Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1894-10-11

election is concerned, and the coming
years will prove that our course was
justified by the circumstances and en-
dOrsed by the people of both state and
nation.
ARE there no old soldiers in the
organization known as the G. A. r.
far-sighted enough to see and head of
the movement of the leaders in that
organization to make it common,
republican aid society? Are there not
men of influence who have enough
knowledge of the ultimate fate of such
societies which being organized for a
noble and benevolent purpose, permit
ted themselves to be manipulated in
politics and made to subserve the ends
of unprincipled politicians, to stem the
present trend of the organization and
save it from the inevitable wreck and
degeneracy? Some men may deny that
the O.. 4. r. is being used as political
machine; but only the ImbecIle and
knave will give credence TO such denial.
It is being used as such by the republi
can party. and will this year more than
ever in the history of the organization.
Only last week the whole state of Kan
sas was flooded with copies of the Ma
tional Tribune, the official organ of the
G.. A. R.. aud PROFESSEDLY nom
partiZan paper, containing columns of
editorial matter urging upon Grand
Army men. regardless of party, and as
test of fealty to the order as it were, to
come to the rescue of Morrill, and Blue
the republican candidates for governor
and congress- man-a at large. 1t is sad
commentary on the aims and objects of
the order of the Grand Army of the
Republic to have it thus prostitu ted to
political ends. and the day will come
when even those who are blinded by
extreme partiZanism will regret their
having permitted the Grand Army to
be prostituted to political ends.
The Optic has all along contended
that Jerry Simpson is not only the peO-
ple's friend, but the people, particular
ly of the seventh congressional district,
are his friends. Tuesdays magnificent
demonstration in his honor conclusive
ly and emphatically proves our claim.
Jerry Simpson today stands pre- emf
nentIy above the populist party, which
claims him as it's own. He is not it's
creature, nor is he of its creation. That
he is the idol of the pops is but natural
as he stands for all that is good and
noble in their platform of principles
without being part of them. His rec
ord in congress has been that of man
untrammeled by the minded
ness and bigotry of partisanship. His
whole career during the four years in
which he has been a potent factor in
national affairs in the interest of the
people of this district is marked by hon.
est and successful endeavOr to do the
right thing. He is an honest man, and
his acts. both public and private, are
those of straightforward, unassuming
but capable and independent offspring
of the people. His return to congress
is assured, and with that assurance
goes the belief that the interests of our
people will be best subserved.- d.-Larned
EagleOptic.
The woods seem TO be full of Jerry
| Simpson men. The demonstration OF
last Friday, in this county, settles the
question in our mind as to whether
Jerry will win third time. Chester
Long had just as well go home and
save his money and his time-he is not
ia the race. Mark this prediction-it
is the same we made about this time
two years ago-and it will prove about
as correct as did our prediction at that
time. While Jerry is not a democrat
he has demonstrated by his course il
congress that he recognizes the need OF
democratic legislation by voting for all
measures that came up which were in
the interest of western people; and his
speech last Friday was one that all
democrats who honestly seek the good
of our country can heartily endorse
Democrats went away from that meet
ing acknowledging that he was q
much better man fol
democrats to have in congress than a
republican, and nineteen out of twenty
of the democrats in this district will
vote for Jerry Simpson-the regular
nominee of the democratic party Of this
district.
| BARTON county was doubly blessed
last Friday. Jerry Simpson annihi-
lated the republicans, and soak
ing, cold rain killed off the grasshop-