogue, and a
flrmer belief In the everlasting virtue
and stability of our institutions.
I'VE are fortunate in having no
great cities which are fostering with
corruption and polluting the public
health. We have no centers reeking
with moral miasma and breeding an
archy. We should always find here
the most perfect sanity of judgment
upon political questions. We should
have here fair average of the senti-
ment of the country upon government
tai policies.
1--WE should draw inspiration from
the East and from the West, and from
the North and from the South, and
from the contending and conflicting
views and interests of all, present a
fair composite of the national purpose,
of the national conscience, of the ma.
tionaI aspiration.
Honored Sons of the State.
I'VE have given to the nation many
of her ablest and most honored states
men-men whose names are woven
into her enduring history. There was
Caleb B. Smith, who sat in the first
cabinet of Abraham Lincoln. And
may we not claim some particular
measure of the honor and glory of
Abraham Lincoln? During the plastic
days of his youth he dwelt within the
limits of our state. and reached his
manhood here; and the ashes of his
mother rest in our SOIL
oliver P. Morton, a man of great
genius, the idol of his party, became
potent in the state and an acknowl-
edged power in national councils.
Schuyler Colfax was for years infiuen-
tial in the national house of represen-
tatives. For several years he was
speaker. and later he became an hon
ored vice president of the United
States.
Thomas A. Hendricks served con-
spicuously in the senate, and filed
worthily the vice presidential chair
And there was Mcdonald, great law.
yer, a senator of recognized ability.
Hugh McCulloch, twice secretary
of the treasury, rendered notable SER
vice to his entire country. Michael C.
Kerr and Judge Holman achieved high
rank in the. house of representatives,
the former becoming its speaker.
Figures in the Nation.
For many years Senator Voorhees,,
my distinguished predecessor, was a
distinct figure in national affairs, an
orator of commar ding power, a man
of incorruptible integrity.
Richard w. Thompson, to whom a
kind Providence gave an exceptional
number of years, honored his state and
countrymen in the congress and in the
cabinet.
Walter @. Gresham, heroic soldier,
able and just Judge, postmaster gen.
eral and secretary of the treasury In
one cabinet and secretary of state In
another, added luster to our common
wealth.
I've are all proud of the name of the
brave soldier, the illustrious lawyer,
the great senator and able president,
Benjamin Harrison. :. ..4
Time is inadequate to enable me
further to mention others of our hon.
ored statesmen whose names come un-
hidden to our memories, and who
served their country SO faithfully and
well. We rejoice in the honor they
brought our state.
The Heart of the Nation.
I'VE dwell in the great Mississippi
valley, rich in all the potential ele-
ments which go toward building up
great and strong character, and which
make for the stability. the honor and
permanent welfare of the republic.
The Mississippi valley is, indeed, the
heart of powerful nation. 1t is well
that it is sound, and 1t is necessary
that it should ever continue to be so.
The sun. in its course, shines upon nc
land more fertile, nor upon a people
more happily welded to their institu-
lions. Here is to be found the seat
Of vast empire, and here will be
found Its future strength.
"our people are pervaded In the
fullest and highest sense with the
very spirit and soul Of democracy.
They are not the worshipers Of wealth,
nor Of place, nor Of power.
Six Significant Years.
THE past six years have been filed
with events Of great and far-reaching
We have been taxed
with serious questions of both peace
and war. We have travelled new and
often difficult paths, with no other
guide than a desire to raise our coun.
try to the highest plane of duty and
honor.
"Our country has had a new birth
in the esteem of the world. Its power
Is now recognized as never before,
and its magnanimity and sense of jus
tice are everywhere acknowledged. 1t
Is In the forefront of the leading pow