The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-09-14
A GOOD DAYS WORK.

The Republicans are not laundering
this year. That truth was again forcibly
presented by the action of the State con-
vention Thursday in nominating Hon.
w. r. Merriam. There were three lead
ing candidates for the ~gubernatorial po-
sition. Two of them received the open
support and encouragement of the en-
tire Democratic press of the State. Their
claims were upheld, and up to the very
last moment they united in predicting
that the nomination of the one most dis
tasteful to the Republican party would
be forced upon it. The third candidate
(Mr. Merriam) Vas complimented by
the strongest opposition and most viru-
lent abuse that a united Democratic
press could summon. The fear of Mer-
RAMS nomination in every Democratic
breast was manifest to all observers, and
was of the same character as that which
prompted them a few months ago to
unitedly favor Blaine's nomination. And
TO-DAY they are cast into the same sort
of gloom as they were when the nomi-
nation. of General Harrison was herald
ed W. the country.
The Republican convention profitted
by the old adage that it is poor policy in
a battle to follow the desires of the enc
my. 1t chose rather to make a move
which would throw them into scared
discontinue, and it could not have more
etiectually carried out that policy than
it did in nominating Mr.. Merriam.
That he is the strongest candidate that
could have been named We firmly be-
lieve, and before the end Of the cam.
paign those who do not now do SO will
be ready to accede to that view Of the
case. His elements of strength are
many. First and foremost. he is and al.
WAYS has been consistent and loyal Re-
publican. His private character and
public life is unblemished, and stands
out for the inspection of all men, and
ready for the most searching test as to
its honesty, integrity and purity. In
commercial circles no business man
stands higher, either as to ability and
shrewdness or straightforwardness in
every transaction. HIS wealth has been
accumulated through legitimate chan
nels bv careful dealing and a wide
knowledge of business methods which
will be of great value when turned to the
discharge of the duties of the guberna
torial position.
Mr.. Merriam's public life has beer
ever characterized by an intelligent ides
of the interests Of the people as we'll al
a sincere devotion thereto. His service
as Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives was such as to commend him Il
any relation with him, and it remalns t.
be charged that he ever turned the pow
ers of his position TO unfair partisan aid
AS President of the State Agriculture
Society for two years past, he has made
a record for that organization which il
the pride of its every friend, and by thi
E we'll directed aid to their affairs and in
+ terests Mr.. Merriam has gained the gooC
opinion and support of thousands of in
: t~elligent farmers. With the a%gricultur
lists he will prove a strong man. Beinl
engaged largely himself in that line h,
understands and can be depended upoI
to further the farming interests of the
State to the best of his ability.
With allhis other elements o~fstrength
perhaps none is of more value than the
fact hat he is the recognized leader o
the vigorous and energetic young mel
of his party. His many successes have
gained him the admiration of those who
believe there is nothing like success t.
succeed, and the thousands of youni
men throughout the state will flock en-
Enthusiastically to the support of the sue
!, cessful young business They vii
not only gather under the Merriam ban
ner but will work increasingly to the enc
: of the campaign to elect him by a ma
: jority of &C, 900 or more.
To conclude, let us extend our sympa
thy to our Democratic friends in the dis
appointment of their hopes. But the,
, should reflect that this is a year wheI
Republicans are doing the right thing
, They have nominated a man whom al
} members of their party can unitedly
, support, and in the harmonious actor
which will result we fear there will b,
even greater cause for Democratic de
| spair. The ticket is all right, the plat
t form is all right, and the result will b,
all right.