Omaha daily bee., 1889-08-31
MOUTH DAKOTA REPUBLfCANs.

SOUTH DAKOTA REPUBLICANS.
The work Of the first republican con-
vention OF the new state OF South Da-
kota wall In the main commend itself TO
the republicans OF the country as wise
and judicious. The state and con-
gressional tickets are composed OF able
and popular men who are understood to
be satisfactory to all elements in the
party, and will therefore command its
full support. Tho honor unanimously
conferred on Governor Mellette, in
nominating him TO be the first governor
OF the new state, was q merited
recognition OF the ability he has
shown as territorial governor, and OF
his zeal in promoting statehood for the
Dakotas. Most of the other candi-
dates also have strong claims by reason
OF their active devotion to Dakota in
terests. With the assured election of
all of them, the new state will have u
government and representation IN
congress which will carefully and hon
estly guard tho interests and welfare OF
its people.
The declaration OF principles is
sound in demanding the enactment OF
stringent laws, national and state,
against trusts and combinations for
controlling or enhancing the price OF
the necessaries of life; in declaring it
to be the duty OF those in pub
lie Office to oppose any un-
just encroachment of corporations upon
the rights of the people; in favoring the
enactment of laws to protect the citizen
in the free exercise Of his right OF suf-
frage, and to insure fair and honest
elections; in Offering a welcome to those
people from other lands who come here
TO establish homes, and intending to
respect the laws; in favoring the inn
provement of the waterways of the
northwest, and in demanding that in
the interest Of public education the
school lands shall be jealousy guarded.
Regarding the policy of protection the
convention went further than was to have
been expected, and it's declaration on
this subject will be accepted as very
distinct and unqualified approval of that
policy as now in practice. The repub-
lican platforms OF Pennsylvania and
Ohio are not moro pronoun ced in favor
OF the American system Of protection"
than is that of South Dakota. On the
subject of prohibition there is no am
biguity in the language of the platform.
1t declares in favor of national and
state prohibition, the adoption of the
article of the constitution relating
thereto, and the enactment and enforce
ment of. such laws as will make the
same effective. There was ju-
diciously framed su bs titute for this
plank presented by minority of the
committee on resolutions, pleaging the
party to the enforcement of laws for the
promotion of morality and temper
ance, but it was rejected by a majority
! which showed that the convention was
| overwhelmingly in favor of prohiDl tion.
The prohibitory clause of the constitu-
tion will not, however, receive the full
republican support, and while it may be
| adopted its defeat is among the posi-
bilities. The most vigorous and earnest
fighting of the campaign will be upon
this issue, and it is not doubted
that the opposition to prohibition will
summon to its aid every influence and
agency it can command.
The republican majority in South
Dakota last year was a little less than
fifteen thousand, so that the election Of
the republican candidates in October
next is fully assured.