The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1916-06-09

confidence that the light of Republican
conscience. set afiame in this conven-
ton, will illumine the way to the coun-
try's restoration.
Let Us Forget 1912.
We did not do very well in making
for harmony the last time we met.
The country has regretted, let us for
get-and make amends to our country.
We did not divide over fundamental
principles, we Gid not disagree over a
national policy. We split over methods
of party procedure and preferred per-
sonalities. Let us forget the differ
ences and find new Inspiration and
new compensation in an united en-
deavor to restore the country.
The essential principles of Republic
anism are unchanged and unchanging.
The lofty intent, the indestructible
soul and the undying spirit of Repub-
licanism are as dominant today as in
the destined beginning sixty years ago
or at any time during the intervening
years, and they are emphasized to-
day by the proof recorded to Repub-
lican credit in the matchless chapters
of American progress.
Principles Are Abiding.
No political party ever has builded
or ever can build permanently except
in conscientious devotion 10 abiding
principles. Time never alters fun
damental truth. Conditions do change,
popular interest is self asserting, and
''paramounting" has it's perils, as the
Democratic party will bear witness,
but the essentials of constructive gov
eminent and attending progress are
abiding and unchanging. For exam
pie, we ought to be as genuinely Amer
lean today as when the founding IA
theirs flung their immortal defiance In
the face Of old world expressions and
dedicated a new republic to liberty
and justice. We ought to be as
prepared for defense as Washington
urged amid the anxieties of our ma
tional beginning and Grant confirmed
amid the calm reflections of union re-
stored
Party Solidarity.
It is not my understanding that the
remarks of the temporary chairman
arc to be taken as an expression of the
party faith. Such expression must
come from this convention, made up
of delegates who believe in popular
representative government through the
agency of political parties. You come
directly from the people, commission
ed to speak their hopes and aspirat tons,
to utter their patriotic desires and
pledge their abiding faith. Out of the
convictions and judgment and wisdom
as expressed by the majority will come
the sacred and sincere covenant of the
Republican party.
We are voluntary organization and
must find our strength in the enlist
ment of volunteers who find the near
est or best expression of their indi-
vidual convictions in our party decla-
ratiOns, and there can be no treason in
withdrawal if our declarations fall
short in their appeal.
No Forswearing Required.
Gentlemen Of the convention. the
first and foremost wish in my mind Is
to say that which will contribute to
harmony of effort and add to the as
surance of victory next November. I
wish that because we believe Repub-
lican success to be for the best inter-
ests of our common country. The al
In6 hncts nf 40 hn1iavnrS In Pnnrh-
lican principles are in a vast majority
in this country-when the banners Of
harmony are unfurled. We have wit
messed the come back of our party in
various states. We have seen the re-
enlistment of those who believe in Re
publican doctrines, and victory has fol-
lowed, and rejoicing has attended. No
apology has been asked, no fOrswear-
ing required This is not the time for
recrimination, it is the day Of reconse-
Grafton.
Rededicating here and now the Re-
publican party to the progress and glo-
ry Of the republic, let us bury party
prefiXes with the administration which
our differences put in power. l do not
believe there is q really reactionary Re-
publican bearing credentials to this
convention. If there is he will depart,
after our deliberations, solely and
proudly Republican, with heart aglow
with the party spirit Of 1916. And the
welcome delegate who emphasizes his
prOgressivism is expected to do his
part in making our party reflex Of
the best thought and best intent of sim
cere committal to the uplift and prog
ress Of the American people. thereby
Strengthening party purpose instead of
magnifying individual BELIZE. and he.
too, will find new rejoicing in being a
Republican. No party can endure
Ehich is not progressive
Representative Government.
e :, building the surpassin. temple of
eran church met at the home of Mr..
M. 0. Sundt last night Mr.. o. Han