Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1890-10-27
Terry Critchficld, political oppo-

| did not come here TO talk. When
read the call for this mass meeting fol-
the purpose OF, Investigating the charges
recently made respecting the standing
and integrity of MIR. Willis, the peo-
ple's candidate for governor, said that
was the proper thing to do. l see here
many prominent and influential citizens
and neighbors of Mr.. Willis, and | de-
sire you to make a thorough investiga-
ton OF his public acts, and if YOU please
of his every private act during his resi-
dence of twenty-seven years in this
county, and then, by resolutions, speak
to the voters Of the great state of Kan
sas. | have been selling goods and
banking in this place for the last twen-
tv-fve wears, AMI | nave had dealings
with Mr.. Willis amounting to many
thousands Of dollars, and he has always
proven himself TO be reliable and hon
est. His standing in this community
has always been good. None dare to
saw anything to the contrary except
from an Ingalls, political standpoint.
The Republican party twice elected him
70 the legislature. but to-day they
''loOse the dogs of war;" becalse he has
strayed from the political fold. If he
would only return there would be ''mOre
rejoicing than over the ninety and mne
that went not astray."
The charges against Mr.. Willis are
before YOU to-day. 1t is to investigate
these that you have left your farms and
come up here on this occasion. The
voters of the state are awaiting your
verdict. Weigh all the evidence as
sworn jurors. Consider the records and
facts, and give everything an impartial
hearing, not as demagogues and politi-
clans, but rs non-partsan citizens; then
send your verdict forth 10 the voters of
Kansas i'm tones of thunder denouncing
these foul and Infamous SANDERS, pro-
TO the world j. f. Willis vim
dicated-.I F. Willis, the rail splitter
the Abraham Lincoln of Kansas.
B. r. Wilson made lengthy speech
in which he designated the charges pub
liShed in the Independent and repro
duced by the Topeka Capital and the
Republican press of the state, as an !
irresponsible communication Of a cor
TO an insignificant country
newspaper, signed by a star. He said
that Mr.. Roberts had never given the
charges editorial endorsement except
bv publication. He characterized the
rs Il One-sided affair, en-
tirely emitting the answer of the de-
tendant. lie said the meanest man that
ever stole Il horse or pOcketboOk was
allowed to be heard in defense; but in
this instance the records of but one side |
were given to the people.
Mr.. Wilson further said:
This shameful attack by a portion of
The Republican party (fOr would blush
for my kind to include any large pOr-
ion of that party in such busine~s) up
)l citizen whom the Republicans of
his county have endorsed and hOnOred |
since the facts of his life have been |
known prove that Senator Ingalls, spoke
rom personal and party standpoint
when he said that the qualification of
politics is an iridescent DREAM
Nj. Wilson said that he was prompted |
)y the instinct of soldier as well rs
citizen in his participation in this meet
ng for the vihtlcation of an hOnored
elbow citizen,
A. G.. Patrick also made d lengthy and
pointed speech. We regret very much
hat our limited space forbids its publi-
.atiOn in full. lie said
The vindictive and scurrilous attack
ipUn Mr.. Willis emanated from the
,ffice of the OskalOOsa Independent,
whose proprietor and editor is'a fitting
subject to make drive at corruption,
or ..norflinnr IN n,l old snrinn ..if fnLas |