Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1898-03-18

EE1ToR LEADER:-"Whom the Lord
loveth he chasteneth."
On the same principle friend Hotter
must love me very severely, judging
by his remarks directed at me in our
issue of March4 / don't like to en-
gage in personal alterations in the
public prints, but as he has demanded
that answer in that way, will COM
ply as briefly as possible.
do not believe in his discourteous
way in passing Judgment before trial,
but will restrain all resentful feelings.
Bro. Hotter, I thank you for remind
ing me that one cannot be too careful
in framing his thoughts for public
scrutiny. In reviewing my words in
the article referred to, I discover the
words abundantly proven" in the
connection in which they were used,
were perhaps little strong. It would
have been more correct to say that the
evidence was such as to thoroughly
convince me (and many others) that the
facts were as stated. I think the tenn
perate and friendly tone Of said article
ought to convince anyone that did not
intend to be vituperative or cast re-
fections upon the mass of Populists
who may differ with me upon mere
lines of policy. What wished to show
was that in promoting division or
opposing union of the reform forces, we
were pleasing our enemies, the capital
istic hosts, and that they were aiders
and abettors in the scheme as abundant
ly proven in our last state Qowa) cam
paign. had no reference to South
Dakota politics at all
The difficulty Of proving lin legal
sense) bribery charges. is manifest to
all who have followed the late Ohio in
vestigation, although the public may
be convinced las believe they are) that
the charges were Just and true Such
dealings are generally hedged in by
secrecies. so as to effectually bar con-
viction.
/ based my conclusions on the case at
issue, an item CLEANED from the papers,
viz: Before the bolt at our state con-
vention, it's leaders, Weeks, Weller and
others, had always been denounced as
dishonest demagogues. insane agitators,
anarchists, ETC.. by the Republican
press of this state; but Immediately
thereafter, (according to the same
papers) were transformed into high
minded and honorable gentlemen, noble
specimens of intellectual manhood, who
could not be traficked like cattle etc.
(petted and fatted) as said. Also that
bolter Weeks was "hand in glove" with
the Republican campaign managers,
almost daily in consultation with them
and was aided and abetted by them in
his suit for the party name. Circum-
stances very strongly favored the belief
that he acted under their advice and
received pecuniary aid from them. I
also had in mind letter published Il
think) in a Rock Rapids paper, from a
Republican campaign manager to a
prominent candidate on the P. P. (or
Weeks) ticket as it was called.
The phraseology of said letter was
such as to carry the inference that said
p. p. candidate was acting in the en-
ploy of the Republican committee. It
said, II don't know whether I have
authority to pay travelling expenses or
not, but will consult the committee"
I never heard that the authenticity
of said letter was denied, but that it
was virtually admitted by prosecu-
tion for theft of the letter
This same scamp, while protesting to
be so anxious to save the Peoples party
declared that he voted the straight
Republican ticket in 1896.
But why multiply words and tire the
reader.
Now, friend Hotter, if Gov. Lee least
reflections upon the honest Populists
of South Dakota by exposing an un-
faithful servant, or if George Wash
ington "cast reflections upon the loyal
patriots Of the Revolution by denounc
ing the traitor, Arnold, then by the
same rule I stand convicted of casting
reflections upon all of that valiant
little army Of Populists who have
chosen the name middle of the-road"
by exposing some of the tools and tao
tics which are being used to mislead
them. Many of them are my dearest
and most trusted friends. We have
worked and waited, borne scorn and
ridicule together, have become doubIy
brothers. believe nearly all of them
are honest, truthful incorruptible; I
have no invective, no unkind thought
for them; we differ little as to the
road, /" that is all. think we will
soon all be marching together Gf we
don't get to throwing stones at each
other.) Let us save our brick-tats for
mutineers, spies and traitors.
Fraternally,
J. E. AIKEN.