The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-10-26

Hon. Burton L. French, congressman
from the state of Idaho, and Republican
candidate for reelection, delivered the
following able address at the Columbia
theatre in Boise, October s.:
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
cannot tell you what deep pleasure
feel at meeting so magnificent an
audience this evening in the capital of
the state. We have met for the purpose
OF considering some of the principles,
some OF the questions that confront us
at this time as state and as a nation
1t Is great distinction, that to share
and have part in the management of the
affairs Of nation so great and so SPLEEN
did as ours. Yet that distinction is ours
and this distinction inspires every man
and every woman of thoughtful mien
to higher purposes and nobler aspira-
lions for SELF for family and for nation.
Yet, somehow, I think, as my mind goes
back over the history that the books
tell us of, that the most striking periods
In all times are those which have wit
messed the struggle of mankind for the
overthrow of monarchial government
and despotism and the establishment of
free institutions; the right to worship
God according to the dictates of con-
science, the right to speak freely ones
thoughts upon great questions and the
right to share in the management of a
great nation; these are the prerogatives
that go with being an American citizen
This Is your heritage from the fathers
who fought the battles Of the Revolu-
tion hundred years ago, and it is
your duty now to zealously protect this
sacred bequest. 1t Is your duty now to
pass on down to the generations yet I'M
born this great boon which belongs to
the most favored nation at the dawn Of
the twentieth century. (Applause)
In controlling the affairs of our ma
tion the people have found it necessary
to divide themselves into political par |
ties. Political parties stand for prin-
ciples and probably there never was a |
political party that represented the |
thoughts and ideals Of all who were en-
rolled beneath it's banner; and yet the '
parties that have divided the people of
our country have been so broad and I
generous that, with rare exception, they |
have represented the best Judgment of |
our peoples.
At all times in the history of our
country there have been two great po-
litical parties, and the parties which |
today stand before you and ask for
your suffrage represent, in large part,
the political parties at the birth Of our
nation. Different in names they are,
a hn 20 xr,bio |
stand are the principles which divided
the minds Of our people when the first
steps Of our great nation were being
taken The Democratic party looks
back to Thomas Jefferson as the foun-
tain head Of true Democracy. The Re-
publican party looks back to the lives
of Washington, Hamilton, and from
them drinks in inspiration for the re-
sponsibilities of today. 1t is right that
there should be two great parties ca
pable Of outlining great policies and
capable Of their execution. The other
party, no less resolute, yet watchful,
critical, and by this spirit Of watch
fulness ever holding check upon the
party In power, lest that party, made
vain by continued trust imposed in 1t
would forget the duty it owes to a great
people.
Great Partys Birth.
In name, the Republican party was {
born a half century ago. In 1854 the
Republican party elected members of
the legislative body of the nation. In l
1856, under the leadership Of John c.
Fremont (applause) the Republican I
party commanded so large a share of I
the confidence of the people Of our ma t
ton as proclaimed it party that had I
been born to live; a party that had !
been born to do great things. Cap G
plause.) In 1860, the Republican par r
ty under the leadership of Abraham s
who probably more than any '
other man represents and stands for the r
higrest type of American citizenship, O
was led on to triumph and was entrust-
ed with the tremendous responsibilities a
Of guiding the affairs of state (applause) a
Of guiding people thrown down by dis p
sension people from whom confidence '
had fled and whose industries were par a
alyzed Such was the condition in which o
The Republican party found the United
States and to the duty Of righting these
conditions the leaders Of our party d.
-ected their attention with the frank C
ness and resoluteness Of the heroes of t
,lden times You know full well the a
story of their struggle. The nation was g
saved and the broken fragments were t
pound together into a stronger nation, a
lever more to be torn asunder. II
Confidence was restored and the in a
lustries Of the country were given new II
life. The people entered upon a new L
IRA Of prosperity and the Republican "
,arty gained the confidence Of theJ Il