, 1904-05-20

the daylight the dawning that a review
Of its history and its achievements
presents the most magnificent spec
tacle of devotion to principle and sue
cessful and glorious administration of
governmental affairs in the history of
the republic of the world.
The men who gathered at Jackson
fifty years ago. some of whom. honor
ed and venerable %patriarchs. grace the
meeting held there today. voiced the
demand of the conscience Of the Ameri-
can people. that the institution of slav-
cry should be confined to the states
over which its baneful influence al
ready extended, and that for the re-
mainder the republic should be forever
free in fact as 1t was in name, a dec
laration whose logical development
forced by those who sought the extern
sion of slavery was the emancipation
proclamation Of Abraham Lincoln.
Through the years Of stress and
storm which followed our first national
victory, when the life of the nation
hung in the balance. our party never
wavered in its devotion to the union,
drawing to its standards and support
the loyal and patriotic of all sections.
1t rescued the nation from the peril
into which it had been plunged by tim
Id and disloyal act and counsel and
brought 1t through the wilt wreck Of
war, under the grim and relentless
leadership of Grant in the field and the
wise counsel n God-like sympathy
and fo~rbearance of Lincoln at the helm
Of state, to a glorious peace and a last
ing union.
The surrender at Appomatox gave
us peace and a restored union, but the
years that followed presented problems
in political and industrial reconstruc-
tion none less trying than those of war,
and furnished a theater for the display
Of that splendid talent for constructive
which has ave been the
characteristic Of our party. AS
look back through the record of the F.
days Of reconstruction. OF the resump-
ton of specie payments, and restora-
ton Of credit and the establishment of
Industries. We review the most marvel
lous display of constructive states
.anship the world has ever witnessed; |
record which may well thrill the
pulses n warm the heart of every |
American citizen.
While others discoursed gibly OF
alluring theories Of free trade, our
party. worthy heir of the constructive |
of Hamilton and Wash
took firm hold upon the truly |
American policy Of protection to Amer
labor and American industries.
re-established and maintained the
,arif system, which develop
ed a nation OF farmers into the great
est manufacturing and industrial peo-
pie of the world, under the leadership |
Of q long line Of illustrious statesmen
best exemplified by that profound stu.
dent Of industrial legislation, able dip |
wise counsellor. and heroic mar
tyr. William Mckinley.
Ninety-six witnessed the crisis in
our affairs, when. as a famous demo
cratic orator declared, the policies OF
the republican party stood for the pre-
Of civilization and the main
tenance Of the American standard OF
living. and in this, as in every other
crisis, our party chose the wise course,
and its triumph turned aside disaster, |
Rverted national dishonor. and re-es-
confidence on SO firm a foun-
that development increased by
and bounds. and the most amaz-
ing prosperity ever known to q peo-.|
pie spread throughout the length and
breadth Of the land.
The closing years Of the nineteenth
century brought the party and its lead
srs face to face with the questions af-
Cuba, which, met heroically |
solved honorabiy, still left u the
,roblems Of the Philippines. which
rave been handled with such signal
courage and ability. that, thanks to
prowess OF American soldiers and
ailors and to wise. courageous and far
eeing party action, our policy there,
lpon which the opposition 90 dercely
ssailed US two years ago, has been
o signally successful a. to enhance
he glory Of the party's record and re-
ect lasting heFor and prestige on the
meffcan name.
Republication has ever been syn
nymous with devotion to principle.
Of purpose. high aim and lof-
: endeavor, and our party has always