The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1893-06-30
The Kansas Republicans.

1t is a very cold week when there is
not meeting USUALLY larger IN re-
port than in facO held at Topeka to
''organize the Republican party of
Kansas for the campaign" And after
each meeting the public IS vouchsafed
the information that a plan of district
ing has been adopted, and that litera-
ture will be circulated and that assess
ments will be levied and that every
thing looks bright.
At none of these meetings, it should
be observed, has anybody answered
the question, what are we here for?"
or made the matter clear why a voter
in Kansas should be Republican
rather than a Democrat, stalwart OF
othefwise-or Populist OF an abso-
lutte independents, acknowledging al
legiance to no party. Assessments
are to be levied, but for what? Cam
paign literature is to be circulated, to
support OF prove what? AS these
meetings to organize are usually COM
posed of the same persons they ought
by this time to know what is the
ground or cause of action. but up to
date it has not been stated. The mill,
we are informed, has been set up. but
what description of grist is it going to
grind?
A political party Is supposed to take
up a position on political questions.
Has any meeting held of late in To-
peka OF elsewhere given out the be-
lief of the Republican party of Kan
sas on any political question. The
-
ence and discussion; has nybody any
authentic information as to the stand
ing of the Republican party in Kansas
on the tariff question? None of the
meetings for organization, assessment
and the diffusion of literature have
given out any deliverance on that
somewhat important issue: Is the Re-
publican party of Kansas, now in pro-
cess of organization, assessment and
instruction, for ''protection" or other
wise? Nothing in the past four years
will serve as an indication for the
present or future. The platforms
adopted by the Kansas Republicans
within the last four years Casually
written by the present .'organizers' }
are devoted to saying nothing in the
most elaborate manner. Is it not time
to say what awe Kansas Republicans
believe this k-today-this even
ing?
In national campa!ns parties divide
on questions affecting the whole coun-
try; in state campaigns parties cake up
in addition to national issues, state
issues. questions especially affecting
the government of the state. What
have these meetings for Repubhcal
organizers to say about such questionsP
There are are two state questions. pro-
hibition and woman suffrage. The
latter is to be submitted to a direct
vote, How is the reorganization to
regard this question? Will any por-
ton of the assessment be expended in
supporting speakers who advocate the
suffrage amendmeutP Will the cam
paign documents advocate female suf-
frage or oppose it, or keep still about
itP
Great masses of voters before now
have become mere man worshipers, at
least for a time. They have been won
and held by the magic of name. In
such cases principles may be discard
ON AOl IAlC ollG CIlCIG ak IIO OIIC1
men for names in Kansas. Looking
over the entire list of the membership
of the meeting for organization, assess
ment and diffusion of campaign liter
allure there is no one great name which
will serve as rallying cry. There is
no name to arouse the sinews
of youth nor even stir the thicken-
ing blood of old age. There is no
standard bearer to be followed, regard
less of the flag he carries. and if there
were leader he could Only shout TO
the legions: 81 don't know where I
am going, but come On!''
Something is evidently needed and
it is suggested that it is belief, en-
braced with sincerity and supported
with courage. Kansas City Star.