New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-07
DIR. FAIRBANKSS SPEECH.

Senator C. W. Fairbanks was the next speaker.
and the Vice Presidential candidate also re-
Ceived a warm greeting. He spoke as follows:
Senator Burrows and Fellow Citizens: We are
met to commemorate ordinary event for
here half century ago, American patriots
Solemnly pledged themselves TO VindiCate the
first principles Of Republican government {;
to challenge the aggressions of the slave power
Here issued the second declaration of free
dom. Here was taken the initial step which
led to the overthrow of slavery and the estab-
lishment of the government upon truly national
lines. We freely pay the tribute of our grateful
appreciation to the memory of those who raised
here the standard of Republicanism.
The Republican party born of the con-
science of the people, and it was here dedicated
to as high and holy service as ever summoned
men TO heroic duty.
The appeal to the people of Michigan which
was issued by Zachariah Chandler. that stalwart
among stalwarts. and his associates was like
Il clarion call TO exalted service. 1t was con-
ceived in the same spirit which inspired our
fathers in the morning of the American Revolu-
ton.
The resolutions here adopted were put upon
a high plane. Differences of individual opinion
upon all other subjects of state domestic
policy were subordinated to the one Overmaster-
ing question of the hour Ii sOeInnly re-
solved that, postponing and suspending ali diff
ferences with regard TO political economy or
administrative policy, in view of the Imminent
danger that Kansas and Nebraska VIII be
grasped by slavery will act Cordi-
ally and faithfully in unison TO avert and repeal
this gigantic wrong"
Thus consecrated the Republican party was
here christened, and sent forth 10 accomplish
a more vital mission than ever challenged the
consideration of the people since the foundation
of the government.
To the Republican party was committed. in
Gods providence, the stupendouS responsibility
of preserving the integ ity of the nation itself.
We would not here knde anew the fires OF past
hates or reopen the debate of long buried differ
enCes which divided section against section, for
we stand reunited under the acknowledged SUI
premacy OF one flag ami one Constitution. But
we may appropriately recall the history OF
past generation in which American contested
with American for thu triumph of opposing
theories. In that contest the Republican party
stood for national solidarity. 1t stood for nation
above State, and the victory it achieved blessed
both the victor and the vanquished. American
opposed American with titanic power. Ameri-
can met American upon the field of glory. and
the God Of battles with the cause espOused
by the Republican party. The hates and the
enmities which ignorance and false teaching en-
gendered have happily perished and persisted
forever. The memory Of the valor of those who
fought for conscience sake beneath opposing
flags remains 5 a rich national inheritance. The
impartial verdict OF history is that the Re
publican party was everlastingly right, and it's
further verdict is that American
rendered his sword save TO American Every
grave, whether 1t is tenanted by the heroic youth
who wore the blue by him who wore the
gray. is enduring pledge OF the sOlidity and
unity of the Republic.