Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-09
SPEECH OF n. S. CUMMINGS.
Delegate-at-Large From Connection
Seconds Nomination of Parker.

ST. LOUIS. July 9.-Homer S. Cum
mings. delegate-at-large from Connecticut,
made the following remarks In seconding
the nomination of Judge Parker:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention: The democracy of Connecti-
cut, which I have upon this occasion the
great honor of representing, has a vital in
terest in the result of the coming cam
paign. l therefore crave, at the hands of
this great convention. the privilege of a
few moments in which briefly to set forth
the wishes Of the democrats of that doubt
full and essential state. 1t is our wish, our
hope and our purpose to present to the
democracy of the nation the seven cleo
toral votes Of the old constitutional state
of Connecticut. We appeal to this assem-
blage of democrats for the invaluable as
sistance of wise presidential nominal ton.
The democrats of Connecticut realize that,
aside from the great questions of public
policy SO ably set forth in the platform
just adopted, and upon which any candi-
date selected by this convention will
squarely stand, the people of this country
are to pass upon the bizarre personality
and the political peculiarities Of the pres
ent chief executive. Thoughtful people
have begun to weary of his eccentric adj
vertising methods. They are alternately
amused and alarmed by his strenuous and
untimely impetuosity. They decline to ac-
cept him in his favorite role of a mighty
military captain.
True. he has taken great pains to assure
them that he has charged up San Juan
Hill, but they have come to the conclusion
that he has shed more ink and less blood
than any warrior since Sancho Panza. They
realize that his chief hold upon a doubtful
fame for military activity depends upon
such glory he managed to achieve by
impertinences and insults to Miles and
Dewey and Schley. They are uneasy in the
knowledge that he is painfully lacking in
ogc av>I boil
reckless that he is likely at any time to in
Volve our country in difficulties at home
and abroad They have witnessed with in
finite regret his efforts to stir up section
alism and, for selfish purposes, to undo
the work of patriots by resurrecting the
infamous issue of the bloody shirt They
have witnessed his burlesque assaults upon
the criminal monopolies, and have found
that his warfare against the trusts con-
sists in the use of eXtravagant language
and the assumption of terrifying facial
contOrtions. They have come to know him
because of his extravaganza, his arrogance,
his disregard for constitutional limitations
and his efforts to develop the executive
powers at the expense of the legislative
branch Of the government.
They are eager for a real American
statesman, of American size and animated
by American constitutional ideas. If you
want to secure the seven electoral votes of
Connecticut, If you wish to strengthen and
inspire her democracy, If you desire to
heed the wishes of one of the doubtful
states that must be carried In order that
the national democracy may come into her
own, then you must name, as the choice of
this great convention, candidate who ap-
peals to both the regular democrat and the
independent voter, and who is the very an
tithesis of the republican nominee.
Fortunately, there is such a candidate
now before this assemblage for it's consid-
Grafton. He Is a man of sound democratic
principles, tried executive ability, great
personal popularity, wide learning in the
law profound respect for justice and the
Constitution. undoubted party regularity, a
clean record and a judicial reputation for
dealing In a large way with large prob
lens He is a man of dignity and self
control, and from his high and honorable
position upon the bench has handed down
leading decisions upon many vexed and
pertinent questions affecting labor and cap
ital From his character, his attachments
and his experience, 1t Is clear that both the
party and the country have in him a man
who can be trusted to meet every question
as 1t arises to guide the affairs of state in
a safe and proper course. and at all times
and in every way to measure up to the
highest standard of public service. We can
place the insignia of the party in his hands
secure In the faith that he will carry 1t
through this contest even with the fidelity
| with which the Black Douglas carried the
sacred casket that contained the heart of
Bruce.
Gentlemen. Connecticut unites her voice
| with that of her sister states, New York,
New Jersey and Indiana-doubtful states,
every one-and asks this splendid assem-
blage OF democrats to nominate for Presi-