Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-06-08

party reunion. for reconsecratio rather
than recrimination, United States Sena-
tor Warren G. Harding, Of Ohio. in his
ADDRESS ~ temporary chairman, opened
the Republican National Convention
here to-day. Asserting that the coun-
try was "wearied afresh by n disap-
pointing and distressing Democratic
administration" and was calling for
Republican relief. the speaker, before
undertaking to discuss political issues.
appealed to the delegates to forget the
differences which divided the party in
1912.
referring to the administrators
foreign policy In the European war.
senator Harding declared that 1t had
spoken with more rhetoric than reso-
luton. Mexican negotiations he de-
scribcd as the greatest fasco In Ameri-
can foreign relations. He paid tribute
TO Americanism of foreign birth, with
brief reference to the few zealots who
would impugn the nations neutrality,
and urged fraternity OF American re-
public under tho Monroe Doctrine
Advocating adequate national defense.
he charged the Democratic party with
having interrupted Republican naval
construction. and he criticized the army
reorganization bill. He also attacked
the administration shipping bill. the
effort made TO extend independence to
the Philippines. and made a plea for g.
return to the protective tariff
we did not do very well in making
for harmony the last time we met"
the chairman said in hi1 appeal for
harmony. Tho country has regretted.
let us forget-and make amends to our
country. We did not divide over
fundamental principles. we did not
disagree over a national policy. We
split over methods OF party procedure
and preferred personalities. Let us
forget the differences. and fnd now in
spiration and new compensation In an
united endeavor to restore the coun-
try.
Republican principles are In a vast
majority In this country-when the
banners OF harmony are unfurled. We
have witnessed the comeback of our
party in various States We have seen
the re-enlistment OF those who believe
+ in Republican doctrines. and victory
has followed and rejoicing has at
tended. No apology has been asked, no
forcs~earing required. This Is not the
time for recr!mination, IL is the day
OF reconsecration.
b
WITH THIS ADMINISTRATION
'Rededicating here and nov the Re-
publican party TO The Progress and
glory OF the republic. let us bury party
prcfixes with the administration which
our differences put in power. do not
believe there is really reactionary
Republican bearing credentials TO this
convention. II there is. ne will depart,
after our deliberations, solely and
proudly Republican, with heart
aglow with the party spirit of 1916
And the welcome delegate who en-
phasizcs his progressivism, is ex-
pectcd TO his part In making our
party reflex OF the best thought and
best intent Of sincere committal to the
upiift and progress Of the America n
people, thereby strengthening party
purpose instead of magnifying indi-
ridual belief, and he, too, will find new
rejoicing IN being Republican. No
party can endure which is not progress
s!ye.'
The world al war, preparedness and
Americas foreign relations served as
the basis for the Senator's first dis
cussion Of the issues. The enormity of
the war in Europe, the tidal wave of
distress and disaster. now wonders and
new hindrances in commerce had utter
- changed economic conditions, and
these have attended embarrassments
in American foreign relations" he said,
as difficult as those which the indi-
Nidual citizen experiences whose every
ne!ghbor is involved in deadly quarrel"
Everything Is abnormal except the
depleted condition of the Federal
Treasury. which is characteristic of
Democratic control" he said. land the
facility OF the administration for writ
ing varied notes without effective no.
tice." Amid these conditions. America