The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-08-01
KEYNOTE SPEECH
BY MIR. HUGHES
CONTINUED from page u

him to give the country sample OF
the sort OF campaigning that made
him famous in the gubernatorial race.
Mr.. Hughes assailed the administra-
ton for the course it has pursued with
reference to Mexico, maintenance OF
American rights during the European
war, preparedness, and other great
questions Of tho day.
He declared for q new policy OF
"firmness and consistency" toward
Mexico, 'sfor the unflinching main
tenance Of all American rights on
land and sea-" and for adequate ma
tional defense; adequate protection on
both our western and eastern coasts"
Must suppress Plots.
1--WE denoupce all plots and cOnspfr-
acies In the interest OF any foreign
nation" Mr.. Hughes said. Utterly in
tolerable is the use OF our soil for
alien intrigues. Every American must
unreservedly condemn them and sup
port every effort for their suppress
Rion.'
The nominee assailed the admins
tration for its direction OF dfplo-
matte intercourse" from the begin
ming, declaring that where there
should have been conspicuous strength
and experiences, there had been weak
ness and inexpertness.
He cited San Domingo as an In
stance where appointments had gone
to Observing democrats" and to the
failure to continue Ambassador Her.
rick at his post in Paris after the
war had started as "a lamentable sac
rifice OF international impute."
81 endorse the declaration in the
platform in favor of woman suffrage.
Mr. Hughes declared. And he added:
Opposition may delay, but in my
judgment, cannot defeat this move
ment. favor the vote for women"
Reviews Mexican Fiasco.
One-fourth OF the speech was de
voted to Mexico. Step after step TAX
an by the administration with refer
ence to Mexico was assailed, from the
DAYS OF Huerta to the note sent the
de facto government by the state de-
partment June 20, last, part OF which
was quoted in the speech.
The seizure of Vera Cruz, the nomi-
nee said, '.was war. of course"
Later we retired from Vera Cruz,
he continued, giving up this noble
warfare. Recently the naked truth
was admitted by cabinet officer. We
are now Informed that we did not go
To Vera Cruz to force Huerta to sa'
lutte the flag. We are told that we
went there to show Mexico that we
were in earnest in our demand that
Huerta must go.
Wants Peace in Mexico.
America, Mr.. Hughes continued
had no policy of aggression toward
Mexico, no desire for any part OF her
territory. but wished her to have
neace. stability and prosperity.
"J,ha conduct of the administration
has defeated difficulties we shall have
TO s,rmount," he said. I'VE demand
from Mexico the protection OF the
lives and property of our citizens and
TIE security of our border from dspre'
dations.'
safeguarding American rights
abroad had not been accomplished
Mr. Hughes said. by the administra
ton. There had been brave words
in a series of notes." but what does
II avail to use some of the strongest
words known to diplomacy If ambassa.
doris can receive the impression that
the words are not to be taken seri-
ously?"
The nominee reiterates HIS declara.
ton that had this government left no
doubt that it meant to hold Germany
TO strict accountability there would
have been no loss of life on the Lusi-
tania.
"shockineiy Unpreoared.'
Discussing preparedness, Mr.
Hughes said it was apparent that the