Speeches of Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the United States — John Shaqi
Speeches of Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the United StatesHarrison, Benjamin
History
Speeches of Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the United States
Harrison, Benjamin
Harrison, Benjamin, 1833-1901; Speeches, addresses, etc., American; United States -- Politics and government
It is a very pleasant thing in politics when this sort of testimony
is possible, and it is very gratifying to me to-night to receive it at
your hands. I do not know why we cannot hold our political differences
with respect for each other's opinions, and with entire respect for
each other personally. Our opinions upon the great questions which
divide parties ought not to be held in such a spirit of bigotry as
will prevent us from extending to a political opponent the concession
of honesty in his opinion and that personal respect to which he may be
entitled. [Applause.]
I very much value this visit from you, for I think I know how to
estimate the commercial travellers of America. I am not going to open
before you to-night any store of flattery. I do not think there is
any market for it here. [Laughter and cries of "That's good!" and
cheers.] You know the value of that commodity perfectly. [Laughter
and continued applause.] I do not mean to suggest at all that you are
dealers in it yourselves [laughter] in your intercourse with your
customers, but I do mean to say that your wide acquaintance with men,
that judgment of character and even of the moods of men which is
essential to the successful prosecution of your business makes you a
very unpromising audience upon which to pass any stale compliments.
My memory goes back to the time when there were no commercial
travellers. When I first came to Indianapolis to reside your
profession was not known. The retail merchant went to the wholesale
house and made his selections there. I appreciate the fact that those
who successfully pursue your calling must, in the nature of things,
be masters of the business in which you are engaged and possess great
adaptability and a high order of intelligence.
I thank you again for this visit; and give you in return my most
sincere respect and regard. [Applause.] I regret that there is not
room enough here for your comfort [a voice: "There will be more room
in the White House!" Another: "We will take your order now and deliver
the goods in November!"], but I shall be glad if any or all of you
will remain for a better acquaintance and less formal intercourse.
[Great applause and rousing cheers for the next President.]
INDIANAPOLIS, JULY 9.
The first of many delegations from other States arrived July 9, from
the city of Benton Harbor, Mich., and included many ladies. The leading
members were F. R. Gilson, Ambrose H. Rowe, Wm. S. Farmer, G. M.
Valentines, W. B. Shanklin, E. M. Elick, A. J. Kidd, C. C. Sweet, O. B.
Hipp, R. M. Jones, W. L. Hogan, James McDonald, Allen Brunson, Frank
Melton, P. W. Hall, Geo. W. Platt, W. L. McClure, J. C. Purrill, E. H.
Kelly, J. A. Crawford, M. J. Vincent, Dr. Boston, M. G. Kennedy, and
Dr. J. Bell. General L. M. Ward was spokesman for the visitors. General
Harrison said:
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