The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1884-09-11

improbable, the prediction made long ago
of a South Dakota man for congress now
appears almost verified. From the rip
pling Sioux to the mighty Missouri the
cry has become engrafted thoroughly, be-
yond erasure Or eradication, and when the
gathering Of sifted personalities shall arise
and fulfill the sacred expectations entrust-
ed IN them by their home supporters, it
will be found that the request for recogni-
milton by the scores Of loyal newspapers in
South Dakota has neither been vainless
or without result.
Right here we would like to say that
nothing is cherished against Raymond.
We believe that he has made an honest
and industrious record, gaining for Dako-
ia many valuable acquisitions during his
term as delegate from our territory. But
arising absolute and supreme in the minds
of South Dakotaians looms up aggressive
ly the desire for division and admission,
and when that feature marks the epoch of
Dakota historical existence it is natural
ly preferable that the representative in
congress should reside within the limits of
the mappe6~out state. Raymond being
resident of North Dakota, the adverse
sentiment toward his return is more in
tense at this critical juncture in our exist
ence that would mark the course of affairs
under circumstances of different nature.
With a congress ready and willing to take
action on the long deferred request of ad
mission. the people naturally desire man
whose interests are more closely affiliated
or whose residence is already established
within our own limits, and although plac-
ing implicit confidence in his fairness and
uprightness, should division be accom-
plished we believe our interests would re-
cieve more minute attention from a
South Dakota man.
Another feature and an undeniably
prominent one at that, enters into the
contest, and that is the occasional intcrect-
ion from some North Dakota rodomont
concerning the ability or policy of the dis
united south, boasting in exultant man
ners over our lack of home interest and
powers of unifcation Their victories of
the past four years have placed them in
the position Of exactors, and their sue
cessful walk-oyecs of former days are
thrown at our faces as evidence Of weak
ness. By the records of equalization we
find at every point and in every detail
nearly fifty per cent. superiority oyer
North Dakota-either population, valua-
ton or cultivation. Is it right that the
majority should kneel to the minority? Is
it right that the minority should be eleva
ted and the majority obscured? Is it
right that North Dakota should represent
the broad territory of Dakota two sue
cessivc terms in congress, when in reality
her equalization should place her second
ary to the wishes and demands of our
four hundred thousand people? Is it right
that l3G delegates in a mighty conven-
ton of 400 representatives be allotted the |
fruits and the $50 the thorns? Is it right |
that the Sioux valley, the wealthiest and
most densely populated valley in the ter
ritory, should continually receive the cold
shoulder Is it not pure dcspotic domina-
ton for minority, after securing the
state house, the governor, the secretary.
the attorney general, the treasurer, an in
sane asylum, an agricultural college, a
penitentiary and numerous other features
that tend to assist toward developmental
aseendancy, to now peremptorily urge
claim for the exaction of our delegate in
In other words, should the
minority rule?
If the nomination of delegate in con-
gress from this territory is to be allotted
to the north, we would favor Raomond.
But events have been shaping themselves
into rather solidifed condition toward
the nomination of South Dakota man,
tilA Oil luCSOOl IluC COuUll DdhO-
ian will naturally take issue The ques-
ton arises as who the desirable man is,
and strong following will answer back
Clifford. A man Of wide acquaintance and
personal popularity, of acknowledged
fairness, integrity and ability, twelve years
q resident Of Dakota, and an avowcd
champion of Dakota's rights, as regards
division and admission. Can Mellette be
with Giford-one pioneer and
the other carpet bag ofice-seeker? Can
central Dakota fairly demand prestige over
South Dakota as whole? Can the
Black Hills, with any degree af affiliation
Or expectation of superior favors, support
a North Dakota man should the candida
cy of their favored local champion prove
hopeless? We believe not.
One week from to-day will witness the
nomination Of South Dakota man, and
the outcome is awaited with interest.