Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-20
THE SITUATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Better Prospects for the Farmers--The Politi-
cal Outlook-Democratic Aspirations for
Pettigrew's Place.
Col. S. B. Milton, publisher Of the Redfeld
South Dakota Observer, and member of the
republican state central committee, is in the
city for few days. In conversation with a
STAR reporter he said that the agricultural
prospects for that state this year we're most
promising and much better than for several
years past. Farmers generally were putting into
crops as large tracts of acreage their means
and credit would admit. Just now the political
parties Of the state are in that state of tran
guilty and Retrospective mood incident to the
close of a state legislature and an offyear
The municipal elections have wrought some
political surprises in some localities, but they
were the outgrowth of purely local influences
customary in the small cities
The Farmers Alliance continues to be very
active and Is instituting local branches Of that
order In many counties OF the state. People
are unreserved in their comments on the work
of the state legislature recently closed, which
was distinguished by the election of Rev j. H.
Kyle to the United States Senate. 1t was an
alliance legislature. but neither the election of
Rev. Kyle nor the enactments of that body indi-
Gated any great victory for that party. In the
selection of the United States Senator the pro-
motors and organizers Of the independent
party, ergo alliance, were ignored and the legis-
lation enacted furnished none of the wondrous
achievements Of q boastfu campaign. Col
Milton believes that if the alliance is
to depend upon the accomplishments
Of its late legislature for success
in another campaign it will not be so diihcult
for republican success. However, il is his
opinion that the greatest danger to republican
victories one year hence lies in disaffection
within that partys ranks. 1t was this disrup-
tive element which prevented Mr.. Moody's re-
election, 1t exists today in the state against
other distinguished party men, Unless the
next republican state convention gives q wise
distribution OF Offices and recognizes the
younger element in the party the Independents
may elect . strong ticket
Referring to presidential possibilities. he
thought that he would not mistake the senti-
ment in saying that James g. Blaine could get
the state delegation if he desired it, While
South Dakotans recognize in President Harri-
SON a warm friendand an old-time champion Of
the state, there exists an enthusiasm and bond
of friendship for Mr.. Blaine which doubtless ex-
lists all over the Union. 1t is yet too early TO
to the next convention, but it is q dificult mat
ter to throw q stone without hitting an ardent
Blaine supporter.
The democrats are quietly making their cal
cuIations for securing the senatorial togs Of
Senator Pettigrew, bas,ng their claims for tina.
honor in securing independent strength in that
they contributed largely to the election of
Rev. Kyle. Senator Pettigrew has many warm
admirers throughout the state and, having uu-
doubleday profted by some of the mistakes Of
the Moody senatorial campaign. he can be re-
he'd upon TO set right any false impressions
which may be circulated to his detriment.
Speaking Of the possibilities for development
In that state this year, Mr.. Milton said that the
opening to settlement this spring Of the rich
hrming and grazing lands Of the 6isseton re-
much TO direct the hnd-sssksrs 70 homes in
South Dakota