New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-05-16

New Orleans on April Il, Is and Is, 1868.
You and 1 and all parties who were pres
ent then felt that a turning point had come
IA the associations history. There were
those at that meeting who were fearful
lest our declaration OF opposition TO un-
American principles in our industries would
wipe out the association and destroy the
business of many of its members.
Those were days when strong faith ana
absolute courage were required to 60 rlghI-
Those were times like those OF MaSnlnS-
ton at Valley Forge. when none but Ameri-
cans could be allowed on guard duty. NOT
only our enemies. but some of our best
friends were willing TO betray US, because
they felt that we must ne saved rom our
own folly. They knew that we were night,
but they felt that principle must be sacrl-
flC ed Tor policy. Those were the days that
bound together. with bonds stronger than
steel. those of us who were willing TO sac
rifice everything for principle, if must be.
And what happened? Principle Won
policy lost. The doubters, the wabblers,
the trimmers. within one year saw our as
sociation trebied in membership and its
influence ten-folded. Our friends and foes
had to admit that our great little man.
David NJ. Parry. was not only courageous
but also victorious: that his councillors
were not only takers but fighters
Warns the Association.
All that is history. and we have gone on
making history ever since. The growth OF
un-American boycott the action Of our
legislators. the decisions of our courts, all
show that America is still American. and
that the Constitution is still the Constitu-
ton. True, some OF us have grown little
older and a little less vigorous physically
after years OF battle; some of us must DO
our cheering from the Sickbed because the
body is unable to bear the hardship and the
strain.
Some Of US feel badly because We must
withdraw, even temporarily, from the firms
line where we have served equally faith
fully as privates and as generals. But,
my brother, remember that principles are
greater than men Our movement is greater
than individuals. Our cause must go on
and on. and there is special need of vlgor-
GUS action now Men in nigh places are
again willing 10 substitute policy for pr1n-
clple politics for rights. They feel EN-
barTassed at our friendship. at our per-
sistent effort to save them from them
selves.
Il see danger signs ahead, and il will
again require strong leadership and brave
fighting to bring our good old ship safe and
sound over the political reefs, SoClaliStic
whirlpools and denlagogic ma elstroms Our
legislative committee needs to be very
active, our council for industrial defence
needs TO be very strong, and our whole or
gantza tion needs 70 be specially prepared
and trained for the coming campaign.
our past victories Will be guiding stars
10 Us in the future. The time will come
viii have TO admit that policy can never
replace principle; that the United States
will never stand for the demagogue and the
socialist; that America is still American
and our Constitution and our judiciary are
still our bulwsrks
From my bed Of suffering, with a sick
body say to you, with a sound heart and
an unbroken spirit: Go on. my faithful
ones; keep on fighting the right fight -
This message 70 me. written in the last
hours of his illness, is q message 10 the
American nation. It is prophetic. and no
man can deny its honesty Of purpose and
its truth.
The economic and political conditions now
existing led me TO believe months ago that
this convention would prove TO be most
important. II is beginning TO be realized
that within the last two years there has
arisen in this country a new force. called
into being by a growing change in the rela-
tive position OF politics and industry. Time
was not so long ago. when the business
man the employer, the merchant and the
farmer were looked upon merely as indi-
viduals They. had no assoc lion, no unity
Of action.
TO-DAY We find all this changed. The
farmer. no longer isolated, but kent direct
IL in touch with the affairs of the nation
or state through rural delivery, the tele-
phone and the improved means of trans
Dortation. is now a power: the nanufact-
i1rer threatened on all sides by political
damagogues and compelled to battle for the
life OF his business, which means the pros
perity of the country. is now organized
and is using the power OF organization for
the good Of men
A proper estimate of MS life and work
would now be impossible, but l can say
that in the death of James ". Van Cleave
our country has lost a great man