The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-20
PIONEER CLUB
OBSERVED THE
GOLDEN YEAR

The golden anniversary of the first Re-
publican convention was celebrated ut
the Wellington last evening by the Pio-
neer Republicans club, an organization
OF which the majority of Its members
proudly boast OF having carried nay 10
the q. o. p. elephant for 80 years, at
least. Including members ana their
guests there were about 80 present.
Early arrivals exchanged reminis-
cences OF war times and political cam
paigns until the march TO the dining hall.
Col Samuel A. Pearce, president OF the
club, presided at the banquet ana others
seated at the speakers table were Wn.
A. Spicer. Gen. Thos. w. Chace, James 3.
Hudson, Gov. Utter. Pres. Col. Samuel A.
Pearce. ex-Gov. Lippitt. Chas Warren
Treasurer Geo. II. Paddock. III. V. A.
Josln, and Hon. w. X. Allen.
Regrets at inability TO be present were
read from Senator's Nelson b. Aldrich and
George Peabody Wetmore, Representative
A. Il. Capron, and Mayor Elisha Dyer.
The letter from the Standard OIL repre-
sentative was received In silence, In mark
ed contrast TO the reception OF the others
Col. Pearce. in introducing ex-Gov. LIP
pitt, the speaker OF the evening, referred
to the fitness OF the clubs observing the
5Oth anniversary of the nomination or the
great pathfinder" Fremont. who made
West. He closed by urging registration
especially OF the young man.
A verse of the star Spangled Banner
followed the speech. Ex-Governor Lippitt
said In part:
'The Republican party originated at no
date or I'm no place. The first suggestion
OF the move came In letter written by
Horace Greeley.
The necessity for the party seemed
to appear in many parts of the country
spontaneously The first formal Repub-
lican convention was in Pittsburg June
10. 1856. when Freeman and Dayton were
nominated and later defeated, Buchanan
going In
Governor IAppitt then gave a resume OF
the history of the party and Its achieve
ments for the nations welfare during the
last half-century, dwelling at some length
upon the banking laws and resulting
financial prosperity. He presented many
facts and figures which many present
seemed TO think should be printed and
used for campaign material
Governor Utter was next introduced
and said in part:
"I am not one of those who believe that
the Republican party has brought all
these things to the country. but do be-
lieve that the party has created and sus-
tained the conditions that have made
these things possible.
'The whole secret OF the Republican
party that IL has rested upon principle
/ think the party Is today upon the verge
OF some great questions that must be
solved.
I'm not pessimistic but optimistic. and
believe that the party will meet these In
the same manner that 1t has momentous
questions in the past"
James c. Collins was the next speaker
and his witty remarks In a reminiscent
vein were most entertaining. Others
called upon were Historian w. A. Splcer
and Hon. s. w. X. Allen.
II was voted just before adjournment
that the chair appoint committee OF
three to make a report at the next meet
ing regarding the securing OF badges for
the club. Historian Spicer introduced the
measure and Captain Pettis kept up his
reputation as boss 'seconder"