Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1884 — SENATOR EDMUNDS. [ARTICLE]

SENATOR EDMUNDS.

The Defeat of the Democratic Party the One Paramount Weed. [Burlington (Vt.) special] The most notable rally of the week in Vermont took place here to-day, in the City Hall, which was packed to overflowing. The speakers were Congressman Horr, of Michigan, and Congressman Stewart of Vermont. Senator Edmunds presided at the meeting, and spoke as follows: “Gentlemen: I thank you for the compliment implied in selecting me to preside on this interesting occasion. As you have come here to listen to distinguished gentlemen who have not the felicity or residing in Burlington, and some of them not even the comfort and safety of Jiving in Vermont, the pole star of sound politics, it would be both ungracious and cruel in me to occupy the time that has been devoted to our guests. I must say, however, that a very close study and observation of the professions and practices of the Democratic party in Congress and in the country, that the generous confidence of my fellow-citizens has enabled me to make for a long period, has demonstrated to my mind that the safety and welfare of the people of the United States continue to demand its exclusion from power. Whatever doubts or difficulties may embarrass our countrymen, here or elsewhere in the United States, it seems to me that in the present attitude of political affairs the defeat of the Democratic party is a need fairly paramount to any other. I recognize fully the liberty of belief, of opinion, and of action that belongs to citizenship. It is a fundamental part of our creed, and none of us can fail to feel the great responsibility that results from that freedom Under such responsibility, and looking at every aspect of the public weal, the people of' the State of Vermont are again to express, their opinions of the principles, the methods, and the purposes of the Democratic pat ty. It has been wrong for more than a quarter of a century, and, I fear, will continue so for a long time to come. In the recent periods, when it had control of one or the other of the houses pf Congress, it demonstrated its unfitness for government in respect to nearly all the important measures it proposed or resisted, and every succeeding year seems to decorate it with a new folly. But I must return to the duty I stated at the outset. 1 have the pleasure of presenting to you Congressman Horr, of Michijean." The condition of Senator Edmunds' private business, and the ill health of his family, have consumed to retire him from publicity this summer. He is at present closely engaged in preparation for the trial of an important telephone suit. »- '■ ' ; ■) . The Democrats are determined to make a desperate effort to capture Ohio in October. The brewers have already contributed $350,000 to be used as a campaign fundin that State, and other large contributions

wit! be made by the Standard Oil Company and other monopolies. The Saloonkeepers’ Association of the State will also be utilized, and every one of its 33,000 members is relied on to win over a Republican to the Democratic and saloonkeeper cause. The money will be ready for use the Bth of September, and thereafter will be freely scattered where it will do most good. The campaign will be fought by the Democrate t mainly on the liquor and barrel issues and on the still-bunt plan.— Chicago Tribune.