The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1884-12-05
ARTHUR.s LAST.

On Monday, President Arthur pre-
scented his last annual message to con-
gress and its perusal demonstrates that
it is every way characteristic of the
man; full of common sense, and its
scope extends over all necessary do
main. He does not neglect domestic
interests, while giving foreign relations
a more than usual share, of attention.
His recommendations and statements
concerning our naturalization laws,
finances, and martial interests, con-
vinces us that the Executive has
not neglected to familiarize him.
self with all these departments, and
some of his suggestions are timely and
should be carefully weighed. The ju-
dicial, sanitary and moral welfare of
the nation are not overlooked in the
least. He shows his well known alb
florence for the Mormon evil, and adj
vises scrupulous measures in regard to
protection from epidemic diseases.
1t isa plain, straightforward docu-
ment, and the same pure, honest char
acter pervades it which has marked
his whole administration.
THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.
AS between Mr.. Fletcher and Mr..
Williams, the former the Senator from
Blue Earth county and the latter Sem
ator-elect from here, TIE FREE Press
has no preference, and rs both are gen.
tlemen of well-known integrity and
amply able to contend for their re-
spective rights, we shall decline to take
sides in the contest.
But we have word to offer us re-
CARDS the item in this weeks Reciem
relating to the integrity of the Minneso-
ia State Legislature. In commenting
upon the probable outcome of the con-
test between Messrs. Fletcher and Will
liams, the editor of the Reciew says:
"But inasmuch as more than one
fourth the members of the present |
State Senate are in substantially the |
same situation as Mr.. Fletcher, we do
not believe there is moral integrity
enough in the body to uphold and
maintain the provision, even though |
hey each and all solemnly swear so to
Go."
For man like Wise to stand up and
claim that one-fourth of the State SEN
ators of Minnesota are ready and will
ing to perjurs themselves is not to be
wondered at. 1t has been his practice
as a newspaper man to belittle the pro-
fession he accidentally and unfortu-
nately follows. Lacking in every es-
sential particular that moral integrity
and frankness which form the very
essence of manhood, his frequent and
wholly uncalled for attacks upon the
motives of men and measures may be
readily accounted for and properly at
tributed.
At one time, and that not very dis
tant, Mr.. Daniel Buck occupied the
seat now filed by Mr.. Fletcher in the
Senate, and was at the same time a
member of the school board. No one
questioned his right to serve his term.
So, also, with Mr.. James Brown. He,
at the time of his election to the legis-
lature, was member of the Board and
served with Mr.. Fletcher. Was there
moral integrity" enough among the
members of the legislature at the |
periods these gentlemen served to cup |
hold and maintain the provislons?"
If Mr.. Williams, under the constitu-
ton, Is entitled to the seat now held
by Mr.. Fletcher, we want to see him
have it, and no one but an idiot or
blgot will presume to characterize one
fourth the State Senate as being COM
posed of men lacking moral integrity"
if, after hearing all the able pleas that
will be made by counsel on both sides,
that tribunal shall decide there is no
cause for contest.