YORK, Neb., Sept. 1.—;[Special.]—;Hon. John M. Thurston opened the republican campaign in this city this afternoon by expounding good republican doctrine from the platform in the court house square for two hours. The largest crowd that has greeted a political speaker in this city for several years listened to Mr. Thurston with intense interest. The platform was very handsomely decorated with flags and the business houses of the city were decorated in honor of the occasion. Mr. Thurston aroused the old-time republican enthusiasm and showed up the fallacies of the populist party to the satisfaction of all present.
In his speech this afternoon Mr. Thurston spoke at length on the silver question and made very clear the position of the republican party on silver. He announced it as in favor of coining the American product and placing a tariff on foreign silver.
He said that in a speech that he made at the opening of the corn palace at Sioux City five years ago he announced his views on silver and that they were the same yet. He said he would rather stand on a principle and sink into political oblivion than attempt to straddle a wooden horse pointed in two directions for personal advancement. In speaking of the state and legislative tickets he urged republicans to stand by the ticket, as principles and not men were to be fought for. He said many men were better than one, and predicted that the republican majority in Nebraska this year would be greater than for several years.
At the close of Mr. Thurston's speech the Arion quartet, which had just returned from Red Cloud, was called for and responded with "We Will All Be Happy Then." When they came to that part which runs "and we will place Tom Majors in the chair" the crowd went wild. This shows the feeling in this county. They were encored and sang "Nebraska Will Be in Line."
Mr. Thurston spoke again tonight to as large a crowd as this afternoon. He confined himself mostly to the tariff question, giving a very simple but convincing argument of the tariff as advocated by the republican party. He arraigned the democratic party for the position it has taken on the tariff and for the repeal of the federal election laws. Many who have been identified with the populist party showed their interest by remaining to hear the speech tonight. The York military band furnished music this evening. The quartet sang two numbers also, and again when Majors was referred to the audience expressed its feelings. York county will be in line this fall.
OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 1.—[Special.]—The democratic convention for the second congressional district met this afternoon at Patterson's hall. It was understood from the first that James E. Boyd was to be the nominee of the convention, the only question being whether or not he would accept the nomination. Chairman F. A. Brogan called the convention to order at 3:10 o'clock. Edgar P. Howard of Papillion was appointed temporary chairman and Louis J. Piatti secretary. Following a few irregular motions and discussions, D. L. Cartan's motion to make the temporary organization permanent was carried.
Judge Ogden took the floor and said that Governor Boyd could not for personal business reasons accept the nomination.
Dan B. Honin said that he personally knew that Boyd would accept if chosen and made a motion that the nomination be made unanimous.
A committee waited upon Governor Boyd and upon its returning to the convention room Honin's motion was taken up and carried.
Governor Boyd appeared before the convention and spoke as follows: "Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention: I presume that every gentleman present is aware of the fact that it was with the greatest reluctance, at a sacrifice of my personal comfort, at variance with my business interests and only for my party's sake that I consent to permit the use of my name for the nomination which you have this day unanimously bestowed upon me. None the less, however, do I appreciate and value the honor, and, although I would have much preferred that you had selected some other, I accept the responsibility and if elected—and I have the assurance of the young democrats of this district that they can and will elect me—I will devote my time and all the ability I posses to promoting the interests of the people, not only of this district but of the state and of the whole country as well."
A resolution was adopted that Governor Boyd be allowed to select the congressional committee, but the honor was declined. The committee selected by the county delegates was as follows: Douglas county, W. F. Wappyth, George Shields, D. L. Cartan, Lee Sprathum and Samuel Gosney; Washington county, E. A. Stewart, Blair; D. W. Prunar, Kennard; Sarpy county, Edgar Howard, Papillion; Ruel Alford, Gretna.
RED CLOUD, Neb., Sept. 1.—[Special.]—A rousing republican meeting was held at this place last evening under the auspices of the local club. The Arion quartet of York was first introduced and the current of republican enthusiasm mounted high. They were recalled and recalled again and every note made votes. Hon. W. E. Andrews was the speaker of the evening and was accorded an ovation as he advanced upon the stage. His address was characteristic. Taking up the subject of state politics, he argued for an honest, economical administration of affairs, such as the present governor has given us. Passing to topics of national legislation, he showed a great knowledge of affairs political and much force in presenting broad and liberal argument. Tariff pensions, finance—every item was made the subject of his eloquence with effect. The audience was attentive and appreciative. His effort was one of the ablest presentations of the republican contentions that our people have had the pleasure of hearing. From the ground of exposition he passed to attack and thoroughly scored the party in power for its deceits and tricks in the application of a policy universally hurtful. His appeal to lovers of law and order in troublous times met the spirit of the audience and he was cheered to the echo.
Hon. W. A. McKeighan was invited to a place upon the platform, where he had a good opportunity to observe the enthusiasm of his neighbors for his rival.
This is the opening of the campaign in this county, one of the battlegrounds of the Fifth congressional district, and its success presages certain victory.
CRETE, Neb., Sept. 1. —[Special.]—In the democratic primaries here today the administration forces carried the day by a good majority.
Friend, Neb., Sept. 1. —[Special]—The democratic caucus held here this afternoon resulted in a victory for the administration forces by a vote of 38 to 11.
O'NEIL, Neb., Sept. 1. —[Special.]—The republican senatorial convention for the Thirteenth district was held here today and nominated Samuel C. Sample, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants' National bank, for senator. There were present nineteen delegates out of twenty-one, Garfield county not being represented. The district has been represented by a populist for four years past and the election of a republican is somewhat doubtful, but Mr. Sample has a fighting chance of election. He is well qualified.
HUMBOLDT, Sept. 1. —[Special.]—The populists of Richardson and Pawnee counties met in convention here today to nominate a senatorial candidate. The six delegates from Pawnee county were instructed for Mayberry of Pawnee City, but the eight delegates from this county were too many for them and George Colton of Table Rock was nominated. Democrats were predominant in the convention, and there is a mutual understanding in this county that they will make no nomination for senator, but indorse the populist candidate, and the democrats will nominate three legislative candidates and the populists will indorse them.
MINDEN, Neb., Sept. 1. —[Special.]—The independent county convention was held here today. Harsen Yensen, present chairman of the county board, was nominated for the representative and Ed L. Adams was renominated [sic] for county attorney. Resolutions were passed indorsing the state and congressional platforms. There was no unusual enthusiasm. Professor Irvin of Orleans delivered an address of an hour's length which was wild and woolly. It was no such crowd as listened to Thurston just a week before.
KEARNEY, Neb., Sept. 1. —[Special.] —The Buffalo county republican convention was held today. Norris Brown was nominated for the county attorney by acclamation and John Brady and Frank Reed of Shelton were nominated for representatives. The principles declared by John M. Thurston at Omaha were indorsed. It is a strong ticket.
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