Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1884 — THE REALM OF POLITICS. [ARTICLE]

THE REALM OF POLITICS.

Preparations for the Great Presidential Contest. Conventions in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Other States. Letter from Gov. Tilden—Miscellaneous Political Notes. STATE CONVENTIONS. , Illinois Republican. James'A. Connolly, of Coles County, presided over the Illinois Republican Convention, which met at Peoria, Daniel Shepard, of Chicago, discharging the functions of Secretary. The business in hand was disposed of smoothly and rapidly, and, notwithstanding several long speeches were sandwiched among the proceedings, within less than eight hours after the convention had been called to order, the larger portion of the delegates were en route for home. THE STATE TICKET. Gen. Richard J. Oglesby, of Logan County, who has already served one term as Governor anda six years’ term in the Senate of the United States, was nominated by acclamation as Chief Magistrate i>f the State. Gen. J. C. Smith, of Cook County, was placed in nomination for Lieutenant Governor, receiving 511 votes, against 236 for John L Rinaker, and ,43 for John C. Fairbanks. For Secretary of State Henry C. Dement and Louis P. Wolf were named, the first-named receiving the nomination by a large majority. Charles P. Swigert was nominated by acclamation for Auditor. For State Treasurer, Jacob Gross, of Cook County, was made the nominee on the first ballot, Charles Becker,’David T. Littler, and Frederick Reaman being his competitors. For Attorney General, George Hunt received 483 votes and James McCartney 352, and Hunt was declared the nominee. THE PLATFORM. The following resolutions were reported and adopted without a dissenting voice: Whereas, The Republican party has for a quarter of a century had the political thought of this

nation; and, - Whereas, This great party has succeeded by being aggressive and fearless in support of right, • We, the Republicans of Hlinois, in convention assembled, mindful of glories which cluster around its past history, renew our pledges of fidelity to the doctrines which have repeatedly received the indorsement of the people, and the carylng out of which by a loilg line of Governors; from Bissell to Hamilton, has shed such renown upon the commonwealth, make tlffe declaration of principles upon vital questions or the hour, and with these principles we march to victory. Resolved, That this convention is justly proud of the recprd made by the Republican party of Illinois in the administration of the State affairs during the twenty-seven years that the executive department of the State Government has been Intrusted to it. The State debt, with its heavy burden upon the tax-payers, has been wiped out, and all details of administrative duty discharged with' a faithful, intelligent regard to public interest. Resolved, That the debt of this State having been paid off, it is the sense of tills convention that the present revenue law of Illinois can be and should be so readjusted as to be adapted to the present financial condition of the State and the several counties and other municipalities within its borders. r Resolved, That the criminal lawsof this State should be so revised and simplified be to render punishment of crime more certain and speedy, to the end that life and property be more effectually protected. Resolved, That the labor of the people constitutes, the foundation of the wealth of the country, and only when labcr receives such remuneration as will give to the industrious and economical a sniplus beyond the necessaries of life, can prosperity and happiness prevail. It is, therefore, the duty of the legislators, both State and national, to enact laws in the interest and for the protection of labor, and to that end we demand that in levying taxes and duties such discrimination shall be made as will encourage the development of the resources of our own country, and secure our own people a just and reasonable compensation for their toil, and in this system of legislation all interests are concerned. Resolved, That all citizens of this nation are entitled to the full, unrestricted exercise of their civil and political rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, and that it is the duty of the General Government, which it cannot vacate, or fail to enforce, or remand to a State, to secure these rights by the enforcement of laws now existing; and if such laws be found insufficient to secure to every citizen every political and civil right, that it is the solemn duty of Congress to speedily enact snch laws as will protect every oltlzen in such rights. Resolved, That under the Constitution and laws every elector in the nation has the right to the free, untrammeled exercise of the franchise, and we denounce with unmeasured condemnation, as one of the mos’, heinous and un-Ameri-can of crimes,the pol tical, terrorizing, bull-doz-ing murder and frauds resorted to as a means of controlling elections. Resolved, That the Republicans of Illinois approve all legislation which tends to promote fidelity and efficiency in the civil service of the country, and they recognize the fact that a great safeguard against unfaithfulness and inefficiency is the perpetuation in power of the party which has shown itself through a long term of .years ’ worthy of the confidence of the American j people. Resolved, That we indorse the administration , OtGov. John M. Hamilton aw able and pure, and which has placed the party in this State in > splendid array for the great battle of 1884. ■ Resolved, That the wise and statesmanlike ! course pursued by the Hon. Shelby M. Cullom in the United States Senate meets our most cordial approval and gives him new claims upon our gratitude iind respect, which he long since earned by distinguished services in behalf of the people of Illinois. Resolved, That this convention cordially indorses the administration of President Arthur, whose broad statesmanship and good judgment in the details of administrative duty have won for him the approval of the entire country. Resolved, That, as in times past, the Republican party has been largely composed of workingmen, it Should be continued as the guardian of their interests; we do, therefore, earnestly request the Republican members of our State Leg-

paxsage of laws conducive to their best interests, and such as are beat calculated to dignify American labor and elevate the conditioner the workingman. Jieeolved, That, taking a just pride in the integrity and patriotism, purity of character and political sagacity of the soldier-statesman of Illinois, Gen. John A. Logan, whose record, both in peace and in war, has reflected honor and dignity upon the State, promoted the welfare and prosperity of the nation, and illuminated our history, whose glorious services in crushing armed treason and rebellion gain's added luster from his recent ringing denunciation of most cowardly and skulking treason in the army of , the Union, we present his name to the National Convention of the Republican party, to assemble at Chicago on the 3d dav of June next, as that of a person to receive the nomination of the Republican party for President, and to receive-the suffrages of the people of the United States in November next, and that we Instruct the delegates appointed by this convention from the State at large, and request those from the several districts, to give him their individual and earnest support. Relying npon the consistency, fidelity, and patriotism of the Republican party of Illinois, and while desiring the advancement of its chosen leader to the position rendered illustrious by a Lincoln and a Grant, we’pledge to the Republicans of the nation a hearty, earnest, and triumphant support to the nominee at Chicago, whoever he may bo. DELEGATES AND ELECTORS AT LARGE The Hollowing delegates at large to the National Convention at Chicago were elected: Senator Shelby M. Cullom, of Sangamon Coqnty; Gov. John M. Hamilton, of McLean County; Burton C. Cook, of Cook County; Clark E. Carr, of Knox County. Andrew Shuman and Isaac Lesom were chosen as Presidential Electors for the State at large. STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE. A. M. Jones, of Chicago, was re-elected Chairman of the State Central Committee, which is composed as follows: At Large—John W. Bunn, of Sangamon; J. R. Tanner, of Clay: N. A. Parker, of Cook; George E. WMte, of Cook; E. A. Wilcox, of Woodford; P. 8, Post), of Knox; E. B. Pletcher, of Grundy. First District, Jesse Spalding, Chicago: Second. Philip MaAs, Chicago; Third, Bartholomew Quirk, Chicago; Fourth, John J. Healy, Chicago; Fifth, C.A. Patridge, Lake: Sixth, A. M. Jones, Chicago; Seventh, J. W. Templeton, Bureau; Eighth, J. O. Corbns, Mendota; Ninth, Roger D. Sherman, Kankakee; Tenth, Frank Hitchcock, Peoria: Eleventh. Payton Roberts, Monmouth; Twelfth, Oman Peirson, Carrollton; Thirteenth, N. W. Bransen. Petersburg; Fourteenth, C. P. Davis, Monticello; Fifteenth. J. H. Clark, Mattoon; Sixteenth, Thomas W. Scott, Fairfield; Seventeenth, George D. Chaffee, Shelbyville; Eighteenth, Thomas B. Needles: Nineteenth, Generrf James 3. Martin; Twentieth, Ed Mitchell, Marion. OGLESBY’S ACCEPTANCE. During the session of the convention Gov. Oglesby appeared on the platform and was rewceived with cheers, tjje members rising and

waving th*lr hate. The nominee made • speech accepting the nomination. Pennsylvania Republican. The Republican State Convention of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, was presided over by ex-Congressman Galusha A. Grow, who, in his remarks, strongly advocated a high protective tariff. A motion was made by a delegate that the Committee on Resolutions be instructed to bring in a resolution naming ’James G. Blaine for President, and Robert T. Lincoln for Vice President. An amendment was moved and accepted to make the resolution include instructions to the delegates-at-large to vote for Blaine. The motion and amendment were carried by a vote of 200 th-37; nearly all the negative votes came from the Philadelphia delegation. Gen. C. S. Orborne, of Luzerne County, was nominated for Congressman at Large. The following delegates at large to the Chicago Convention were chosen: James McManes, Philadelphia; Lewis Emery, McKean; Hamilton. Diston. Philadelphia; B. F. Jones, Alleghany; P. L. Kimberly, Mercer; William H. Jessup, Susquehanna; and J. W. Lee, Venango. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were adopted: First, congratulating Republicans upon the reestablishment of unity and harmony in the party which has restored Pennsylvania to her place in the Republican column. Second, ap.proving the present protective tariff and demanding its continuance. Third, demanding a free ballot and an honest count. Fourth, urges such such legislation as will suspend the coinage of the standard silver dollar until united action regarding a bimetallic standard with other nations can be had. Fifth, recommends the retirement of the trade dollar in exchange for standard dollars without increasing the monthly issue of the letter. Sixth, says that by the integrity and wisdom of his administration President Arthur has deservedly won the respect, confidence, and commendation of the whole people. Seventh, commends every effort to sustain and promote civil-service reform in the National and State Governments. Eighth, declares that James G. Blaine is the choice of the Republicans of Pennsylvania for President, and instructs the delegates-at-large to vote for him so long as his name shall be before the convention, and to use all honorable means to secure his nomination. South Cai ollna Republican. Robert Smalls, the colored Congressman, wielded the gavel in the South Carolina Republican Convention, which sat at Columbia. Miller, a colored ex-Senator, made a speech, in which he said: "We should put a ticket in the field in every election and make the fight, and, even if martyrs, seal our cause with our blood.” The following delegates to the national convention from the State at large were selected: E. M. Brayton, Internal Revenue Collector of the district ot South Carolina; W. N. Taft, Postpiaster at Charleston; Congressman Robert Smalls and Samuel Lee (colored). They are all pronounced Arthur men. The several Congressional conventions having failed, as required by the rules of the national convention, to meet in their respective districts and elect delegates to the national convention fifteen days before the meeting of the State convention, the latter body, when it -adjourned sine die r subdivided and formed Congressional conventions and elected district delegates without instructions. The entire delegation are solid for Arthur. The following resolution was adopted by acclamation: “Resolved, That, in view of the embarrassing circumstances growing out of the assassination of the late lamented President Jas. A. Garfield, and the extremely delicate position in which the present incumbent—President Chester A. Arthur—was placed, we, the Republicans of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do heartily indorse the administration of President Arthur as wise, economical, and just, without reproach or stain, and perfectly harmonious In all its departments.” 7- A resolution was also adopted condoling with Gen. U. S. Grant in his recent accident, and expressing appreciation of his soldierly qualities and eminent statesmanship. Tennessee .Republicans. The Republican State Cofivention of Tennessee, which met at Nashville, nominated Judge Frank T. Reid, of the Circuit Court of that city, for Governor; and A. M. Hughes, W. XV. Murray, and John B. Rogers Railroad Commissioners. The nominee for Governor was a Confederate soldier, serving through the late war as a private in Forrest's cavalry. The platform indorses the Administration of Arthur: arraigns the Democratic party of Tennessee for the repudiation of ths bonds of the State, and selling the railroads of the State at low prices for bends they had previously branded as fraudulent: charges the Democratic party with pretending to favor low taxes and fewer officeholders, and yet making taxes higher and offices more numerous; denounces the lease of penitentiary labor so as to bring it into competition with free skilled labor, and condemns the Democratic tariff policy as calculated to bring American labor in damaging conflict with the convict and pauper labor of Europe and all the world. The delegates chosen to the National Convention were uninstructed, and are as follows: State at Large—L. C. Houk, of Knoxville; J. C. Napier, of Nashville; T. F. Cassells, of Memphls; W'. P. Brownlow, of Jonesboro. Congressional Districts—A. H. Pettibone, John W. Brown, W. C. Chandler, XV. C. ■ Chumla, H. F. Griseom, F. V. Brown, B. W. Burford. John Pruett. W. T. Elliott, XVilliam Ekin, H. L. XV. Cheatham, B. I. Hadley, A. M. Hughes, Jt.s Richard Harris, 8. W. Hawkins, L C. Watson, Carter Harris, J. H. Smith. According to the most authentic information attainable the choice of the delegation stands 17 for Arthur, 3 for Blaine, 1 for Logan, 1 for Edmunds, 2 doubtful.

New Jersey Republican. State Senator Griggs called the New Jersey Republican State Convention to order at Tren--ton. In a short address he said the industries Of the State looked to the Republican party for safety, and hoped the delegation to Chicago would not be instructed. Congressman Horr, of Michigan, then addressed the convention, committees were appointed, and a recess was taken. On reassembling the temporary organization was made permanent and a platform adopted. The first resolution cordially approves President Arthur’s administration, and the platform continues by saying that, while the Republican party has always supported the protective System upon which the prosperity of our country depends, the Democratic party is pledged to a financial policy which would prove ruinous ta all our- nation’* 1 industries, and that any revision of the tariff should be left to the friends of protection. The resolutions also -approve the civilservice reform act, and ask the repeal of ..tbe Jaw. .cequirinit the partiw®as>.-*eeisog&~«f silver. The ballot for delegates-at-large to the KTrtrisUo ixmveifllwi resulted far the choice of Congressman Phelps. John J. Gardner, Senator Sewell, and ex-Judge Fort, 323 votes being necessary to a choice. Ex-Congressman Robeson, who was a candidate, received 133 votes. The delegates were not Instructed. Alabama Republican. George Turner, Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Alabama, in calling the State Convention to .order, at Montgomery, announced himself a pronounced Arthur man and eulogized the present administration to the fullest extent, and stated that one of his reasons for.supporting President Arthur was on account of the latter’s conservative, patriotic, and able administration, and because of his Southern policy being superior to any previous administration. His remarks were loudly cheered by the delegates. The following delegates-at--I'arge to Chicago were chosen: George Turner, C. C. Sheets, O. W. Braxdell, and J. C. Duke. The Montgomery district elected Paul Strobach and George Washington. J. W. Jones and Arthur Bingham were chosen electors-at-large. Just before adjournment a banner was hung on a stand, inscribed: “Our choice —Chester A. Arthur. Second choice —Jchn A. Logan." The banner will be taken to Chicago. The platform affirms the platform of 1880, indorses the educational bill and protective tariff, denounces the convict system of the State, and says the extraordinary condition of the business of the country is mainly due to Arthur’s successful administration. Arthur, on the first ballot, will get nineteen out of the twenty Alabama votes.

Indiana Republican. Gen. Thos. M. Browne was made Chairman of the Indiana Republican Convention, at Indianapolis, called for the purpose of selecting dele-gates-at-large to the Chicago Convention. The delegates selected are ex-Secretary of the Navy Richard W. Thompson. Senator Benjamin , Harrison, ex-Congressman J. H. Baker, and Morris McDonald, a wealthy merchant of New Albany. The alternates are E. F. Horn (colored), editor of the Colored World; John H. Roelker, of Evansville; Moses Fowler, Lafayette; and G. B. Ward, of White County. It is understood that Thompson will be the Chairman of the delegation. Three of the delegates are said to be for Blaine and one for John Sherman. No effort was made to instruct the delegation. Ont of the thirty representatives that Indiana will have in the*convention, a close estimate gives Blaine 16 dr 17. Arthur 4, John Sherman 2, W. T. Sherpoan 3, and Logan Srobably i. If an Indiana man is a candidate, e of course will receive the solid support. After the adjournment of the convention the Republican State Central Committee met and discussed the outlook. The present Organization, John Overnit yer a’ Chairman and W. H. H. Terrell as Secretary, was continued until after the Chicago Convention. Delaware Republican. When the Delaware Republican Convention met at Dover Richard Harrington, who called

the meeting to order, attempted to make a speech in reference to the State Central Committee, his course as Chairman of that body having been subjected to criticism. The convention would not listen to the speech, and considerable confusion existed so a time. The temporary organization, with Job H. Jackson, a prominent Blaine man, as Chairman, was made permanent. When the convention reassembled after recess the Committee on Resolutions made a report, which was adopted. It related to the organization and government of the Republican party in the State. The fourth and concluding sectiori declares Blaine peculiarly Delaware’s favorite for the Presidency, but favors sending delegates to Chicago uninstructed, except as to how far the recognized opinion of their constituents ought to guide them. The following delegates to the National Convention were chosen: Washington Hastings, John Pilling, George V. Massey, John H. Hoflecker, William J. Steward, and Daniel J. Layton. Hastings is an administration man. West Virginia Democratic. Ex-United States Senator Hereford was made Chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Convention, which assembled at Charleston. Over 400 delegates were present. The convention adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That Samuel J. Tilden is our first choice for the Democratic nomination for President. The following delegates-at-large were chosen to the Chicago Convention: First District. Lewis Baker; Second, ex-State Senator Joe Van Metre; Third, B. F. Harlow; Fourth, D. H. Leonard. District Delegates—First, W. E. Lively and Ed McDonald; Second, H. G. Davis and C. E. XVells; Third, Frank Hereford and Wesley Mollopan; Fourth, C. T. Beall and George Thompson. No alternates were chosen, and the delegates were instructed to vote for Tilden.' Oregon Democratic. TTie Democratic State Convention of Oregon met at Dallas and adopted a platform declaring in favor of the forfeiture of unearned land grants, the regulation of interstate commerce, and a tariff for revenue limited to the necessities of the Government. The de estates to the national convention are: L. L. McArthur, XV. C. Cook, P. F. Hogan, V. R. Strode, A. Es. Waite, T. L. Porter. The Presidential Electors- are L. B. Ison, XV. D. Fenton, A. C. Jones. Ex-Gi>v. W. XV. Thayer, of Portland, was nominated for Supreme Judge, and John Myers, or Clackamas County, for Congress. Resolutions were adopted favoring Tilden and Hendricks as the choice of the Democrats of Oregon for President and Vioe President, respectively. . „. District of Columbia Democratic. At the Democratic Convention held in Washington City, to select delegates to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, XVilliam Dickson and Edward D. Wright were chosen on th&first ballot as delegates, and Thomas J. LuttrMP and Lawrence Gardner as alternates. N either of the delegates exnressed any preference for candidates, and they go uuiustructed, but Dickson’s personal choice is said to be Tlden. Resolutions were adopted in favor of revenue reform and home rule for the District to the extent of giving the important District offices to residents. , __ '■ - . THE IROQUOIS CLUB. Letter from Samuel J» Tilden. The Iroquois Club of Chicago, composed of gentlemen prominent in the Democratic -jarty, recently gave its third annual banquet at the Palmer House, in that city. The local attendance was very large, in addition to which there was a gathering of distinguished Democrats from all parts of the country. Among the speakers were ex-Senator James R. Doolittle, of Wisconsin; Senator George H. Pendleton, of Ohio; Col. W. C. P. Breckinridge, of Kentucky; Hon. J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska; and Judge David Turpie and Hon. Baylis-s XV. Hanna, of Indiana. Letters of regret were read from Gov. Tilden, Senators Bayard, Vance, and Hampton, David A. Wells, Abram 8. Hewitt. S. S. Cox, Gov. Glick, of Kansas, Speaker Carlisle, Gen. McClellan, exSenator Thurman, and many other Democrats of equal prominence. TEXT OF GOV. TILDEN'S LETTER. Gentlemen: ! have had the honor to receive your invitation to the third annual banquet of the Iroquois Club, to respond to the sentiment, “The Federal Constitution." I have also received private letters asking a written response to the sentiment, in case I am prevented from attending. I have been for some time and am still exceptionally engrossed with business which I have no power to defer or abandon; I must, therefore, communicate with you in writing, and my answer must lie brief. . .....—,...■

On the formation of the Federal Constitution, Gouverneur Morris, who had been a conspicuous member of the convention, being asked what he thought of the Constitution, replied: “That depends upon how it is construed.” The Democratic party originated in a resistance by the more advanced patriots of the revolution to the efforts which were made to change the character of our Government by false constructions of the Constitution, impressing on the new system a monarchical bias. Mr. Jefferson’s election in 1800 re-cued our free institutions from the perils which surrounded them, and secured sixty years of administration mainly in harmony, with their design and true character. When an attempt was made to break up the Union and to dismember the territorial integrity of the country, the people were compelled to make a manly choice between these calamities and the dangerous influences of civil war upon the character of the Government. They patriotically and wisely resolved to save the Union first," and to repair the damage which our political system might sustain when the more imminent dangers had been provided against. The first work was successfully accomplished; but twenty years have since elapsed, and the work of restoring the Government to its original character is not yet accomplished. Our wise ancestors had warned us that, it we fell into civil discords, our free system was liable to perish in the struggle by an insensible change of its character. Not only have the best traditions of the patriots who won independence and established freedom lost their authority, but our cherished political system is slowly losing its hold upon life under the fungus growth of false constructions and corrupt practices. Government itself has become a menacing factor in the elections. As long ago as 18761 expressed the opinion that the opposition must embrace at the beginning of the canvass two-thirds of the voters to maintain a majority at the election. In this, history repeats itself. In most countries the Government m intains itself by lorce of fraud. Even in the comparatively popular system of England, the monarch has until lately controlled a majority tions by court favors, jobs, and money taken but recent publications of the papers of her deceased statesmen leave no doubt upon the subject. In our own country the, Government, instead of standing as an impartial arbiter amid the conflicts of maturing opinion and contending interests, has itself descended into the arena, equipped with all the weapons of partisanship. Its myriads of office-holders; its alliances with or against vast pecuniary interests; its unlimited command of money. levied from its depen dents and contractors have sufficed to determine a majority in every case but one. In that case, it collected military forces around the Capitol, and by this and other menaces intimidated the Congressional representatives of a majority of the people to relinquish the fruits of their victory and to surrender the Government to the control of a minority. No reform of the administration is possible as long as the Government is directed by a party which is under the dominion of false doctrines and animated by enormous pecuniary interests in the perpetuation of existing abuses. The first effectual steps in the refoi m of our Government must* be a fundamental change in the policy of its administration. The work of reform will be difficult enough with the whole power of the Government exerted in accomplishing it. I have such faith in the benignant providence which has presided over the destiny of our country in every great trial hitherto, that I do not despair of our ultimate deliverance. Though I can no longer aspire to be one of the leaders in this great work. I bid those upon whom this august mission may fall, godspeed. .’New York, April 11, IBBi. S. J. Tilden. McDonald. The Indiana Ex-Senator Announced as a Candidate. Ex-Ser.ator McDonald has been announced as a candidate for the Presidency by the Indiana Democratic Association at Washington. At a recent meeting of the association Representative Cobb offered the following resolution: WHStEAft, The name’of J the Hun. Joseph E. McDonald, of Indiana, has been prominently mentioned as a fit and available candidate for the Presidency; therefore .Resolved, by the Indiana Democratic Association at Washington, that we recognize in the Hon. Joseph E. McDonald the patriot, statesman, and Democrat who has ever been faithful to ids party and his country. That, in the judgment of this association, the nomination of McDonald for the Presidency by the Democratic National.Conveution would establish harmony in the j arty throughout the country, and result in the success of Democratic principles at-the approaching Presidential election. Senator Voorhees made a speech in support of* the resolution, which was unanimously adopted. Joseph Fisher, of Craig County, Va.. 94 years old, weighs but . fifty pounds, is four feet and a half high, and wears boys’ boots.