Accepting the Republican Nomination for Governor, before the
Republican State Convention, July 17th, 1884.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: I am profoundly sensible of the
distinguished honor you have conferred upon me. To be selected for the
Chief Magistracy of such a State as this, by even a bare majority of
such a Convention as this, would be a distinction of which any citizen
might justly be proud. To be nominated for that position, as I have
been, with such unprecedented unanimity, and to know that your
preference fairly voiced that of the great party you represent, is an
honor which not only fills the measure of my ambition, but overwhelms me
with anxiety. For how shall I deserve such generous confidence? How can
I make return for your kindness, your trust, your friendship?
I can only say, at this time, that I accept your nomination with sincere
gratitude, and that the duties and responsibilities it imposes on me I
shall endeavor to discharge faithfully, honestly, and to the best of my
ability, conscious that I have behind me, to guide, counsel and assist
me, the best brain, the best thought, the highest and most enlightened
intelligence, the purest and bravest purpose—in short, the Republican
party of Kansas.
This State has been my home for nearly twenty-eight years. With its
growth, its interests, its thoughts, my whole life, since boyhood, has
been identified. I have watched, with anxious solicitude, every step and
stage of its wonderful development, and every year my pride and
confidence in its great future have been more than justified. I have,
too, during all of that period, given my conscientious adherence to the
Republican party. Doubt or question as to what party my allegiance was
due, has never entered my mind. From the date of its admission into the
Union until the present time, the Republican party has steadily
controlled the destinies of this State. Can anyone truthfully assert
that it has not governed wisely and well? Let the results of its
rule—the abounding prosperity that fills the homes of Kansas; the peace,
order and sobriety prevailing throughout its borders; its marvelous
growth, unparalleled in the growth of any other American State—let these
accomplished facts make answer. In its infancy the Republican party of
Kansas enriched the history of a dark and troubled period with a record
of duties bravely and humanely discharged. In its youth, when war-drums
were throbbing and battle-flags were waving, the government it
inaugurated not only protected the borders of the State against hostile
invasion, but sent more men to the war, in proportion to population,
than any other State of the Union. In its manhood it has given to the
people an honest, economical, stable administration; has dotted every
hill-top with schools; has made generous provision for the unfortunate;
has sternly repressed outbreaking crime; and has made life and property
as secure as they are anywhere under the shining stars. This is, briefly
stated, the record of Republican administration in Kansas. Match it, if
you can, with the history of any party in any other State.
This is not the time for a discussion of the broader issues of national
politics. Blaine and Logan need no eulogy. For a quarter of a century,
in war and in peace, their career has been inseparably associated with
the grandest and most beneficent achievements of the Nation. The people
know them, and love them, and propose to elect them.
And now, gentlemen, before you, the delegated representatives of the
Republican party of Kansas, I renew my allegiance to Republicanism, to
Kansas; to her constitution, her laws, and to the platform here adopted,
which speaks for each and all of them.