Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-01-19
EDITORIAL COMMENT.
Tho Topeka Middle.

Inc eQlLOr Oh CllS paper was III up
ka Friday and saturday OF last week,
and made personal observations of,
and investigations into. the workings
of the great "double-header" that has
created so much comment the past ten
days.
We found Senator Armstrong and
Representative Cobun right in the heat
of battle, as it were; each working
faithfully. and conscieptiously for an
amicable settlement of the unfortunate
middle. They look and act like the
same honest and upright American
citizens we have always known them,
and exhibited none of the anarchistic
symptoms charged by the Register.
They were hopeful on Saturday that a
compromise would be effected by Mon
day. and each condemned the inter-
ference of outsiders, such as Mrs.
Lease, Doster. Perkins, Higgins, ETC.;
and thought the two houses would have
reached an understanding by the 18th,
had it not been for such outsiders.
We found that the democrats who
prematurely went over to the republi-
can branch of the circus had been
worked upon constantly by the treacher-
Gus straight outs" and had afterwards
regretted their premature action.
We found also that there are few
of the populist representatives who
have not as much political sense as
last years toad stool, and who seem
willing to put the state to any amount
of endless legislation and turmoil be-
cause of their senseless middle of-the
road balderdash.
In the republican ranks also are as
great fools. We heard one man, Cub
bison of Wyandotte, advise resort to
arms, and sling bitter epithets and
cowardly slurs like street corner
braggart; and he was cheered to the
echo by a thousand voices of Topeka
citizens. We heard in the same meet
ing, the detestable A. A. Harris assert
that 1.-THE proudest day of his life was
when he last fall voted straight re-
publican ticket"
Our conclusion, after talking with
many of the senators aud representa-
tives of all political compilations, was
that the republicans should have had
the organization of the house had they
gone about it in lawful and honest
manner. That considering the methods
pursued by the republicans; the actions
of the republican canvassing board,
and the decisions of the republican
supreme court, the populists were
probably justified IN THEIR method of
holding the fort. That the democrats
made the mistake of taking sides just
when they did, for the reason that
neither house was properly or lawfully
organized.
We know, as everyone else of COM
mon sense knows, that the peoples
party house, senate and state officers
are neither anarchists or revolutionists;
but that they have suffered themselves
to be goaded to extreme measures by
the sharp practice, the questionable
methods and abusive press of their
political opponents on the republican
side. They have made some mistakes,
but are willing and anxious, we believe.
to correct them for the sake of the good
name and future prosperity of the state.
If the republicans show the same spirit
and honesty of intention all will yet be
well, and some good may come out of
the session this winter. II the split
should continue, or the senseless an
tagonism kept up as it was two years
ago, then each party should receive the
condemnation of all honest and pat
riotic citizens of the land.
LATEsT.-Up to the evening of the
18th the two houses were apparently no
nearer a compromise than the first day.
The republicans were still hoping that
something would turn up to give them
hold, while the populists were as de-
termined as ever to hold the fort. Each
party caucused and decided on a state
printer, the pops selecting Snow, and
the reps Crane. The governor sent his
message to the senate and pop house,
and the reps entered the usual kick.
An opinion prevails that the supreme
court will be appealed to and will de-
eide in favor of the republicans. The
populists may take possession Of the
house and forciblY eject the republican
speaker and other officers.