New Britain herald., 1915-04-07

Ut is proper however at this time to ask the question, who inspired the First Ward Republican club? Who conceived the notion that it was neces- sary to have such an organization in our midst, in order to have unifica- tion, harmony, and efficiency in our ranks? The man who accomplished this no small undertaking is present here this evening. To a great extent he has developed this association of men from an infant ward club to six f1ourishing clubs of the same charac-
 ter in this city. He has long been a trusted and valuable asset to the re- publican party. He has served the
 people of his ward in the common council, both as councilman and al-
 derman, for a period covering eight years. He has acted on the republi- can town committee, both as asso-
 ciate member and chairman and at
 present has the important task of looking after our highways. I refer to Edward Wiegand, who has honor
 of being our president. Under his
 direction and fostering influence this
 club sprang into life. From its birth
 to the present time we have depended
 upon his experience, sound judg-
 ment, honest energies and careful
 guidance. We have seen him bend
 ing his energies to the accomplish
 ment of making our venture success
 full. His enthusiasm, activity and agresSiveness in every movement for it's good had in no small measure con- tributed to it's durability and per- manence. All honor to him and the strong determined men of this and other clubs of this city who have em- ployed their time, energy and re- sourcefulness in smoothing out petty differences and eliminating fractional
 disturbances, within the ranks of the
 local republican party.
 Door Open to All.
 "At last we have provided a foun- dation whereon the fabric of steadily
 advancing organization may be reared.
 It is for us to build upon that founda- tion. In order to attain valuable re- suits we must consistently act for the i, good of the people. We are not or
 ganized for selfish purposes. The po- litical ambitions of our members are promoted through our channels. Our doors are thrown open to every voter within this precint to join and fra | ternize with us without any expense, to him. Foreigners Welcome
 "We are engaged in a very com mendable enterprise. We desire to enlist new voters, especially natural izd foreigners and young men who have just reached the voting age, to promote enthusiasm by speeches or literature, by the sympathy of mem- bers and the service of a common | purpose; to impart instruction to the . voters concerning political issues, the !; virtues of our leaders and the mis- , takes of our opponents.
 "We intend to live in an atmos- phere of pure republicanism and , teach the principles >o of the great | leaders of our party who have led , it to victory under stormy opposi-
 tion. We will teach of the lofty ideals
 of the noble Lincoln, the sound con- servatism of Grant, the inspiring genius of Blaine, the brilliant states
 manship of Garfield, the greatness of ] the heroic Mckinley and the broad ! mindedness of our beloved Taft. We shall from time to time invite speak CTS here, in order that we may listen to them discuss important issues con- corning municipal, state and national i affairs
 Loyalty Feature of Club, "The service at the primary and the poll shall receive the attention of the voter No more important duty 1 rests upon the citizen than the fidelity which this service is discharged. Loy- alty to those whom the party have ' nominated for respective offices has l been and shall continue to be a prom l inent feature of this association of l men.
 Introduces Ex-Postmaster. "The first gentleman to address you this evening is without a peer in Connecticut as @ finished and elo- uuent speaker. Despite the fact that l he has been in the employ of the l federal government during the terms l of the two republican administrations we have not forgotten that he is one , of the leaders or the Hartford county | bar and Tn the legal profession is
 well known as a skillful advocate. I 1 take great pleasure at this time in i introducing to you the Honorable
 Frank A. Hagarty, ex-postmaster of ] Hartford.
 Congratulates Club Members.
 MT. Hagarty said that he wanted | to congratulate the members of the 1 club upon their splendid organiza 1 tion These clubs have been large 1 factors in the pronounced success of
 the republican party in this commun
 ity, he said.
 1 The speaker considered it rather re- | markable that under the democratic
 regime, there existed in New Britain the 15O or 200 men who seemed able
 to pay fifty cent for the supper which
 had just been served. He went on to tell of the destitute conditions which