Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-16

ty, was due to any merits or ability OF
my own, but rather to the situation and
merits Of Indiana.
IT shall have no fault to find with any
citizen of Indiana who in the discharge
of the duties Of citizenship shall cast his
ballot against me. The free, untram-
meled. unhampered right to vote his SEN
timents is one of the priceless herftages
of the American citizen which no one
ought to challenge.
A Non-Partisan Welcome.
81 understand most fully that this great
demonstration has not the slightest po-
litical significance 1t was my pleasure
years ago to be one of the speakers at
great demonstration given in honor of
that great Indianan, Benjamin Harrison,
when he returned to citizenship after an
honorable term Of service as President of
the United States. Four years ago how
glad l was to take part in the exercises
at the home of Mr.. Fairbanks when he
returned from his convention bearing the
same honor which 1 now wear.
And a little later when the election
occurred land when he had been elected
by a majority that has never yet been
counted), within twenty-four hours after
l had gone down to defeat under a plu
rality of something like $1,000. / arose
from the ashes of defeat and made
speech of congratulation to my victorious
friends.
MY strength will not permit me to con-
tnue much further. / want to say to
you here tonight, and I want all to hear
and understand. that whether you vote
for me or not in November, l love you
just the same. All l ask of you, and / am
sure my friend here Indicating the Vice
PresidenD will join in the request that
the issues before the
people from the standpoint of patriotism,
that he inform himself as to the right or
wrong of the questions at issue, and then
when you have made up your mind thus
intelligently and periodically, as Is your
duty as a citizen, then. with the strength
of American manhood, go and deposit
your vote for the right, as God gives you
to see the right. and we will abide by
your decision
Greetings in Indiana.
Mr.. Kern met many old friends and
made a lot of new ones as he rode toward
home from Chicago yesterday.
At Kankakee a large crowd was at the
station, and number of men boarded
the train and shook hands with Mr.
Kern. The town of Fowler stopped busi-
ness to see the train come in. Mr.. Kern
did not attempt to make a speech, but
shook hands with all who could reach
him.
AT Lafayette, Ind, stay of ten min
utes was made and a. huge crowd was at
the station. AS Mr.. Kern appeared on the
platform of the rear car he was greeted
with hearty cheers. Mr.. Kern returned
his thanks for the greeting, which, he
said, he appreciated very much.
THE faces OF Indianians look mighty
good to me-" he said.
Yes, and you look good to u.s." shout
ed the crowd.
II am returning from the national con-
yention of my party, bringing with me
great honor, which ala not seek ana
which at my request was not sought by
the delegation from my state. But when
various sections of the country united
in giving me the nomination l felt 1t my
duty as a loyal son of Indiana to accept
IL I hope to wear the honor worthily
and in such manner as to bring no dis
credit on my party or my state. l re-
gard the nomination as a testimonial not
to my own ability or merit. but rather as
a compliment to the great state OF my
nativity. -,
nosition of Indiana, seated at the foot of
the great lakes. The center of popula-
ton of the republic, the central state In
the galaxy on the flag is not unmindful
of her great institutions, among which
Purdue University stands out SO promi-
nently. Remembering her great authors.
povelists poets, artSts-bearing In mind,
too. the splendid record Of her great
statesmen in time of peace and the glo-
rious record of her soldiers and sailors in
time of war-that convention felt i'm
PEELED to confer this badge of distinction
on this great commonwealth. 1t Is my
ambition to conduct my part of this cam
paign in a clean and dignified manner
II shall have no fault to find with any
citizen of Indiana who in the discharge
of the duties of citizenship shall cast his
ballot against me. The free. untrammel-
ed, unhampered right to vote his senti-
ments is one of the priceless heritages
of the American citizen which no one
ought to challenge. 1 cannot at this time
discuss political questions. During the
progress of the campaign I hope to visit
Lafayette and discuss them fully. I have
always entertained for your people indi-
vidually and collectively the highest re-
spect and regard. BY way Of response
to your cordial greeting l can only say
God bless you, one and al"
AS the train pulled out three hearty
cheers were given for the vice presiden-
tial nominee.