The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-10-19
THE PEOPLES. CANDIDATE.

/ AS the days OF the campaign progress
it Is more and more evident that the Re-
publicans Of this state made no mistake
In selecting their nominee for Governor,
and Mr.. Merriam IL developing strength
that makes the sobriquet, s'the peoples
candidate" most appropriately apply to
him. Exercising the modesty which has
characterized his private and business
life, he has not followed the example OF
his opponent and sought to herald his
virtues personally from the stump. Hav-
ing for years been q prominent citizen
of the largest city of the state, and en-
joying reputation for uprightness and
honesty in all dealings with his fellow
citizens, Mr.. Merriam has not exercised
himself to refute the irresponsible
charges of the Democratic assassins of
character, who have resorted to such
methods as the only ones likely to en-
compass the defeat of 80 weil-known and
popular candidate. Though his rival,
the nominee of the Democrats, is q
wealthy man, and as consistently open
to opposition on that score as Mr.. Mer-
RAM, the latter has continually discoun-
tenanced any such sort Of campaigning,
believing that the intelligence and love
of fairness lodged in every true Ameri-
cans heart would correctly Judge and in
fict punishment upon those engaging in
the present unreasonable TRADE of SLAM
der and vituperation.
But while Mr.. Merriam has refrained
from pushing his personality forward
unduly in campaign where principles
and the future good government of the
state are more concerned than men, it
is by no means to be understood that he
is not actively engaged in the good work
Of furthering the interests of the Repub-
lican party in this important canvass.
The entire energy and careful watchful-
ness which has 30 many times hereto
fore brought him success in private pur-
suits as well as in political affairs, he is
concerning upon the one idea of securing
a grand Republican victory at the COM
ing election, and it is safe to say that no
detail OF the campaign in any part of the
State will escape his diligent action.
AS before said, Mr.. Merriam's personal
popularity is his greatest hold in this
campaign. In his home city, contrary
to the statements of the opposition,
there is hardly to be found q man who
is more universally liked or has more
warm, personal acquaintance. These
are by no means confined to social and
business friends, either, but among the
young men, rich and poor, the working
men, and citizens of all nationalities, he
is esteemed and championed, not only
for his good works for.his city but for his
own personal qualities and character.
But it is out in the "rooral deestricts"
that Mr.. Merriam finds his warmest
support and commentator. While
Speaker of the House of Representatives
he had the opportunity of making an
extended acquaintance throughout the
state, and by his uniform courtesy and
the watchfulness he ever showed for the
interests of the farmer members and
their constituents, he secured their per-
sonal esteem, and his warmest friends
In the present campaign will be found
among the honest farmers of the country
districts, who know that in Mr.. Merriam
they have friend who is always willing
to grant their claims the most respectful
consideration. We have heretofore
called attention to the fact that Mr.. Mer-
RAM owed his nomination to his popu-
larity among the Republicans of the in
terror of the state, and though he will
poll large vote in the cities, it will be
found that the country districts where
the real, honest Republican sentiment
exists, will roll up a majority for "the
peoples candidate" which will surprise
the marplots who began many months
ago conspiracy to defeat his
legitimate political ambitions by mis- |
cradle attempt to destroy public conf
dence in his honesty and uprightness of |
character i