Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1906-10-26

Hon. Burton J.. French, congressman
from the state of Idaho. and Republican
candidate for reelection, delivered the
following able address at the Columbia
theatre in Boise, October 3:
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I cannot tell you what deep pleasure
1 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 a state and as a nation.
II is n great distinction, that TO share
and have part in the management of the
affairs OF nation so great and 50 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-
tons for self, for family and for nation.
Yet. somehow, 1 think, as my mind goes
back over the history that the books
toll us of. that the most striking periods
in all times are those which have wit
messed the struggle of mankind for the
overthrow of monarciral government
and despotism and the establishment of
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-
ton a hundred years ago, and it is
.-I. r.r rfe-
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
ton 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 VINO were en-
rolled beneath its banner; and yet the
parties that have divided the people of
lour country have been so broad and
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, |
and yet the principles for which they |
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 it
would forget the duty 1t owes to a great
people.
Great Party's Birth.
In name. the Republican party was {
,oln half century ago. In 1854 the
party elected members of
he Legislative body of the nation. In l
$50. under the leadership of John C.
fremont (applause) the Republican I
,arty commanded so large n share of I
ne confidence of the people of our ma I
ion as proclaimed it party that had !
,een born to live; a party that had I
,een born to do great things. Cap Q
,laus.,.) In 1860. the Republican par l
y under the leadership of Abraham 5
lincoln. who probably more than any '
ther man represents and stands for the
,igrcst type of American citizenship. Q
sas led on TO triumph and was entrust-
d with the tremendous responsibilities a
# guiding the affairs of state tapplause) a
# guiding a people thrown down by dis ?
ension. a people from whom confidence '
,a.l fed and whose industries were par q
lived. Such was the condition in which Q
he 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
,ess and resoluteness of the heroes of t
,lden times. You know full well the &
tory of their struggle. The nation was s
saved and the broken fragments were I
FOUND together into a stronger nation. a
lever more to be torn asunder i
Confidence was restored and the in a
lustries of the country were given new 4
lie. The people entered upon a new /
m of prosperity and the Republican v
,arty gained ths confidence OF the t