j^eputlTca/^ Rule Wlaje^Kc Forward • o w '«N»IS»'^ ',/J 'X) ,^ o > - vJ -^1 <» K »— < a o > • vet e o m . (Jj o f/J ^] %x f %i E 765 .S55 Copy 2 Republican Rule Has Guided the Majestic Forward and Upward Strides of the Nation The Republican Party has never claimed to possess within its member- ship all the world's virtue and patriotism. We do not pretend to be better than other men of good intent who try to behave well. We con- cede to the followers of other party standards, be they Democratic, Pro- gressive, Prohibition, or what not, a desire to do that which shall serve the public weal. We insist that in their advocacy of many economic, financial and governmental theories they are in error, grievous error. While admit- ting the sincerity of their beliefs, we maintain that the principles in which we believe and the policies which we advocate are far the best to be upheld and applied for the best interests of the hundred million of American people. We insist that experience justifies our contention. With but two intervals, Republican rule has, for half a century, guided the majestic forward and upward strides of this Nation. That, we assert, is a demon- stration of the capacity and the purpose and the success of the Republican party in securing for this country sane, certain and all-embracing progress. We ask that the Republican Party and its candidates be tried upon the record of service and accomplishments. We are near the end of President Taft's first term of service, with our Government at amity with all foreign powers, amid domestic tranquillity and with our people blessed by pros- perity and abundance; our navy among the foremost of the world; our army in a high degree of excellence; our postal service, for the first time in its history, self-sustaining; the colossal dream of the centuries, an Isth- mian Canal, almost a completed reality; our foreign and domestic commerce in a condition of activity, vigor and health, meeting the desires of the most optimistic, and every department of the Government rendering proper and efficient aid to law-abiding citizens in every calling. Confident that the American people are not yet willing to destroy and discard the Con- stitution which has stood the test of more than a century, which was framed, expounded and upheld by the great men of the past; that they have not yet forgotten the direful results of the mistake of 1892, we calmly await the ides of November. Speech of Acceptance of Vice-President Sherman, August 21, 1912. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 982 473 8 % pH83