The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-17
Speech of the Temporary Chairman in Assuming His Duties as Presiding Officer of Republican Convention at Chicago.

Chicago, June ls-The speech of Sem ator Burrows of Michigan, in assum- ing charge of the Republican Conven- tion today as temporary chairman, was largely review of accompiishments during the four years administration oi President Roosevelt.
 Senator Burrows said:
 MT. Chairman and Gentlemen Of the
 Convention:
 ..Auothe er chapter in our national his- tory under Republican administration is soon to be concluded and conform ing to party usage long established this convention or 9S0 delegates and their alternates, chosen by the Repub- lIcan electorate from every State and Territory within the confines of the republic. meets in this high council to submit the record of it's achievements to the critical review of the American people and make fresh avowal of it's faith in the principles and policies of the Republican party.
 The framers of the Federal Consti- tution wisely provided that all govern mental power should be lodged with and retained by the people, and that their chosen representatives selected to administer the affairs of government should be vested with only limited tenure of official life, and at regular and stated periods render an account of their stewardship to their righ tful sovereign, to the end that the admin istratiop of public affairs, through the instrumentality of individuals and par ties. should at all times conform to and reflect the dominant Judgment of the American people.
 TO this end the constitutional term of the executive office is limited to four years the senatorial to six. with a change every two years, while the ser vice of members of the National House of Representatives, the immediate and stricted to the brief period of two years. Thus in this free representa- tive government all power over offi- cials. parties. and policies rests at all times with the supreme electorate, confirming the decIaration of Abraham Lincoln that this Is In fact govern ment of the people, by the people and
 'Tn the approaching election. a Pres ident and Vice President of the United States.sa full membership of the House members and delegates, and thirty Uni ted States Senators from as many dff- ferent States are to be chosen. The result. involving as 1t does the control Of both the executive and legislative branches of the national government with the opportunity for change of parties and policies. Is of transcendent importance and far-reachfng conse- quences. involving the States and the nation.
 -Four years ago the Republican par fy In national convention submitted the record of It's achievements to tn Amer lean people. announced it's policies for the future. and. Invoking continuance of public favor, placed In nomination for the office of President and Vice President of the United States, Theo- dore Roosevelt and Charles W. Fair banks, who were elected and the plat form approved by a popular vote of T.623,485, a record unexampled In the history of political parties since the foundation of the government. receiv- ing the indorsement of th4rty-two States out of the forty-hve, with but thirteen in opposition.
 Record of Achievements.
 aIn view of this indorsement 1t be- comes pertinent and opportune tn in- --quire. What has the Republican party done in the last four years of govern mental control--in many respects the most remarkable and brilliant in the history of the party and the country to forfeit public confidence or create distrust in its capacity for future ad- ministratlon?
 Although some untoward and un- foreseen conditions have beset the re- public during the last four years, yet these have been met and overcome with