Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1909-03-11
SECRETARY or WAR J. N. DICK
INsoN ADDRESSES THE CHI
cAoo IRooUoIs CLUB.
OUTLINES FUTURE ACTION
Explains Conditions Under Which He
Appointment Was Msde-Moved
BY strong Friendship and
Sympathy for South.

Chicago, Mar. 10.-Secretary Of War
Jacob M. Dickinson appeared before
the Iroquois club, a Democratic or
ganizatlon Tuesday night, and made
his first formal address since his ap-
pointment by President Taft.
Mi. Dickinson's presence before this
body was objected to last week by
Former Mayor Edward +. Dunno, on
the ground Of Inconsistency" In his
remarks the secretary Of war explaia-
cd his status as a Democrat and told
the club members what sentiments to-
ward the South moved the president to
appoint him.
The address follows:
when accepted the compliment OF
0 farwell dinner from my friends Of
the Iroquois club, l understood that
1t had no political significance. was in
no sense an Endorsement Of my going
into the cabinet of President Taft,
and that 1t was merely an expression
Of personal good will. II had an
ticipated that 1t would offend any
member OF the club, l would have TAX
en- my leave of my well wlshers In
an informal way. When 1t was brought
to my notice that objection had been
made, l at once requested that the
occasion be pretermitted but that did
not meet with the approval Of those
who had undertaken 1t. shall not
now let the objection Of absentees,
however distinguished, mar my en-
Ioyment Of this generous testimonial
If your friendship.
"As publicity has been given to
protest made on political grounds,
feel that 1t will not be indicate for
me to refer to my own status. For
nearly 40 years, and much Of that
lime with great activity, have been
IN the ranks Of the Democratic party.
have never sought Of 1t the reward
If office, nor any other benefits, d.
-ect or indirect. Like many south
srn men, l have at times disapproved
is policies; but on account Of local
did not actively oppose 1t.
t is an abnormal condition when al.
most all those who represent the
property and best citizenship OF ten
contiguous states act together politi-
ally. 1t is certain that all Of them do |
lot think alike on all such questions,
md that differences Of opinion would |
cad to opposite party afiiliation in the
outhern states, as in the other states,
nut for constant and powerful, com
acting force. 1t Is q misfortune to |
he south, a misfortune to the whole
ountry, that memorable conditions
Tere such that differences on all other
uestions have been subordlnated to
ne question. When such action OF
hose best qualified to represent their
eople throughout SO long a period
nd SO constantly, 1t would be like in
letting nation to affirm that II was
ither unwise or unprotected Wheth-
r or not these conditions will operate
! the future, as they have In the past,
DO not claim the WISDOM to predict.
n lovers Of our country should unite
! the hope that this may not be true
OF so much as account Of the political
esult. as on account Of the condt
Ions themselves. which are q con
tant menace to the south. and in re-
lex action, operate with unhappy ef-
orts upon the entire country.
ION account Of the causes to which
have referred, all Of the southern
tates at the last election cast their
Electoral votes against President Taft,
. they have hitherto done with 70
pect TO other Republican presidential
andldates. Therefore. politically there
Tas no bond between him and The
outhern states He Is now. after the
Iaiils has been fought, entering up
a the duties Of bic once, as president