The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-08
FORGET 1912

tcontinusd From F,rst .'ass.,

Principles AHo Abiding.
No political party ever has builded
or ever can build permanently except
IN conscisntious devotion to abiding
principles Time never aatsrs =
fundamental truth. Conditions do
change. popular interest 10 self assert
Ing. and ''paramounting" has it,
perils, ~ the Democratic party Will
bear witness. but the essentials OF
constructive government ana attend
Ing progress are abiding and unchang-
ing. For example, we ought to be a.
genuinely American today ~ when tho
founding fathers flung their immortal
defiance In the face Of old-world OPP
pressions and dedicated Z new republic
TO liberty and justice. We ought to
be az prepared for defense ~ Wash
ington urged amid the anxieties of our
national beginning. and Grant con-
airmed amid the calm reflections OF
union restored.
Party Solidarity.
It 10 not my understanding that the
femarks Of the temporary chairman
are to be taken ~ 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. COM
missioned to speak their hopes and as
pirations. to utter their patriotic de-
sires and pledge their abiding faith.
Out OF tho convictions and judgment
and wisdom as expressed by the ma
jority will come the sacred and san
core covenant Of the Republican party.
We are a voluntary organization
and must find our strength In the
enlistment Of volunteers who find the
nearest or best expression OF their In
1ividual convictions In our party dec
arations, and there can be no treason
N withdrawal II our declarations fall
short In their appeal. But am old
fashioned enough to believe that in
popular government party success and
party capacity for service to the ma
ton must lie In making the will OF a
righteous majority the willing pledge
Of all.
No Enrswearing 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
assurance of victory next November.
! wish that because we believe Re-
publican success TO be for the best
interests OF our common country. The
allied hosts Of the believers in Re-
publican principles are in a vast ma
jority In this country--when the ban
ners OF harmony are unfurled. We
have witnessed the comeback of our
party in various States. We have seen
the rcenis,ment of those who believe
In Republican doctrines, and victory
has followed and rejoicing attended,
No apology has been asked, no for
swearing required. This Is not the
fyf,n fra i Hfar tS hA Ia "
of remuneration.
Rededicating here and now the Re-
publican party to the progress and
glory of the republic, let us bury party
preflxes with the administration which
our differences put in power. i do
not believe there 10 a really reaction
ary Republican bearing credentials to
this convention. II there In. he with
depart. after our deliberations, solely
and proudly a Republican. with heart
agiow with the party spirit of 1918.
And the welcome delegate who en-
phasizes his progressivism. is expect
ed 10 do his part In making our party
a reflex of the best thought and best
intent of sincere committai to the
unfit and progress of the American
people. thereby strengthening party
purpose instead of magnifying indi-
vidual belief, and he, too. will find
new rejoicing in being Republican,
No party can endure which is not pro-
vressive. know the Republican party
liz genuinely progressive as well as
effective. else II would not rivet the
expectations OF the American people
today on the most important conven-
ton held since the party formulated
a new political decalogue and gave to
union and nationality the immortal
Abraham Lincoln.
Representative Government.
In building the surprising temple of
the republic. which we have been do
Ing 10 the establishment sometimes
the envy, sometimes the admiration~cf
the world. and oftimes inspiring others
by our example, there ever will he
notifications and additions &c meet
the public ne.i and conform to pop
r,ar ideals We do not fea.- IL imi-
tate nor fall to originate. but there
can be no discord about underlying
foundations or essential walls or prov
en- arches or stately columns. Mine
vs. deep conviction that the founding
fathers were divinely inspired. and the
wisdom OF representative popular gov
eminent Is proven In the SURPRISING
achievement.
1t IL not alone the miracle OF ac-
complishment which deepens our
reverence: 1t In not alone the convic-
lion that We have buiided the first.
seemingly dependable, popular gov
eminent on the earth and exalted sll
IL citixenship, which adds - our
faith; but we are the oldest Of exist
lng civilized nations, with one passing
exception. continued under one form
Of government. and under that form
Ne have developed the highest stand
ard Of living In al the world. Sure
" We must be right
Recalling that the mightier forward
strides have been taken under half
century Of Republican control, after
we led In fixing the indissOlubic ties
OF union. the retrospectson, the con-
st~r,p,aticn and tho anticipation COM
bine to ill the Republican breast with
pl.le and hope. and trust and faith.
and magnify our obligations In this
crucial year Of our national life.
Much Of the discussion OF the ho,ir
II hinged upon q world at war; wo
need not wonder thereat, because the
enormity OF the conflict and the In
fluence Of its horrors have set man
-, In upheaval The traditions Of
civilization have been broken and In
al laws have been ignored.
There IL a tidal wave OF distress AMI
''-.~" are violent emotions
.-A 49, ~v,{fsAN tnnrs ThArA go thu