The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-10-28

southern AeHlAeNheh 81 "Ne@''J "
suited Women-Attitude OF the
Southern Press.
St Louis special correspondence OF
the Chicago Inter-Ocean. Mrs. Mary
L. Lease, the Kansas woman, VINO has
during the present political campaign
become such conspicuous figure, ow-
ing to her courageous attitude and the
mastery manner with which she has
been doing campaign work In the in
terest OF the Peoples party, passed
through ST.. Louis last evening on her
way to Terre Haute to join General
ana Mrs. Weaver. She was at the
Union depot awaiting change OF trains
for two hours or more, and your cor
respondent was fortunate enough to
see her and talk with her. Mrs. Lease
is woman OF remarkable strength OF
character, and the first characteristic
that strikes one on being presented TO
her is her indomitable will and appa-
rent determination to go through with
anything she undertakes to 40. She
is cautious and careful woman. al
most to the degree OF being suspicious;
but once con WINGED that she is 10 DO
fairly treated, or that the person with
whom she is in conversation is As hon
est Of purpose as herself her manner
becomes as frank ard as free as that
of child-almOst to the extent OF De-
coming coniding.
Mrs. Lease has but recently returned
from the South, having just taken
brief rest OF two days ~ her home in
Wichita Kan, enieavoring in some
degree TO recover from the effects OF
the ordeal through which she passed
in the Southern Slates--an ordeal
which, from her own statements must
have been terrible indeed.
When first approached she was re-
luctant 10 talk for publication. as she
SAID the Southern press had treated
both her and General Weaver with
SUCH unfairness, and the Southern cor
RESPONDENTS had sent broadcast such
unlruthful reports OF her dOings and
sayings, that she had come almost to
dread II newspaper man. She said
there were many things she would like
to see printed in the great cause OF
truth and justice but she was espec-
tally anxious TO be convinced that
what she said would be printed just as
she said it. While In this hesitating
state of mind she was asked il Senator
PETER ha6 spoken truthfully when he
declared that General Weaver was a
coward and hurriedly left the South
because he was afraid to face the
righteous indignation OF the people.
She Champions General weaver.
This Question served as match to-
kindle the flame of the lady's wrath.
Her indignation we'll nigh got the bet
ter Of her caution but not sufficiently
30 as for one minute to cloud the clear
ness OF thought or in the least impede
She quickncss OF perception that are
her most noticeable mental character
istics.
mo" she said, with emphasis. He
did not speak truthfully, and he knows
il. General Weaver is not coward;
fear ala not drive him out of the south.
de is a courageous man, brave. bold
man, Il daring man, between whom
ana the skulking paltroon PETER there
can be no comparison.
This answer served as an opening.
and the correspondent was embolden-
ed 10 seek further information con-
corning this remarkable woman's ex-
perience in the south. In order TO
lead up TO the desired object the ques-
ton was asked;
Mrs. Lease, under what circum-
stances did you enter upon the cam
paign work in the south, were you en-
ployeG by the Peoples party TO go with
General WeaverP"
] was " she replied. about July
"a | received instructions from our
chairman TO cancel all previous da,es
and De prepared to accompany General
Weaver and party during the cam
paigu. These instructions were fol-
lowed by others from headquarters
and | obeyed."
Mrs. Lease here seemed suddenly to
arouse to the fact that she had a strik-
ing story 70 tell and by her manner.
evinced willingness to tell it. So
the correspondent ventured further
question:
did you or General Weaver In your
public addresses or private converse
ton, or by your action or conduct, say
or 40 anything calculated to arouse
antagonismpn
Most emphatically, no!'
Mrs. Lease arose from her seat and
took a few steps up and down the
room in manner that in a weaker
woman would DE called nervousness;
but in her il was but the evidence of
agitation, born OF her realizing sense
OF the wrongs inflicted upon her. As
she pronounced the WORD MOP she
paused and drew herself uD to her full
height almost six feet and squarely
faced the Questioner There was hon
indignation in her voice and in her
every action. and it oiazed from her
eyes in a look that burned like living
fire as she reised her clinched fist and
closed her firm mouth with snap.
Ibid anything ON your part in any
way justify the dscourteous treatment
accorded you2"
mo. sir; we both spoke in the be-
lief that all true reforms must come
from the higher impulses OF the heart.
We appealed to their sense of Justice;