The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1888-12-28

tions of certain candidates opposing the
present commissioners as was known on
the day following their nomination.
Beyond the general declaration that
certain candidates are anti.monopolists
"a declaration on the tongue of every
candidate for Office since anti monopoly
has ceased to be matter Of reproach
and ridic1,s in Iowa-nothing is known
or ayowed by said can iidates on this
most vital of all public questions.
1t is matter worthy Of the most
serious consideration by the farmers of
Iowa at this hour whether under any
circumstances or for any merely parti.
san considerations they can safely risk
the election of any man about whose
views they have not at this stage of the
campaign the most definite and precise
information. Candidates whose con-
victions are in harmony with the 10
stinets and convictions of the people
never hesitate to avow them, not in
general terms, but in the most explicit
manner. Evasion is the certain mark
of the candidate who either does not
know what he believes or does know
that his convictions are not in harmony
with those of the people. When the
views of a candidate on any public ques.
ton cannot be ascertained either by
open avowal or by the most direct and
explicit questions, his claims as a can
didate should be dismissed at once.
General avowals of faithfulness to the
agricultural interest should count for
nothing, inasmuch as they are in the
mouth Of every Office seeker.
In judging of the merits Of a cand-
date for such an important office as
that of railroad commissioner. it is
always we'll to note whether he receives
the cordial support of the railroads
themselves. The shrewd, discerning
men who control the railroads seldom
mistake their man. They are entirely
non-partisan. They select the candi-
date who will serve them best and give
him their united support. They seldom
show their hand openly, but work
quietly through the press in both par.
ties, which they either own or control,
through their attorneys in each county,
and through their agents and employees.
whose support they procure through
their own peculiar methods of persua
sion
The bitter and unrelenting hostility
which the railroads and all classes
whom they could control by purchase,
bribery or intimidation, have shown to
the present commission, should in our
Judgment be sufficient reason for the
farmers to rally to its support. and
vote as one man for lis reelection.
We have felt it to be our duty as
secretary of the Alliance to lay this
matter before the local Alliances and
suggest to the officers the propriety of
calling a meeting at the earliest oppor-
tunity and considering fully, as men
who can rise above party and take
broad views of public questions. the
advisability of such united action at
the polls in support of the action Of the
State Alliance as will preserve the non.
partisan features of the commission and
prevent the railroads from nullifying
every provision of the law. 1t is not
enough to meet and resolve. 1t is the
vote cast that counts To be effective
the ballot must be placed legally IN the
box. The voter must get to the polls.
and the ticket of the freeman should
express not what his party means, but
what he means. The farmers have it
in their power to express themselves
in way so emphatic and decisive on
this question that corporations will see
that they are in blood earnest and can
not be deceived nor yet outvoted by
employees Of corporations under the i'm
piled and often expressed threat of dis.
missal in the beginning of winter
There never was better time for the
Alliance to strike and strike hard, and
strike as one man, in one place.
To this end we suggest that the local
Alliances meet at least week before
the election and appoint committee
to watch the polls and SEE that the vote
g Il tI:. =. i er Al . r. -. -.