Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-05
Leading Issues Discussed Be-
fore Republican Editors.
ANNUAL CONVENTION
FORMER GOVERNOR BLACK ON
SOLUTION OF PRoMLEMs.
Senator Depew's Address on RepubH-
canism-opening Speech by Presi-
dent of the Association.


ton of the National Republican Editorial
Association at the Arlington Hotel last
evening The convention was notable one
in the history of the association, and the
interest of delegates was so great that the
future growth of the body of republican edi-
tors is assured.
Mr.. John A Sleicher, president of the as
ISOLATION and editor of 1eslies Weekly,
made the opening address. Former Cover
nor Frank S. Black of New York, Senator
Chauncey M. Depew and Secretary VIM. II.
Taft also addressed the association, express
ing sentiments that will long be remem-
bered by the delegates.
President Sleicher spoke to the delegates
of the twentieth century the age of the
newspaper, the universal educator, the up
litter of mankind, the defender of human
rights"
I'VE make more printing presses than any
other nation" he declared. I'VE use more
We print more newspapers, magazines and
other popular periodicals. We have over
100000 population. according to our
census: more than 200O000O adults, and
rarely an illiterate. The 1-cent newspaper
makes every man in the country politician
or. a statesman, and the 10-cent magazine
makes every home literary circle The
public school opens the door, the newspaper
and the magazine keep it open. We read
move faster and accomplish more
Speaking of the republican policies he
said: No one complains OF the man VINO
makes two blades of grass grow where one
grew before, and no patriot can complain OF
a government that breathes the breath OF
life into new republics and takes them
under its motherly care
Dangerous at Irregular Intervals.
The democratic party, he said, was only
dangerous at irregular intervals. The as
tendency of Organism he regarded as an
omen of republican success.
"In the clear light of history" he said,
"every patriotic citizen should sincerely
rejoice that we have had presidents with
the wisdom to look ahead and with courage
to go ahead farther and faster than the
people. To these president minds are we
Indebted for the Louisiana purchase, the
acquisition of Alaska the freedom of Gu
ba, the planting Of our flag in the far east,
and it's retention there. And to our stall
wart, honest, courageous. typical young
American President, Theodore Roosevelt,
we will be indebted, during the next four
years, l sincerely believe, for the construc-
ton of the Panama canal, for much-needed
and long-sought protection for American
shipping, for reasonable and advantageous
reciprocity, Sounder system of hnance
and the maintenance of our national honor,
wherever or by whomSoever 1t may be as
sailed
Former Governor Blacks Address.
Governor Black was then introduced to
the convention. He said the meeting of re-
publican editors was important because
the American people are coming more and
more to look to the republican party fol
the intelligent solution of problems involv.
ing the welfare of the country.
i hear the claim sometimes that those
who deserted the democratic party eight
nv of hat
entitled to reliance now said Mr.. Black.
1t Will be discovered in due time that the
people are not willing to restore men to
power simply because in 1896 they testified
against their party. Turning states evil
dence is no proof of reformation. The evil
dence was complete without that. The peo-
pie had made up their minds to convict on
what they already knew They have not
changed since then.
There is no leading democrat who
claims 10 nave severed his party relations
ne simply refused to go upon the particu-
lar debauch then inaugurated He did not
desert; he lodged. The air is full of dem
ocratIc harmony. No one is to be ex-
Guided. No radical is too wild and no con-
seTEatlve TOO meek to be yoked together
Even the great commoner, whose SUBJ
merslon seemed complete, is again visible
In calm weather. He is now dereIict on
the political sea- He has not yet been
raised and declared seaworthy, but he is
too near the surface to be ignored No
chart is complete that does not mark his
exact location. He may not be strong
enough TO carry the cargo himself but he
can sink those who do. These conditions
disclose in distinct outline the dangers of
the present situation. The career of the
democratic party has made it UNIV orthy to
be trusted.
This is not the age when the individual
counts as controlling factor. Education
at the hand of every child, intelligence
generally diffused and all the complex
forms of civilization reaching farther ev-
cry day have made of government a vast
machine whose management demands nei-
Their great courage nor great skill. 1t de-
mands character and sense. 1t demands
protection from notions that are wicked
or fantastic. Principle and experience
have supplanted the individual
Founded upon these, government has
little TO fear If 1t guards itself against mis-
chief from theories or men. The man is but
an item in the great equation. He may re-
gard himself as the Lord of Hosts, and be
so centered in his shadow that he thinks
the end has come when a cloud passes over
the sun. But he soon goes, and the places
that knew him will know him no more;
while principle endures forever and, right
ly understood, inspires and moves like the
exaltation of song.
Republicanism and Principle.
THE cause of republicanism is founded
upon principle. From year to year 1t has
grown In numbers and respect. The cause