Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1905-02-09
TT WAS A HUMMER
Continued

sed of every cline sailing an unknown
sea, seeking home In an unknown
land. We see them gathering in the
humble cabins at the close of day and
hear them talking of liberty, of coun-
try and of freedom. We see them
writing in the assembly and when
they have finished their writing we
hear them read the Declaration of
independence, that Magma Charta of
American liberty, the forerunner OF
the constitution. IL opens wide a
nations door. 1t was the bud of lib
erty unfolding into bloom.
Following quickly In the footsteps
of this great document came that
cruel war. All was laid upon the al
tar of sacrifice and when the smoke
OF battle had cleared away there
came from the clouds floating to
the breeze the Star Spaug'ed Banner,
beautiful emblem floating from every
mast head.
We have progressed rapidly from
that time but the greatest prosper
ity has come to the nation since the
martyred Lincoln made liberty
reality instead of travesty. We
have a right to be proud of our flag
and our party tonight In land
where the sun shines, where the sweet
laughter of children mingles with the
um of industry there is absolute
peace Not cloud mars the blue of
,ur azure sky. We are carrying the
emblem OF peace TO the islands Of the
sea and setting up the altar of liberty
where despotism has reigned and the
work goes merrily on The future is
rich with the promise of brighter
lays, and under the flag that has
brought so much to the people and to
he world we shall go on eyer climb
ng the stepping stones to better
Kings.
A telegram was received at the
close of his address from Presiden
Roosevelt extending greetings TO the
company and regretting his ability
be in attendance.
Hon. Edwin DENLY responded t.
he toast "The Hay Doctrine" ano
prefaced his remarks with the state.
nent that he was always glad to come
this part of the country as it be-
ongs to the district of his esteemed
'riend. William Alden Smith, whom
Michigan will always delight TO hon.
,r and than whom there never has
been or ever will be cleaner, more
upright or more lovable man. Speak
ing to the subject he said there are
some people who wonder why it il
necessary for us TO expand TO the
vest. The answer is quite plain. II
has been said that this country must
secure greater markets for its prod
lcts or suffer from rebellion. Where
could it go better than to China With
Is mighty population all of which
needs portion of our vast over pro-
iuction IL was a master mind tina,
dictated the open door policy which
vas embodied in the treaty establish
ed through the efforts of that grand
statesman, Secretary Hay. When
China awakens, the value of the trade
of single province in China Twill be
greater than the trade of the whole
# Africa, and the American govern.
ment, by means of the Hay Doctrine
will find itself in on the ground floor.
The Hay Doctrine will in time be
looked upon with as much respect as
is the now famous Monroe Doctrine.
The next speaker introduced was
the Hon. Edgar Ellie, OF Missouri,
whose subject, Missouri, the Myster-
ious Stranger" formed basis for one
of the most pleasing speeches of the
evening. The speaker began his re-
marks by declaring that he was from
Missouri and that when they called
his state mysterious stranger they
would have to show him. For many
years, he said. the Republican party
in Missouri has been on short rations;
quail roasted so high that it was i'm
possible to get them and Mamma fell
at such long range that members of
the party we're threatened with pros
tration before they could reach it.
But now all is changed and Republic
cans are living on the fat of the land.
They have crossed the Jordan of their
hopes and have entered the promised
land of their faith. Rations have
been restored and appetites are good.
Republican appetites have been APP
peased from Iowa to Arkansas and
from Pike county to the Kansas line.
II we seem little awkward in cut
ting our pie this fact at least stands
assured, we have the pie He spoke
at length on the achievements of the
Republican party and paid his re-
spects to the opposing party in
manner that at once brought down
the house and In concluding said:
Let the Republican party continue
the radical marty. let II continue 70