»FKECH Col. James G. Be:rrkx, DEMOCRATIC PRSSnJENTlAl. E1.ECTOR FOR THE SECOND CoNGREssioKAi, District of Maryi^and, DELIVERED BEFORE THE CLEVELAND AND THURMAN AND STUMP CAMPAIGN CLUB, ——AT— - Freedom, Carroll County, Md„ AUGUST 18, 1888. WASHINOTDN, D. c: > R. 0. POLKINHORN, PRINTER, 1888. S 1^ E E C M Col. Ja\/[ks G. Be^rrex, Democratic Presidential Elector for the Second Congressional District of Maryland, DELIVERED BEFORE THE CLEVELAND AND THURMAN AND STUMP CAMPAIGN CLUB, Freedom, Carroll County, McL, AUGUST iS, i8S8. WASniNGTON, P. C".: R. O. POLKINIIOUN, PRINTER, 1888. .B47 •'-4- It SPEECH. Mr. President and Gentlemen : The occasion which brings us together, as Demo- crats and members of the Cleveland and Thurman AND Stump Campaign Club of Freedom, is one of much in terest to myself, as affording a fitting op- portunity for me to express the great pleasure which I find at meeting some of the associates of my boy- hood's days. But, alas, few of them are left to con- tinue the great battle of life, while their descendants for two generations are now present to represent worthy sires, who, in days long since passed, strug- gled with true manhood for political supremacy in the State as well as in the Federal Government. After a lapse of more than fifty years, since it was my good fortune to engage actively in politics as a representative in part of the Democratic party of this county, on the Delegate ticket for the Legislature, it is with no ordinary emotion that I again appear be- fore you as the Presidential Elector for the Second Congressional District, which will assuredly afford me the honor of casting, with my colleagues, the vote of Maryland for Grover Cleveland and Allen G. Thurman for President and Vice President of the United States, [Applause.] These candidates represent the true principles of the Democratic party, which, when practically car- ried out in the administration of the Government, have always proved beneficial to the great body of the people, and at the same time exalted ns as a nation of freemen, capable of self-government, whicli I shall endeavor to show by an impartial review of the history of parties, since the foundation of the Government, with Washington as our first President, and coming down to that of the present incumbent, Grover Cleveland, GEORGE WASHIl; 6 but tlie crowning glory of Jefferson's career rests on the sound and enduring principles of popular gov- ernment, which he left as a grand legacy to the Democratic party, and with which all his public acts were in perfect harmony. [Applause.] JAMES MADISON. After Mr. Jefferson retired Mr. James Madison, of Virginia, his elected successor, entered upon the duties of President, March 4th, 1809, to which he was re- elected over the famous DeWitt Clinton, of New York, by a very decided majority. Mr. Madison was known for great attainments, and conspicuous in public affairs wiien elected President. He was the foremost expounder of the Constitution and one of its pillars in the Convention that formed it. During his administration the War of 1812 with Great Britain was declared, and honorably concluded^ thereby proving him to be a worthy successor of his friend and illustrious predecessor, JAMES M 01^ ROE. On the 4th March, 1817, James Monroe, of Virginia, became President, defeating Rufus King, by an over- whelming vote in the electoral colleges, and was re- elected with but one dissenting voice at the ensuing election — a result that has not since occurred in our history. Hence his presidency has been described as the "Era of Good Peeling." Mr. Monroe, both as soldier and statesman, had rendered the country eminent service, which commanded for his adminis- tration the public confidence and enabled him to secure Florida from 8i)ain by purchase. Tiie vast advantage arising from that acquisition is fully re- alized at this late day, not only from the important territorial position of the State, but from the prc- ducts of its generous soil, and as a sanitary resource of immense value. [Applause.] JOHjST QUINCY ADAMS. John Quincy Adams was elected by the House of Representatives over Andrew Jackson — the electoral colleges having failed to make a choice — and was duly inaugurated 4th March, 1825. He was, how- ever, defeated at the ensuing election by a great up- rising in favor of General Jackson, who was consid- ered justly entitled to the office on the former test, as demonstrated by the popular vote, and the vote of the States in the electoral colleges. Mr. Adams was undoubtedly chosen under the forms of the Constitution, and was entitled to exer- cise the functions of President, which he performed with integrity and intelligence. Mr. Adams was a man of unusual and varied experience in public af- fairs, and although not much of a partisan he acted with the Whig party of that day, led by such men as Clay and Webster. After leaving the presidency, Mr. Adams was elected to the House of Representatives, and soon thereafter became the acknowledged leader of the Abolition party, in whose service he expended the last days of his eventful life. ANDREW JACKSON. We now come to the administration of xVndrew •Jackson, commencing on the 4tli of March, 1829. 8 His advent to power was the signal for an attack Avhicli few men could have successfully resisted. But Jackson, like Jefferson, was a stern and faithful democrat, and placed himself on the side of the people in making war upon the Bank of the United States— the giant corporation of that day, with branches extending over the commercial cities, and at the Nation's capital. It was well calculated, in his judgment, to oppress the laboring masses, and to corrupt public men, some of whom it was well known had been brought under the baneful influence of that institution. In his struggle to overthrow the bank General Jackson found leading men in his own party taking side in favor of its re-charter by Congress, while its powerful friends used ever}^ argument to sustain that, a favorite measure, which they confidently expected would so widen the breach in the demo- cratic party that the administration would certainly fail. But this selfish hope was frustrated, as the result proved. Jackson was fully equal to the crisis, by his veto on the 10th of July, 1832, of the bill which had been passed by both houses of Congress. The old hero did not heed the appeals of many earnest and misguided men, who believed that the continuation of the bank was absolutely necessar}'' to keep alive the vast business interests of the country. He stood firm, and it may well be said struck the first blow at the head of corporate power. [Ajiplause.] Soon thereafter he was called upon to take action in a matter whiclr seriously threatened the dismem- berment of the Union. 9 A convention was held in South Carolina which declared in vigorous language that certain laws passed by Congress should not be enforced, and they would be resisted by the State at all hazards. This hos- tile demonstration called forth the famous Procla- mation of General Jackson, dated December 11th, 1832, in which he argued the question fully, and clearly demonstrated that a State could not ignore an act of Congress, as was proposed, which, coupled with a strong appeal to the patriotic sentiment of South Carolinians, and the people of the whole country, brought abont a healthy re-action, and pre- vented the threatened collision between the State and national authorities. [Applause.] In 1832 General Jackson was nominated for re-elec- tion, having for his chief opponent Henry Clay. The contest was animated, and resulted in the dis- comfiture of the Whig party, whose defeat was em- phasized by a vote of 211) for Jackson, Clay receiv- ing only 49, which was justly regarded as a com- plete vindication of Jackson's course upon all c[ues- tions which arose during his first term. General Jackson entered upon his second term March 4, 1833, and retired amid the plaudits of his countrymen, having paid off the public debt prior to 4th March, 1837, leaving a record of which all Dem- ocrats are proud, and which all fair opponents must willingly respect. [Applause.] MAKTIN VAN BUKEN. Martin Van Buren, of New York, was elected Pres- ident over William H. Harrison, of Ohio, and inaugu- rated March 4, 1837. Mr. A^an Buren was a man of 10 high character, of large acquaintance with public affairs, and fulfilled his high trust in a manner to secure the endorsement of his party for re-election. But he was defeated in 1840, under the cry of hard times, and the promise to laboring men of "82.00 a day and roast beef," if Harrison should be elected. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISOT^. William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, was inaugu- rated as President March 4, 1841, with much ap- plause, and died just one month after entering the White House. ' General Harrison deserved well of his country, having rendered good service both as a civilian and as a soldier. JOHN TYLER. He was succeeded by John Tyler, of Virginia, who had been elected Vice-President on the same ticket. Mr. Tyler had acquired political standing as Governor of his State and Senator in Congress. His administration in some respects was remarkable, for he found himself confronted at its very outset with a determined purpose on the part of the Whigs, then controlling both branches of Congress, under the lead of Henry Clay, to fasten upon the country a Fiscal Bank of the United States. He vetoed that measure, without hesitation, and that act caused a rupture in the party which continued during his term. Only a few days before the close of Mr. Tyler's administration a joint resolution was passed for the aniu'xation of Texas, and fui- wliirli icsult great 11 credit is due to the late Hon. Wm. D. Merrick, then a Whig Senator in Congress from Maryland. [Ap- plause.] JAMES K. POLK. The contest in 1844 between James K. Polk of Tennessee, and Henry Clay of Kentucky, was spirited and decisive of the political fortunes of the great Whig leader. The annexation of Texas to the United States was the principal issue discussed throughout the campaign, and resulted in Mr. Polk's election, who was duly inaugurated as President March 4, 1845. The formal annexation of Texas in December fol- lowing gave rise to a serious dispute between the United States and Mexico on the boundary question, which soon resulted in hostilities. Early in May, 1846, President Polk, by a special message to Con- gress, announced that war existed by the act of Mex- ico. The prompt response of Congress in appropri- ating the necessary means and authorizing a call for trooi)s enabled the President to prosecute the war with vigor, and thus secure an early solution of the question after the capture of the City of Mexico. The result of this war brought under the Stars and Stripes New Mexico and Upper California, giving us a territory of more than half a million of square miles, with all the commercial and agricultural ben- efits, and the enormous mineral wealth which have accrued to the country therefrom. It was during the administration of Mr. Polk that the Oregon question was settled with Great Britain on terms alike honorable to both Governments. 12 Perhaps one of the most imj)ortant measures con- cluded during Mr. Polk's term was the Tariff of 1846, which gave a mighty impulse to all our industries, promoted the interests of labor, and afforded abund- ant revenue for all the wants of an economical Government. Mr. Polk retired from office March 4, 1849, having faithfully executed the high trust committed to his charge. [Applause.] ZACHAEY TAYLOR. In 1848 the contest was chiefly between General Zachary Taylor, a professional soldier, who had dis- tinguished himself in the war with Mexico, and Gen- eral Lewis Cass, who also had earned fame in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, and rendered im- portant service in the Cabinet and in other civil Ijositions. His defeat was due to a defection in the Democratic party, headed by Martin Van Buren, representing the " Free Soil" party at that period. The administration of General Taylor was highly respectable, and closed with his death on July 9th, 1850. MILL Alt]) FILLMOKK. . He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore, the A'ice- President, during whose term the compromise meas- ures of 1850 were adopted, and which ended, for the time being, further agitation of the slavery ques- tion, through tlie patriotic efforts of such men as Webster, Clay, Douglas.Crittenden and many others, who, regardless of party discipline, contributed by 13 their statesmanship to allay sectional strife tem'ioo- rarily. [Applause.] Mr. Fillmore retired from the presidency on the 4tli of March, 18o3, with the approval of his imrtj friends. FEANKLIN PIERCE. The contest at the election in 1852 was between Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and General VVinfield Scott, representing the Whig party. After an exciting contest General Pierce was elected triumphantly over his gallant competitor, who had distinguished him- self in the wars with England and Mexico. General Pierce was inaugurated on the 4tli of March, 1853, but soon thereafter had to confront the agitation of the slavery question, growing out of the Lecompton struggle and the repeal of the Missouri compromise. He exhibited skill and judgment in the management of that controversy, and left ofRce with the well-earned confidence of his party, and the personal respect of all right minded men, who appreciated one of the truest gentlemen I have ever known. [Applause.] After the retirement of General Pierce, March 4th, 1857, the Convention, which assembled the pre- vious year at Cincinnati, placed in nomination James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, and John C. Brecken- ridge, of Kentucky, as the standard bearers of the Democratic party, who were elected over their op- ponents, General John C. Fremont and William L. Daj^ton, the first candidates of the new Republican party, which succeeded the Whigs, and took posses- sion of its broken assets. 14 JAMES BUCHANAN. Mr. Bnolianan took the oath of office March 4th, 1857, with clouds of danger darkening the horizon. He fonnd the country stirred with sectional strife, which he patriotically sought to arrest, without ef- fect. Before the conclusion of his term, civil war, long pending, became inevitable, which I have occa- sion to know he deplored as deeply and as earnestly as it was possible for any good citizen to do, after striving to arrest the peril. When the truth of his- tory is written, his honesty, fidelity, and best efforts to maintain the perpetuity of the Union will be seen and fully recognized. [Applause.] ABEAHAM LINCOLN. In this condition of things, which resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency over his distinguished competitors, Stephen A. Douglas, John C. Breckenridge, and John Bell, several of the States resolved to withdraw from the Union before his inauguration, March 4, 1861. The peace of the country then threatened was soon followed by a war of gigantic proportions, such as no human intellect could have foreseen. This terrible war raged through- out his first presidential term with results so well known to most of you that I forebear to dwell upon them, and which, in my judgment, had better be consigned to the deep oblivion of the past. The second term of Mr. Lincoln began March 4, 18(55, with every prospect of a speedy settlement of our domestic troubles; but on the 4th of April, 1865, he was stricken down by the hand of an assassin. 15 That deadly blow appalled the nation, and spread sorrow all over it, because the country had been de- j)rived of a President upon whose kindly nature and generous feelings the people had hoped for a prompt solution of the disturbing questions that followed peace. They knew that the Radicals who had pur- sued Lincoln would give no honorable terms of ad- justment. [Applause.] ANDEEW JOHNSON. Andrew Johnson at once assumed the duties of President, taking strong ground against the South- ern States. But the intolerant spirit shown by Re- publican leaders, in and out of Congress, soon led him to favor a more conservative course, which quickly provoked the resentment of his then party friends. Mr. Johnson, in the true sense of the term, was a self-made man. As an original Democrat he deeply sympathized with the people, and returned to his former political allegiance. This change of front so exasperated the Republican Congress that they resorted to every scheme of legislation to dwarf his power as Chief Magistrate, and finally, articles of impeachment were presented by the House of Repre- sentatives to the Senate, which failed, after a pro- tracted trial, thus leaving him in the exercise of the office until the qualification of his elected successor. It may be said of Mr. Johnson, whose term expired March 4th, 1865, that he was capable, honest and faithful to the Constitution, and his public views and acts were dictated by a desire to promote the best interests of his countrymen. [Applause.] 16 V. S. GRANT. General U. S. Grant was twice elected President, and served out both terms. His service as President began March 4th, 1869, and terminated March 4th, 1877. He was marked for fidelity to his friends, under all circumstances. [Applause.] RUTHEEFOED B. HAYES. The contest which immediately followed was be- tween Rutherford B. Hayes of Ohio and Samuel J. Tilden of New York, which finally resulted, in what has been justlj" regarded, as a stupendious fraud upon our form of Government. There was not a Democrat in the country who ever entertained the slightest doubt that Mr. Tilden had been fairly elected, and in that opinion many Re- i:>ublicans shared. To use a cant phrase, he was counted out, to inaugurate, for the first time in our history, a President, in violation of the expressed will of the people, and of the Constitution and laws. The people accepted this result only because they felt it necessary to preserve the peace of the Union, which had so recentlj'^ been convulsed by the horrors of a frightful civil war. Mr. Hayes returned to pri- vate life March 4th, 1881, at the expiration of his official term, with less consideration than any of his predecessors. .7Aj\[ES A. GARFIELD. At the next election General James A. Garfield, of Ohio, defeated the Democratic nominee, General 17 Winfield Scott Hancock, the snperb soldier and ac- complislied gentleman. He was inaugurated Presi- dent with mncli pomp and ceremony, March 4th, 1881. General Garfield's career was brief, and terminated by the hand of an assassin named Guiteau, whose foul shot, fired on the eve of the President's depar- ture from the Capital July 2, 1881, ended in his death at Elberton, New Jersey, the folloAving 20tli day of September, causing regret and deep sorrow thronghout the entire country. CHESTER A. AKTTIUR. Chester A. Arthur, then Vice President, on the death of General Garfield, entered upon the duties of the Presidential office under circumstances well calculated to embarrass him. But his genial man- ner and fine bearing under these sad and trying con- ditions quickly attracted public favor and sympathy, (\nd he quitted official life March 4, 1885, to the regret of many devoted personal friends, not limited to his own party. [Applause.] It is thus seen that from March 4, 1861, to the 4th of March, 1885, the Government was controlled by the Republican party, embracing a period of twenty-four years. During a large portion of this time the i)ublic patience had never before been put to so severe a test, owing to the brutal exercise of power, in the absence of any legitimate reason therefor. Citizens in almost every one of the loyal States were imprisoned, with- out due process of law, the courts in all these States were intact, ready to punish the guilty and protect the innocent, but William H. Seward had announced 18 in the Senate of the United States the monstrons doctrine of a law higher than the Constitution. As Sec- retary of State, under President Lincoln, he made his boast to Lord Lyons, then British Minister at Wash- ington, that he exercised greater power over the American citizen than any despot in Europe could over his subject, it being only necessary for him tO' " tingle my [his] little belF' to secure the arrest and imprisonment of any citizen, whatever might be his position. Upon the declaration of such atrocious doctrines, coming from a man of his high lirominence, it is easy to understand why men occupying inferior positions, influenced by passion and prejudice, com- mitted many wrongs, which, I trust, he and they have lived to regret. These personal wrongs will hardly be remembered^ except by those upon whom they were inflicted; but the effect of Republican rule for so long a period must be felt for many years to come, in the crea- tion of an enormous public debt, which has caused the people to be heavily taxed. The needless waste of the public money in every form, during the period whenever the Government has been controlled by that party, only shows their inability to manage wisely or uprightly the affairs of a free people. They squandered and voted to corporations nearly two hundred millions of acres of the grand public domain acquired by the wisdom of Jefferson, Mon- roe, and Polk, for honest and industrious settlers. These gifts, procured by venal legislation, represent more J and than is contained in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, or enough to make twenty-three States of the size of Maryland. The effect of llei)ul>- 19 lican rnle has been to proiuote what are familiarly known as Trusts, Pools, Syndicates and other com- binations of capital, to prey upon .labor by arbi- trarily fixing the price of all productions before they reach the market, so that the farmer, mechanic and laborer are at the mercy of these organized plunderers. [Ai^plause.] The price of sugar has ad- vanced nearly two cents a pound in nine months by that "Trust," and that advance means a tax of one dollar a head on every man, woman and child in the country. I am not among those who would strike down or excite public sentiment against capital. On the con- trary, it should have all proper protection, just as should the labor upon w^hich dejiends the prosperity of the nation, and the profit of invested capital. The country has received a further legacy from the Republican administration in the luxury of a civil pension list for United States Judges, and the retired Army and Navy officers, costing the Govern- ment annually several millions of dollars. An un- warranted expenditure like this, the Fathers of the Republic never supposed to be possible under our system. It is part of the aristocratic growth im- ported from England, and fastened on us by servile imitators of the British policy, which draws broad lines between classes, and is always on the side of the rich against the poor — for the peer and against the peasant. [Applause.] 20 GROVER CLEVELAND. In the year 1884 Grover Cleveland was nominated for President by a Convention of Democrats, with Thomas A. Hendricks for Vice President. The Republicans nominated James G. Blaine, as their candidate for President, and General John A. Logan for Vice President. During the contest personalities were too much in- dulged in, to the regret of all good citizens belong- ing to either party. I need not tell you, fellow Democrats, what a thrill of joy spread from one end of this land to the other when it was announced, by authority, that our candidates had been chosen by the people for the two highest offices within their gift as Jef- fersonian Democrats. On the 4th day of March, 1885, both of these gen- tlemen were duly installed as President and Vice President of the United States, in the presence of the largest concourse of their fellow countrymen that ever before assembled on such an occasion. The day was in sympathy with the event, and heaven seemed to smile upon the people and their newly-elected President, who promptly appointed a Cabinet com- posed of leading Democrats, and at once entered upon the duties of his great office. The ReT)ublicans, having exercised power for twenty-four consecutive years, naturally enough, were sensitive over their defeat, which, with the Senate in opposition to Presi- dent Cleveland, rendered his path a difficult one to tread. [Renewed applause.] During the campaign, the Repu1)licans hnd cliarged tlial 1 lie siirccss of (Ik; Demucracv would lead lo tlis- 21 astrons consequences, fatal to the best interests of the country, by assumino- the payment of tlie Con- federate debt and the re-enslavement of the emanci- pated freedmen, which they well knew was expressly forbidden by the Constitution, and never dreamed of by any sane mind. The Democrats, being convinced that corruption had found its way into every branch of the Govern- ment during the canvass, raised the cry of "turn the rascals out," which was taken up with loud aq- claim by the party in every State of the Union. Whatever may have been President Cleveland's views upon the subject of removals, either for cause or for oifensive partizanship, he found himself em- barrassed by two acts of Congress known as the Civil Service Tenure Act and the Civil Service law, which, of course, he had sworn faithfully to execute. [Applause.] Under these circumstances, with a demand for re- cognition, such as perhaps never before existed, ow- ing to the long exclusion from j)ower of the Demd- cratic party, it can be readily seen that many of his active, earnest friends were doomed to disap- pointment—the result, to some extent, of an opposi- tion Senate, and laws which he found upon the stat- ute books. It is but just to President Cleveland to say that he was pledged by the platform of 1884 to civil ser- vice reform, and so were all his supporters. Never- theless, with entire consistency on his part, most of the prominent offices are now filled by Democrats. It will be remembered that the larger portion of the higher places have a fixed term of four years, which enables the President to fill all vacancies occuring in 22 tliat way, with his own party friends, without vio- lating his pledges. It is quite true that you find some so-called Democrats and Northern Mugwumps who believe in a strong government and class legis- lation because of their want of faith in the people to govern themselves. To my mind, it is absurd to contend that a system which proscribes a citizen on account of age merely, from public employment, can be sound policy in a government like ours. On the contrary, increased fitness for any service comes with years, iu the absence of mental or physical infirmi- ties. [Applause.] Having had some experience in official life at Washington, and observed closely the practical work- ings of the Government under every administration since that of Van Buren to that of Cleveland, I am clearly of the opinion that changes are often neces- sary, and should be determined by the President and heads of the Executive Departments at Washington and elsewhere, in order to secure honest, faithful and efficient service. This is the Jeffersonian doctrine. [Applause.] All the theory about benefiting the public under the workings of the civil service law is fallacious, and, if much longer continued, will give the country not only corrupt and inefficient service, which must end with a civil pension list of such proportions as was never contemplated by the men who framed this Government. It is for reasons such as these, and many others might be stated, that I do not hes- itate to express my unqualified opposition to all such anti-American and class legislation, which, I believe, if the test is ever made before the Supreme Court of the United States, will be declared unconstitutional. 23 Furthermore, so far as a successful administra- tion of the Government is concerned, by a Democratic President, there can be no reasonable ground to doubt for a moment but that a Democratic citizen can be found, without the aid of the Civil Service Commissioners, to fill every office in the Government with integrity, fidelity and" efficiency. [Applause.] I am quite sure if the Republican party should ever again succeed to power they will not hesitate to supply the place of every Democratic official with their own partisans. But let us hope that, before that day comes, there will be found no such law upon our statute book, by consent of all parties. That the administration of Grover Cleveland will be regarded from a higher standpoint than the mere distribution of patronage is clearly shown by the- fact that the National Democratic Convention, which convened at St. Louis, June 5th, presented his name to the country for re-election as the trusted representative of their x^i'inciples, and as worthy of the cordial, united support of the party, with a unanimity such as, under like circumstances, was never before con- ferred on any candidate. ■ [Great Applause.] In the selection of Allen G. Thurman for Vice Pres- ident the party displayed equal wisdom, in view cf his large experience in public life and admitted abil- ity as a statesman, taking foremost rank among the nation's eminent leaders. [Applause.] With such nominees as Cleveland and Thurman, true and honored representatives of Democratic prin- ciples, as laid down by the illustrious Thomas Jeffer- son, there cannot be any reasonable doubt about success at the November election, when the people will declare in favor of Cleveland and Tliurnuiu by 24 siicli.a majority as will astound onr opponents. That result would foreshadow the extinction of the Repub- lican party, and a fate similar to that of the old Federalists and younger Whigs, whose cast-off gar- ments they are now wearing. There has been much already said during this can- vass about the tariff and revenue reform, but the subject as discussed by President Cleveland, in his annual message to Congress, so clearly presents the issue, and when properh^ interpreted but little re- mains for further dispute upon the subject. [Ap- plause.] President Cleveland correctly states that the an- nual amount of taxes collected from the jieople in excess of what is needed for the legitimate expenses of the Government is over. one hundred millions of dollars. I submit to my Republican friends, can a system productive of such results be wise or just to the people ; on the contrary, it is oppression, which ought to be corrected by a judicious revision of the tariff, keeping in view the industries of the country and the welfare of the wage- workers, to whose skill the country is indebted for its marvellous prosperity. It is not for me to say what should be done to cor- rect this state of things. That properly belongs to the Congress of the United States, to whom alone is committed the power to redress this great wrong, for which they will be held accountable at the bal- lot-box next November. [Applause.] My ()l)ject in making this address is to show by a plain statemeilt of facts, based upon the history of paities, that the Democrats, from the days of Jef- ferson down to the present time, have always taken the side of the people. Tlit'V nlways advocated and 25 defended the correct principles upon which this Gov- ernment should be administered. And now they are only consistent and loyal in supporting Cleveland and Thurman, who will lead us triumphantly to vic- tory at the coming election, over all the concentrated capital and corporate wealth arrayed against them. It is incumbent, however, to keep in view the neces- sity of organization as a means of securing beyond all question this desirable result. The Republicans will make a last desperate effort in the interest of their candidates, Harrison and Morton, both of whom are very respectable gentle- men, but by reason of the principles they represent are not entitled to public confidence, if we are to judge the future by the past, from 1801 to 1885, em- bracing a period in our political history not likely to be washed out of the memory of the American people. The contest for Congress in this District may well be regarded as a foregone conclusion in favor of Colonel Herman Stump, of Harford County, a Demo crat of the right stamp, and a gentleman in the strictest sense of that term. From a personal knowl- edge of his character and capacity, I feel justified in saying he will not only prove to be a faithful Rep- resentative but also a fitting successor to his imme- diate predecessor, who has done the State good ser- vice. I bespeak for him your cordial sujiport, with en- tire confidence that as a member of Congress he will not be found wanting in every proper effort to ad- vance the best interests of his State and country. [Applause. ] 26 . Gentlemen of the Cleveland and Tliurman and Stump Cami)aign Club of Freedom, yonr organization is well calculated to advance the noble cause in which you are engaged, and understanding the spirit which has ever actuated the democracy of this District, I have entire faith that you will contribute to roll up even more than the usual majority in Carroll County for our nominees. But do not fail to remember that activity on the part of each member of the club is necessary to ensure the casting of a full vote, which, of course, secures success at the November election. I have very recently visited the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, where the Democracy are fully aroused and resolved upon victory. The news from Indiana is cheering, and our friends are confident the vote of that State will certainly be cast for Cleveland and Thurman. And there is a reasonable hox)e of carrying Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, neither of which are necessary to elect our candidates. As your Presidential Elector for this Congressional District, I appreciate the compliment, and am not unmindful of the responsibility which the i)osition imposes. With a determined purpose to exert my best efforts to advance the cause of Democracy in this contest, which I have steadily supported, for more than half a century, never having seen during all that time any sufRcient reason to change my well- matured convictions, I cherish the hope of gaining the approval of those who in such an ac('ei)lablH manner honored me witli their confidence. After thanking you, my neighbors, friends and fellow citizens for the considerate attention with which you have listened to Ihe^p ri^narks. and if n)y 27 opinion concerning public iilTairs lias any value, you can rest satisfied that the splendid record of Jeffer- son, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce and Buchanan, who as unwavering Democrats conducted the affairs of this Government during forty- eight years of its existence prior to March 4th, 1861, with results such as I have briefly stated, Avill receive no damage at the hands of Grover Cleveland ; at the expiration of whose second term, March 4th, 1893, I do not hesitate to predict, will quit the public ser- vice, having earned for himself the unqualified ap- proval of his i)arty, and the respect of everj^ fair minded opponent, for all the qualities which should attach to an honest, courageous, faithful, vigilant and incorruptible Chief Magistrate. [Loud and continued applause.] I have one word more to say, and I am done. Edu- cate jouY children in the true i)olitical faith as laid down by Jefferson, and vote for Cleveland, Thurman and Stump on the 6tli of November, whose election will, I venture to say, bring increased prosperity and happiness to the people of this favored land — a result to which your efforts may largely contribute, under the guidance of that great power which' shapes the destinies of nations and of men. '6 YA 90201 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 788 110 ill '^ 4