GREAT SPEECH OF HON. THEO. A. BELL Temporary Chairman of the Mr. Bell Demands Equality of Opportunity THAT RICH AND POOR FARE INSINCERITY OF REPUBLICANS MUST BE THE HOUR SOLVED, HE SAYS IN KEYNOTE SPEECH SPEECH OF HON. THEO. A. BELL We have assembled at a time when the public conscience is demanding honesty of purpose in the men who undertake to direct the affairs of state. The public eye is keenly sensitive to every political movement, and our proceedings here will be approved according to the degree of sincerity appearing in the work of this convention. There is a widespread belief, founded upon evidence of a convincing character, that the party in power has not been true to its trust, that it has betrayed the common interest into the hands of the enemies of good government, thereby forfeiting its right and destroying its ability to rule in the name of the people. Apparent to every one is the fact that way down deep in the heart of the Republican convention at Chicago there was a feeling of anger and resentment over the popular clamor for reform, and it is usually patent that there is no bona fide intention on the part of the Republican party of granting any reforms, if the machinery of that party can be retained in present hands. Its paper platform, divided like ancient Gaul into three parts-barren promises, makeshifts and evasions—it is hoped, will make a good campaign transparency; but no one seriously believes that the Republican party really indorses that neutral manuscript which held the convention together until it could ratify the nomination of a presidential candidate. NAMES THREE THINGS WHICH CONVENTION SHOULD DO. Apparently our great task in a manly, dignified manner, imbued with the loftiest sentiments of patriotism, ambitions to throw every safeguard around the liberties of our people, determined to stamp out the abuses that are consuming the substance of the nation, let us proceed to our appointed duty with the sustaining consciousness that we are responsible alone to God and to our country for the justness of (Applause.) our cause. There are three things that this convention should do: It ought to present in a plain and intel ligible manner the serious industrial and political conditions that are disturbing the peace and happiness of our country. We should then proceed to a courageous exposure of the Republican policies that are co-operating with private greed in the general oppression of the people. Most important of all, we must exhibit a readiness and an ability to grasp the problems of the hour and to effect their solution in a manner that will satisfy the sober common sense of the multitudes whose interests are at stake. (Ap plause.) Among the great evils that afflict the country at the present time is the abuse of corporate power. At first the advancing aggressions of the corporations are not discernible to the common eye, for every move is carefully covered up until sufficient political strength is attained to defy the protests of the people. Thus the constant and insidious invasion of the people's rights finally results in a species of arrogance and defiance so formidable in its appearance that the body of the people, in fear of ever worse aggressions, hesitate to assert and exercise their rightful authority over these colossal enemies of the commonwealth. And so we behold a subversion of our free institutions, a government voluntarily subordinating it self to selfish, private ends, special privilege resorting to cunning, bribery and intimidation to maintain its unholy power, while the masses timidly hope that when avarice has at last reached the point of satiety it will then benevolently permit the people to resume their rightful share in the government of themselves. Whenever the mutterings of the people become too threatening the cry of confiscation goes up and appeals are frantically made to the sacred rights of party. This is intended to affright the ears of honest men in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry and thrift, and by thus playing upon their prejudice and fears to deter them from casting their influence on the side of wholesome reforms. The cry of confiscation is the historic defense of usurpation. Let the people take warning. Whenever the wrongs of to-day become the vested rights of to-morrow the nation is in deadly peril. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DEMAND OF DEMOCRACY. The Democratic party is not the enemy of property; but, to the contrary, it has always stood and will continue to stand firmly against every species of aggression that would deprive any man of the rewards to which his patience, his skill, his industry and his economy entitle him. Our party approves that feeling of pride which always accompanies the possession of property, and it commends an individual ownership in the soil that will bring to the homes of America more of the conveniences, comforts and luxuries of life. Against the crils of special privilege we urge the benefits of equal opportunity, in order that there may be more land owners, more homes, and more happiness among the masses. The Democratic party is not an enemy of all corporations. It recognizes their great value in the industrial world. Through the agency of incorporation scattered wealth is brought together and given a driving force that it would not otherwise possess. Great |