The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-12-22
THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.


dom had occasion to take much interest
from political standpoint IN contests
for the United States senatorship. The
duty now devolyes upon them, through
their representatives, to select man for
this important position. Two years ago
the legislature in acting its own iprefer-
ence in the selection of a senator, pro-
ceeded conformably to the wishes Of
large majority of the people. So far as
the consti u lion directs, the electoral
college can exercise as large a measure
0. discretion as the legislature can in the
performance OF It's elective functions.
While public opinion may be more pro-
nounced in imposing limitations upon
the former, it is due to custom "a that its
verdict governs. If the democrats of
the state could with the same formal
authorization express their preference
for United States senator that they
have for president, the legislature would
simply have perfunctOry duty to per-
form with reference to this matter, and
would give legal sanction to the peoples
wish by the election of General Bragg.
But while The people are not given an
opportunity to express their preference
through the medium Of organization,
there can be no noubt as to what their
choice is. and their wishes should be re-
spected by the legislature whom the
people have delegated to act for them.
General Bragg has always been fore
most IN fighting the cause Of democracy.
He won distinction as an advocate of
democratic principles when 1t was GER
tain his services would be unrewarded,
Heneyer faltered in his. allegiance though
the cause he espoused appeared hopeless,
and never shirked a duty though pre-
ferment ever waited upon any DISPOSE
ton on his part toward recreancy. He
gathered no wealth with which he might
now purchase that which he has earned
by service, nor did he build up a person
al following by the distribution of favors
at his disposal. He has not friend in
the5state to-day who has c3me to him by
purchase nor through anticipation of
favors which might be forthcoming. He
Is not backed by wealth, corporations,
combinations or political syndicates, nor
is 1t assumed for him that any man whose
prominence, politically, might be con-
Btrued as authority to direct, is his poll
teal sponsor. General Bragg stands
wholly disassociated from any influence
that has not its source in the people. He
Is hedged about from any interested mo
tive on the part of his supporters. They
point to his past as guaranty OF what
his future is to be, to teach the obliga-
tons of the present and as warning to
democracy against the vice of ing att
tude.
The men who bore the brunt of battle
when the forces they led were overmatch-
Ell, should not be set aside when the vic
tory Is won, that perfermeut may wait
upon those who enjoyed the fruits of
peace and amid scenes of peace. But It
Is not party service, alone which pleads
for General Bragg to the common peo-
pie. He is one OF them in means, pur-
pose and inclinations. He is not put
forward as representative of any class or
OF any special interest, nor Is his cause
champjoned by astute politicians wto can
sway the peoples representatives and
make them the servants of corporate
wealth. His success is their. discomit-
ure and it behooyes the people to stand
by their champion in this contest.
Bragg's opponents are a millionaire
and a recent convert to democracy. Both
are wealthy and each owes his prominence
to his wealth. Both are deserving gentle
men, bua neither would have more than
a local reputation if hampered by Bragg's
poverty. If we elect lti-miIlionaire3
to the United States Senate, what merit
do we show? DO not even the publ
cans and sinners d. lkewise?" Is it less
enlng the power of wealth in the US. SEN
ate to supersede one millionaire with an
other? This Is holding "the word of prom
lse to the ear and breaking it to the hope
aad is a sowing O. the wind. There are
now charges made which are already a
smirch upon democracy and the stain will
belndellble should the event prove iusti-
ticatlon of these charges even in seeming.
1t may be the people are over-suspicious;
indeed 1t Is highly probable there is no
real foundation for the rumors atoat, but
why invite suspicion when it can be so
easily avoided, not only without detri-
ment to democracy but most decidedly
to its advantage?
General Bragg's other opponent must
plead great merit to justify reward so
great for conversion so recent. 1t NAV
raise doubt of his sincerity in view of the
temptation presented, and give the Unit
Ell States senate the character of a poll
tlcal beneice to encourage political pros
elyuzlng. In addition to this view there
would be flavor Of partnership emolu-
ment IN the representation from Wiscon-
sin which would not be at all pleasing to
democrats.
On the whole, the course of the demo-
cratic members OF the legislature appears
quite clear. To reward integrity. worth.
devotion and service and round out the
career OF man who has done the state
some service it is only necessary to
elect Ed. Bragg to the United States
Senate