"We took the ship of state when there was treachery at the helm, when there was mutiny on the deck, when the ship was among the rocks, and we put loyalty at the helm; we brought the deck into order and subjection. We have brought the ship into the wide and open sea of prosperity, and it is to be suggested that the party that has accomplished these magnificent achievements cannot sail and manage the good ship in the frequented roadways of ordinary commerce?"

Interesting. A mixed metaphor, when he speaks of sailing the ship into the roadway. Still, very interesting. You understand that the Senator is talking about the Republican Party's rise to the presidency during the Civil War. By "brought the ship into the wide and open sea of prosperity," he is referring to the series of Republican presidents since then. You ponder these words, and as you look about, you see a look of agreement and admiration in every face. "It's amazing," you muse, "how many people around here see the Republican party as a sort of wise father, or even as a savior!" You file the thought away and return your attention to the speech.

"President Cleveland has radically changed the sailing course of the ship, only because, in his rash actions, he has made the mistake of mistaking the flashlight of some British lighthouse for the light of day."

Britain? You remember Uncle Sam leading John Bull in the parade, and wonder if there is any connection. The writing on the bull's sash said that John Bull controlled the Democratic party: could this be what the Senator means? You listen attentively as he continues to speak. Apparently, President Cleveland has given his support to a new piece of Democratic legislation called the Mills Bill, which calls for lower tariffs on European goods. The Republican party and Senator Harrison believe that this only opens America up to goods made by "slaves," the destitute European labor force. Harrison promises to maintain the protective high tariff already established.

"Two propositions...now stare our working people--and the whole country--in the face...: competition with foreign countries, without adequate discriminating and favoring duties, means lower wages to our working people; a revenue-only tariff, or progressive free trade, means larger importations of foreign goods, and that means less work in America."

In his own words, he calls for, "...protection to American labor against the pauper labor of Europe..." by boycotting or levying high duties on foreign luxury items. Reflecting on this, you realize that it is an excellent strategy. Just as Hoosiers are disdainful of anyone they consider "too showy," they are also critical of anyone who would purhcase an imported French coffeepot or an English rifle. American goods, they maintain, are quite good enough for an American!

Next, the Senator lapses into a long diatribe on currency, which, quite frankly, leaves you a bit muddled. You are not able to follow his discussion of exchange rates, the gold standard, and other financial matters. However, it is perfectly clear to you that the Republicans support using both gold and silver in coinage. They demand restrictions and provisions such that, whether a dollar is minted out of gold or silver, its value never changes, and it always remains a dollar, backed up by the government. Evidentally, some independent congressman has proposed demonetizing silver. Although you are not at all sure that anyone in the crowd understands this financial matter better than you, you notice several other men nodding their heads and muttering words of support as the Senator speaks of it.

Harrison also speaks at length about providing veterans' benefits to discharged GAR soldiers. THIS strikes a very definite chord. As Harrison states that "the gratitude of the Nation to the defenders of the Union cannot be measured by laws," you look about and notice several men in their Union blues. While the Grand Army of the Republic is technically non-political, you've never known a single member of the Civil War veterans' association, or, indeed, any Civil War veteran, who was not a Republican. To your astonishment, just as Harrison finishes his sentence, the entire crowd breaks out in song. It is a song lampooning President Cleveland, and how he hired a substitute to fight for him in the Civil War. It is sung to the tune of "Marching Through Georgia:"

Grover Cleveland sent a substitute where he did not dare to go,

Into the Union Army to face a rebel foe;

There he left this poor old German to die a death of woe

While he was boasting of our Union victory!

While the Senator seems a bit flustered at this, he resumes talking and finishes his speech. The remainder is fairly straightforward and unspectacular: you learn that Harrison intends to repeal all taxes on tobacco and that he intends to abolish polygamy in the Territories. After another fifteen minutes, the speech is over, and Harrison resumes shaking hands. You do not stay. You estimate that it must be nine o'clock or later, so you make your way to your Uncle Ezra's. Your intention is to leave your parcel at the door and look for lodgings somewhere in town, but you learn from your aunt that your uncle is at a dinner, and should be out for at least a few more hours. Gladdened by the prospect of a bed and a meal without having to endure your uncle's terrible company, you spend the night and strike out early the next morning. As the horses make their way down the Cashtown Pike, you consider the party platform that you heard about the night before. It should be very useful. You realize that you heard biased data, but at least you learned what the important issues of this upcoming election are. Confident in your new wisdom, you concentrate on the drive ahead.

Go home and wait for the election!

(The bust at the top of the page is of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a great orator, and a contemporary of Gaius Julius Caesar)