![]() They call for more than any display-however justified-of partisan pride. The circumstances of this anniversary, then, call for much more than the oratory of self-congratulation. And at this precise time again there has come the summons of the American people calling upon the Republican Party to redeem the hopes of the past and to save the promise of the future. It is a time, too, which has seen an institution of slavery-now elevated to the awful dignity of a political philosophy and inspired with the terrible ambition of world conquest-divide not a nation, but the world, against itself. We, who shall shortly be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of that party that came so to birth, find ourselves, too, living in a time dark with the shadow of dreaded war. That purpose, everywhere plainly defined and passionately proclaimed, was to halt the extension of the institution of slavery. But there is no dispute as to the purpose inspiring the many groups who reached for a new hope and a new party which they called Republican. To many, the drift toward civil war seemed fatefully sure. Everywhere the tremors of a divided nation were felt. And indeed political dissent and disillusion were seething in those years far across town limits and state borders. Other towns, understandably coveting the honors of history, dispute the particular claim of this Wisconsin community. It came with the meeting of a small group of rebellious Whigs and disenchanted Democrats in the little town of Ripon, Wisconsin. Now, we would be wise, I think, to recall briefly the circumstances of that event, just a few months short of 100 years ago. Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Republican Party is nearing the 100th Anniversary of its founding. I suggest that a list of names such as I have just recited gives some idea of the brilliance of the political leadership that this great section of our country-the thumb of our country, if you please-has produced. Of course, I cannot possibly list all of the great individuals who are here this evening, but certainly I must mention my friend Governor Gregg of New Hampshire, and Lieutenant Governor Johnson, Senator Flanders and finally I think there must be something unique that we can have here on the platform this evening both the present and the future Speaker of the House of Representatives in Washington, and the present and the next President Pro Tem of the Senate. And of course, every day each of us has many reasons for feeling indebted to Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge for his work in the United Nations. And Senator George Aiken, Chairman of that great Agricultural Committee and Secretary of Commerce, my colleague in Washington, Sinclair Weeks. And then John Lodge, Governor of Connecticut, and Governor Cross of Maine-and I shall not forget it is the northeastern of our States. Very naturally, I am happy to be with my colleague and old friend, Chris Herter, your Governor, whom I expect again to be Governor. I have just been introduced by Senator Saltonstall, the Chairman of the great National Defense Senate Committee, and as such a crucial and key figure in that great body. ![]() Now, in spite of this embarrassment, I would like on this occasion and in front of this audience, to say just a word of my obligation to some of the political leaders that have appeared here this evening, and who do us so much honor by their presence. It was: always take your job seriously, never yourself. Thank goodness, many years ago, I had a preceptor, for whom my admiration has never died, and he had a favorite saying, one that I trust I try to live by. Maybe I was more eloquent than I thought.After the embarrassing generosity of the compliments that have been paid me this evening from this platform, you can well understand that I am in some danger of thinking a little too well of myself.He gave an eloquent speech after dinner.She was an eloquent speaker, able to move and inspire audiences.The poem is full of eloquent phrases about the beauty of nature.Aunt Margaret presided over the table with placid contentment, urging them to eat with eloquent movements of the eyes and hands.Archbishop Ralph's eloquent letter to the pope had had no effect. ![]()
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