Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-02-25
HON. j. N. IRWIN FOR CHAIRMAN.

The announcement of the selection
OF Hon. j. N. Irwin of Keokuk as tenn
porary chairman of the republican
state convention to be held in Des
Moines, May 1S, has brought forth
considerable favorable comment on
the part of the republican press of the
state. The Importance of this position
IS realized when it is remembered
mat this is the year for the presiden-
ual campaign. Already political con-
altlons point to the nomination of
theodore Roosevelt and his election
by large majority. On this the re-
publicans of the nation are agreed
In this task they will. be assisted by
many democrats unless the democratic
party shall accomplish the improbable
OF bringing together and harmonizing
the widely divergent wings of that or
ganization.
But with such conditions there is
necessity for unity and enthusiasm on
the part of the republicans of the coun-
try. In accomplishing this much de-
ponds on the manner in which the
campaign in Iowa is started. In many
ways the address Of the chairman of
the convention may be regarded as a
most potent factor. The selection of
Mr.. Irwin to this position is most
gratifying. Firmly grounded in the
faith and principles of the republican
party, Mr.. Irwin is known throughout
the state as an orator of marked abil-
ity He may be depended upon to give
to the delegates to the state conven-
ton such inspiration as will have a
most wholesome effect upon the SUBJ
sequent work of that body In speak
ing of the selection of Mr.. Irwin the
Keokuk Gate City well says:
. "The honor of being called upon to
preside over a state meeting of Iowa
republicans is a notable one under any
circumstances, and it's Importance is
enhanced when, as in the present in
stance the position is one that carries
with 1T the responsible duty of defin-
ing the attitude of the party on the is
sues of the day, and sounding the key
note of the campaign that is to fol
low. 1t is always expected of the tenn
porary chairman that he will do this,
leaving to the permanent chairman
chosen later, the conduct of the rou-
tine business of the convention. In
presidential years like the present, I'M
usual interest and Importance attaches
to the utterances of the presiding Of
ficer who delivers the formal address
/ of the occasion, and the selection is
accordingly made with special care. 1t
is simple acknowledgement of the good
judgment exercised by the committee
and none too high praise of Mr.. Irwin
to say that better selection could not
have been made.
Mr.. Irwin needs no Introduction to
the republicans of Iowa, nor any pan.
egyric from this or any other source.
He is known in all parts of the state
and out of it as a gentleman of ability,
large acquaintance with public mat.
tiers valuable experience in public life,
combined with ripe thought and ma
ture judgment, fine personal qualities,
and enviable graces of speech He is
known, moreover, as a genuine and
thorough goingrepublican fully imbued
with the principles of the party, and
earnestly DESTROYS of it's success With
characteristic broadmindedness he
recognizes every mans right to his
own views, but he is none the less
steadfast and incorporating in his
own where right and principle are in
volved in either private or public life
Mr.. Irwin will make an admirable
presiding officer, and there is every as
surance that his address will be of es-
pecial value in the present crisis in
Iowa republican affairs