East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1916-06-07
Keynote Speech of
Warren G. HardinO
at Chicago Today

dt CnICdgO Today
Gentlemen of the Convention:
1t Is good to greet this representa-.
tive body Of that American republi
canism on which is centered the high
hopes Of the republic. | can believe
nay, | know-that vast majority d
the people of our United States is ex.
peeting the party sponsors here as.
sembled to write anew the sacre-
covenant of republicanism, and re.
eonsecrate the party to the nations
service and the peoples advancement
That same majority expects you to Sc.
iect a standard-bearer who shall not
only typify our expression of faith
but shall so enlist the confidence and
trust Of our American citizenship that
the work OF this convention will be
confirmed Overwhelmingly at the bal.
lot-box next November.
The country, wearied afresh by A
disappointing and distressing demo-
cratic administration. is ealing for re-
publican relief, and there is every in.
spiration, every encouragement every
confidence that the lightEof republi.
+ can conscience, set aflame in this con.
yentlon, win illumine the way to tho
eountry'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 coun-
try We did not divide over funda-
mental principles We did not disagree
over national policy We split over
methods Of party procedure and pre-
ferred personalities. Let us forget the
differences, and find new inspiration
and new compensation in an united
endeavor to restore the country
The essential principles Of repubi-
eanism are unchanged and unchang-
ing 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 ut any time during the intervening
Years, and they are emphasized today
by the proof recorded to republican
credit in the matchless chapters of
American progress.
Principles Arc Abiding.
No political party ever has builded
or ever can build permanently except
m conscientious devotion to abiding
principles. Time never alters a fun
tamental truth. Conditions do change
popular interest is self-asserting, and
'paramounting" has ITS perils. as the
democratic party will bear witness. but
the essentials Of constructive govern
ment and attending progress are abid-
ing and unchanging For example,
We ought to be as genuinely American
today as when the rounding fathers
flung their immortal defiance in the
face of old-world expressions and ded-
Gated a new republic to liberty and
Justice, We ought to be as prepared
for defense as Washington urged
amid the anxieties of our national be-
ginning, and Grant confirmed amid
he calm reflections of union restored
Party Solidarity.
1t is not my understanding that the
'emarks of the temporary chairman
tre to be taken as an expression OF
he party faith. Such expression
must come from this convention, made
lp Of delegates who believe in pop
liar, representative government
through the agency of political par.
les You come directly from the peo- c
'le commissioned to speak their r
hopes and aspirations, to utter their
patriotism desires and pledge their
hiding faith. Out of the convictions
md Judgment and wisdom as express
d by the majority will come the saw
ed and sincere covenant of the re-
publican party.
We are voluntary organization
md must find our strength in the en-
istment of volunteers who find the
!earest or best expression of their in
livdual convictions in our party dec
arations and there can be no trea-
on in withdrawal If our declarations
all short in their appeal But | am
ld-fashioned enough to believe that
n popular government party success
nd party capacity for service to the
lation must lie in making the will OF
righteous majority the willing pledge
# all.
No FOrsweaTing Required.
Gentlemen of the convention, the
irst and foremost wish in my mind
) to say that which will contribute
o harmony of effort and add to the
ssurance OF victory next November.
wish that because we believe Repub-
lean success to be for the best inter-
SITS of our common country The al
led hosts of the believers in repubh-
an principles are in vast majority
n this country-when the banners
f harmony are unfurled. We have
the comeback of our party
a various states. We have seen the
eenlistment of those who believe in
epublican doctrines, and victory has
ollowed and rejoicing has attended,
10 apology has been asked, no for
wearing required. This is not the
Ime for recrimination, it is the day
+ reconsecration.
Rededicating here and now the re-
ublcan party to the progress and
lory of the republic, let us bury par
Y prefixes with the administration