Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-02-06

Mitchell, S. d., Jan. 3O.-The great
est political gathering ever held in
this state or the northwest, and one
of the most remarkable ever held in
the country, was held here yesterday.
II was gathering of representatives
from the Roosevelt-Taft clubs in every
mart of the state-supporters of the
Roosevelt policies and supporters of
Secretary of War Taft for president,
as the man to carry them out.
Ovation For kittredge
The meeting was marked by the
greatest enthusiasm and at it's close
United States Senator Kittredge, the
principal speaker at the evening ses-
sion, was given an ovation the like of
which seldom before has been wit
messed.
Fifteen hundred people Termed
double line and through the center of
it Senator Kittredge had to pass and
receive the congratulations of the
best and most representative men in
the state.
52 Counties Represented
More than 900 delegates were pres
emit, representing fifty-two counties,
only one county not being represent
ed, and they, with others who partici-
pated in the gathering, made the at
tendance one of immense proportions.
The Gale theater was packed with an
enthusiastic audience. AS mentioned
Yin these dispatches yesterday, the
First meeting was held in the after
noon with Eben Martin, candidate for
congress, acting as temporary chair
man. Later, j. l.. Browne, candidate
for governor, was chosen permanent
chairman. Both gentleman made
strong speeches in support of Secre-
tary Taft and both referred to state
issues in a manner that left no doubt
as to their position.
Resolutions Adopted
\ Strong resolutions were adopted
supporting Secretary Taft for the
presidential nomination and favoring
the instruction of the South Dakota
convention to vote accordingly. Other
resolutions declared for the payment
to the state of interest on state funds,
and supported the stalwart position
with regard to other state issues.
Kittredge confounds Enemies
A feature of the gathering was the
speech of Mr.. Kittredge. Time and
again he was interrupted with APP
plause and at times some of the more
enthusiastic jumped to their feet and
cheered the speaker. Mr.. Kittredge
surprised even his warmest friends by
the mastery manner in which he
replied to the attacks made upon him
by the insurgents. 1t was his first
political speech since his association
with the political situation in the state.
In substance his speech was as fol
lows:
For Roosevelt Policies
Il have been charged with being
insincere in my support of the poll
cies of President Roosevelt, and my
motives have been questioned by my
opponents in South Dakota in relation
to my support of Secretary Taft.
cannot make my position stronger or
palmer when | say ! am heartily in
favor of the policies of President
Roosevelt and continuation of the
same
1T is with reluctance that | am
IN tyiua nm tho Dntfon thaf
he might again be the nominee of
the Republican party to carry on the
! work that he has begun, notwithstand-
! ing the declaration that he made on
the night of the election in Novem-
Der, 1904. At the county convention
in Sioux Falls as late as September,
1906, my county declared for his re-
nomination and that I heartily APP
proved of his policies was in strong
hopes that the president would again
enter the race for the nomination, but
\ after the session of congress of 1906
Nnd 1907, was fully persuaded that
he would adhere to his declaration of
1904 after conference / had with
him.
Warmly Supports Taft
ION leaving the White House in
March, 1907, Immediately thought it
to be my Judgment that William H.
Taft should receive the nomination of
the Republican party and that person
ally should do all in my power to
aid in the accomplishment of that
object"
The senator enlarged upon the rec
ord of Secretary Taft and the work
he was associated with in the Panama
canal and what he accomplished when
he was sent to Cuba by the United
States government to determine what
action should be taken with reference
to the question of intervention.
When war was declared with
Spain," said the senator, congress
declared its purpose was not to ac-
quire the territory. but solely for the
sake of humanity and in establishing
a republic In Cuba. Preceding the re.
linquishment of our possessions in
Cuba by the Plat amendment, which
is in substance: We guarantee life
and property shall be secure, and un.
der this it became our duty to inter
vene In Cuba In event those rights
were not secure, and to determine
that Secretary Taft was sent for that
purpose. when the duty properly be.
longed to the secretary Of state. In
addition to all these special duties