Dickinson, Edward B., Stenographer; National Democratic Committee. Official Proceedings of the National Democratic Convention, Held in Chicago, ILL., July 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th, 1884 . New York: Douglas Taylor's Democratic Printing House, 1884. [format: book], [genre: proceedings]. Permission: Northern Illinois University
Persistent link to this document: http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/file.php?file=democrat1884.html

MR. PRESIDENT, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION: By direction of the Pennsylvania Delegation I arise to nominate to the Democracy of the Republic here assembled a candidate for President of the United States.

The name I give you is found upon every page of your country's and your party's history for two decades. It is that of no untried tyro in political affairs.

In the prime and vigor of his matured manhood, with every faculty trained in practical government, an official life of twenty years lies behind him, clear, luminous and pure. No dishonest action no corrupt practices have stained his escutcheon, and whilst most of his contemporaries in public life have grown rich through devious and unknown ways, he is still a poor man, whose highest aim has been to fitly serve his people and the Republic.

Democrats, the hour has struck for the nomination of a Democrat, grounded in the faith and tried in the stern crucible of his party's service. The pathway of expediency is strewn with the wrecks of our failures. Let us be honest now. Let us stand by the record of our own pure, public men. Let us boldly appeal to the people upon that record and spurn the delusive promises of our erstwhile bitter foes.

The name of such a man we bring you. His practiced hand, experienced foresight and conversance with public affairs, will build the foundations of your return to power so broad and deep that they will be permanent. He has been practically the leader of his party during twelve years in the National House of Representatives, and his career there has been of vast public benefit.

Favoring a reduction of taxation and an economical administration of the Government, he has, with skill and success, resisted lavish

expenditures of the public moneys, waste of the public domain and unconstitutional and tyrannical Force bills. His iron will has put the knife to corrupting extravagance, and he has given us comparative purity of administration.

Earnest in purpose, pure in life, a trained tribune of the people, and a thorough statesman:

This man, her son, Pennsylvania presents to you as her candidate for President of the United States, in the person of Samuel J. Randall, the great Commoner.

HON. ORESTES CLEVELAND, of New Jersey: When on the call of the roll of the States the State of New Jersey was called she was silent. But on behalf of a portion of the Delegation from New Jersey it is desired that Gov. Abbett of that State shall now second the nomination of the Hon. Samuel J. Randall, and I respectfully ask from this Convention unanimous consent for that seconding.

THE CHAIR: The gentleman from New Jersey asks unanimous consent that Gov. Abbett of that State be permitted to second the nomination of Samuel J. Randall. Unless objection is heard consent will be given. The Chair hears no objection, and Gov. Abbett has the permission of the Convention.