Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 February 1914 — REPUBLICANS HEARD CHARLES S. DENEEN. [ARTICLE]

REPUBLICANS HEARD CHARLES S. DENEEN.

Banquet and Love Feast at Monticello Surpassed Expectations— Judge Hanley Presided.

Monticello republicans carried to a magnificent conclusion a plan to hold a banquet and love feast in that city Thursday night and it is probable that no political event in the history of the tenth district of Indiana ever surpassed this one in point of good feeling and optimism. -

The banquet hall contained fully twice the floor space of the local armory and six tables, each 85 feet in length, extended across the large hall. It had at first been planned jto seat four hundred and fifty people, bujp in the early evening the committee on arrangements saw that this would not be enough and the number of plates was increased to 490 and every place was taken. It was an inspiring sight and was a revival of interest in party affairs that bespeaks well for the future. It was not a gathering of office seekers, but was a representative crowd of men whose faith is firm in republican principles. A special effort had been made to get men from all pasts of the county and two special trains Were run, making it po-ssibW for all to return to their homes same, night. Fifty came from Brdokston, 20 from Chalmers, a number from Monon, Reynolds, Wolcott, Idaville and Burnettsville and the more remote l*arts of the county. Newton county sent quite a large number from Kentland and Brook and Morocco. Judge Hanley went over with the Kentland crowd and was the toastmaster. Rev. H. L. Kindig, formerly of Rensselaer, was at the banquet. Besides Judge Hanley the only other Rensselaer people at the banquet were J. C. Gwin and George H. Healey. Frank Hodshire, a former Rensselaer boy, now a successful contractor of Monticello, was on the committee of arrangements, along with L. D. Carey. The banquet was served by the ladies of the Monticello Methodist church and was quite elaborate. The long tables were prettily decorated with carnations of different colors. The menu was tempting and was served in splendid style. The appointments of the repast were perfect and it was one of the most satisfactory banquets ever served in Indiana.

The invocation was given by Rev. Mr. MeCorkle, of Monticello. Honorable Charles Deneen, of Chicago, ex-governor of Illinois, was the principal speaker and was the first gentleman introduced to the magnificent audience. He spoke for 40 minutes in a practical and impassive manner and his words were convincing. He reviewed the differences between the republican and progressive parties and declared that they were only slight at the start. Only a few minor questions were involved and those have been adjusted so that now there are

really no differences between the two parties. He referred to social justice about which so much was said last year and declared that social justice is now a realization in most of the western states. He gave his own state as an example. There 50 per cent of the taxes is expended for educational purposes and 34 per cent goes to the benevolent institutions of the state. He spoke of the tariff under republican rule and pointed out the protection it afforded the American farmer, he spoke of the democratic free trade policy that is now affect ing the farmre by bringing Argentine beef and corn into competition wth American products. Dr. Frank Smith, of Gary, who has been mentioned as a congressional candidate, was the next speaker and made a short but happy talk. George Lockwood, of Mancie, editor of the Indiana State Journal, followed with a brief address that was full of spirit. The next speaker was Honorable Will R. Wood, of Lafayette, and he made one of his characteristic political rtalks. He stirred the big audience with the force of his telling points and great enthusiasm was aroused. , Senator Wood was followed by Honorable Ele Stansbury, of Williamsport, who made an excellent talk, and the last speaker was W. O. Thomas, of Monticello, district chairman.