Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-06-07
ROBINS KEYNOTE
SPEECH CHALLENGE
TOREPUBLICANS
Progressive Chairman Hopes
Rule or Ruin Faction will
Dominate Convention
Of g. o. p. -.-,. ..-...
APPEALS FOR UNITY

CHICAGO. June Raymond Robins
temporary chairman of the Progressive
convention, in his keynote speech called for
| the assertion OF a rigorous Americanism
and program of preparedness that would
not only embrace the military and naval
establishment of the United states but
would extend to the Industrial and economic
organization. of the country and provide
for the social welfare of the working
masses.
Mr. Robins said
ITO our brothers in spirit especially In
the Republican party. let us speak plainly
In 1912 many old ties were broken. Men
who had been comrades were wiling to
part and suffer defeat rather than submit
to what they felt were ntolerable wrongs.
"Rancor from the wrongs of brother TO
brother must be sunk to meet common
enemy of the household. In this day not the
mere names of Republican or Democrat or
Progressive should divide those who are
brothers in loyalty to the principles of
Americanlsm now imperlled by alien ambi-
lion In other lands and alien thinking here
at home. We believe that the need and OPP
portunity OF the time is such that personal
differences, partisan bitterness and local
prejudices should be surrendered to serve
the nations good.
But we would solemnly warn all those
of an easy and accommodating political
virtue that we will not surrender principle
nor make unworthy compromise to gain
and selfish political victory. We
would rather face possible defeat fighting
for our cause than to seek assured victory
through moral treason to those high prin-
ciples and heroic souls that combined to
make us the second party of this nation in
1912.
Alone IL Need Be
"The 100000 voters who followed our
leader and espoused our cause can be aug
mented to majority perhaps more easily
under united banners, but If need be the
Progressive standard will go forward alone.
We cannot believe that rule or ruin fac
ton will dominate the political machinery
of the historic party of Lincoln, and that
they Will prefer personal defeat and ma
ional degradation to acceptance of the fore
most leadership iE the nation But in this |
lay and hour 1t should be made plain that |
he choice is in their hands and that the |
Judgment of the people will be upon their |
reads"
Mr.. Robins spoke strongly in favor of |
universal training for military service. He |
PRAISED Theodore Roosevelt as the ideal |
eader called for by the times. He reafirned |
he Progressive demands for social justice.
lie condemned hyphensted citizenship. He
declared for woman suffrage.
Personal freedom is equally dear to all
ma the freedom or the state is the COM |
non heritage of all, so that each man of
military ago should be prepared to defend
hat which is his own" he said. "In that
asst resort of civilized people-an appeal
0 arms-the self-respacting citizen of a
epublic will do his own fighting. He will
ot wish to hire men to die for him.
But modern warfare is not merely a
natter of armament and men. If we are to
lake our preparedness a peace insurance,
must be adequate We must organize the
asst resources of the nation so that in sud
en- need, without costly period of indus
'ial chaos, the equipment, the munitions,
he food supply and transportation for large |
rmies will be Immediately at the service
{ the Government.