The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-07-27
SENTIMENT FOR WOODRUFF
PLAINLY IMPRESSED AT WA- TERMELoN FEAST LAST NIGHT.

Spirited Gathering at Republican Hall Last Night-MayOr studley Attributes
 COuntry's Greatness. to Republican
 POlicy-Congressman N. D. Sperry
 Speaks on the Work of Congress-
 Annual CIam-bake Next Month.
 The watermelon feast held on the roof garden of the Young Mems Re publican club last night was most suspicious forerunner of the political campaign which will soon begin, and If the enthusiasm which prevailed is any indication there will no lack of work and interest in the next guber- material contest. Practically all the re- publican leaders of the city and viein- ity were present. Among the notables whose presence added significance to the gathering were Congressman N. D. Sperry and Mayor Studley. Lieuten- ant Governor Woodruff, who Is in Mil- ford, sent a letter of regret, which was read.
 The gathering was very informal and no set speeches were made. After a few selections by a colored quartette Alderman Franklin l.. Honan rapped for order, and announced the pro- gramme of the evening, which includ- ed 8 number of impromptu speeches before the watermelon was reached.
 The first speaker introduced was Mayor Studley, whom Alderman Ho- man spoke of as a speaker always welcome, whether at a social or polit- ical gathering" Mayor Studley's re- marks were largely reminiscent, and he said that he must make way for Congressman N. D. Sperry, whom all had come to hear, He extolled Con- gressman Sperry as the man who had stood by republican principles even though mobbed in this city at one time for doing so, and as one of the men who stood by financially when the Monitor was being tried, thus doing his country great service.
 | He emphasized with numerous ex- amples his assertion that the younger men of to-day cannot realize what the people of those days experienced. The bitterness of the political and religious feeling, he said, was incomprehensible to younger persons, Then if a man was in either the republican or demo- cratic party he felt that he must con- tinue in that party. To-day under re- publican rule any man is respected in his chosen political preference or re- ligion. He feels free to be republican or democrat or prohibitionist, as he chooses
 He said he had seen the country grow from the time when home furnished with a rag carpet and a wood stove was considered very good until the present prospesous conditions, All this was un- der a republican government with one exception-the administrations of Cleve- land. Then the factories here were closed, while those on the other side were running night and day. Since the return to republican rule the country has grown from fifth or sixth rate power to an empire which all the great nations consult before they solve ques- tions of trade.
 Mayor Studley was followed by Con- gressman Spery, who because of a late indisposition, was unable to speak long. Congressman Sperry was heartily cheered as he marched down the aisle so as to face the audience. He express ed himself as glad to be back among his old friends after seven months of life in Washington, during which, he said, he had been at his post every day but two. The winters work, he said, had been hard one and much of the not been considered by state legisla- lures. As an example of the work done he cited the pure food bill and showed by graphic description of the evils practised by some packers the need of such a law. President Roosevelt, he de- clared, was alive to this and was not afraid to meet the question because the offenders were trusts. He is never | afraid where there is right He knows no fear and will do his duty. The mention of President Roosevelt's ] name aroused applause which lasted several minutes.
 Another important bill mentioned was the statehood bill, by which Okla. homa and Indian territory were made | into a state. But" said the speaker, this is no time, nor place for poli- l ical speaking. 1 want to thank you for your cordial reception. have simply l tried to let you know something of what we had to contend with. I have never known legislative body which went so deliberately to work to accom- plish results as the congress just ended. The president took great pleasure in complimenting the senate and the l house of representatives for their stead- fast support of the administration,
 State Senator M. E. Chatfleld spoke next. He gave some pleasant renlin- iscences of his early service in the lo- cal post office under Uncle N. D." He hoped that this meeting would prove an eye opener and a campaign starter. He said Lieutenant Governor Woodruff would be the partys stand ard bearer and candidate for governor 1 this fall.
 Others who spoke were Major John Q. Tilson, Representative Frederick l..
 Lehr, President Townshend of the
 board of aldermen, Postmaster James A. Howarth, J. Rice Wincher, United
 States collector of customs for the port of New Haven, Major Blakeslee and lR Fred Orr The last named ennnlrn.