Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/377

 may well claim to be the leader among Republican states. The principles which are embodied in the platform of the party as we have adopted it are the result of the teachings of her scholars and statesmen. Her majorities for the nominees of that party have been greater and more certain than those of any other state. She alone, of all the states, since the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, has never given an electoral vote against a candidate of the Republican party for the presidency. She is unselfish in her devotion. During the period of the half century that has gone, no son of hers has been either president or vice president. She has been satisfied, like the Earl of Warwick, to be the maker of kings. She has been content that regard should be given to the success of the party and the welfare of the country, rather than to the personal interests of her citizens.

The waters of the Ohio, rising amid the mountains of Pennsylvania, roll westward, bearing fertility to the prairie lands of Indiana. The thought of Pennsylvania Republicans, with kindred movement, turns toward the state which has produced Oliver P. Morton, Benjamin Harrison and the brave Hoosiers who fought alongside of Reynolds on the Oak Ridge at Gettysburg. She well remembers that when her own Senator, he who did so much for the Republican party, and whose wise counsels, alas! are missing today, bore a commission to Washington, he had no more sincere supporter than the able and distinguished statesman who then, as he does now, represented Indiana in the United States Senate. Pennsylvania, with the approval of her judgment and with glad anticipation of victory in her heart, following a leader who, like the Chevalier of France, is without fear and without reproach, seconds the nomination for the vice presidency of Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana.

My voice is peculiar, but there are tones in it which are penetrating and reach far. Members of our delegation told me that they could hear easily, and certain it is that there was no whispering in the audience and that they gave attention to the address. At its close there came what was called an ovation of applause and Fairbanks came to my rooms to offer his thanks.

Chauncey M. Depew also made a speech in behalf of the nomination of the vice president.

About this time the Philobiblon Club, at my suggestion, Rh