The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-09-02
NOT DOUBTFUL.
Congressman McCleary Talks Interest
ingly of Minnesota Politics.

luXIy vi WiuucSOt6 fOnuCS.
A few days ago the Washington
Star contained an interview with Con-
gresham McCleary about political
matters in general, and as regards
Minnesota and also as to some rela-
tions growing out Of the war. Among
other things Mr.. McCleary said:
If Republican were called upon to
give one item by way OF evidence Of
this high character and intelligence
he would unhesitatingly refer to the
fact that throughout all our history
Minnesota has never yet failed to go
Republican! She is the only state ex-
cept Vermont that can make this
claim. She has never seated in her
gubernatOrial chair since before the
war man who was not Republican.
She has never thrown her senatorial
toga around the shoulders of a man
who Was not of that party, and she
has meyer yet failed to give every one
Of her presidential electoral votes to
the nominee of Republican conven-
lions.
1t has frequently been asserted that
Minnesota Is doubtful state, the re-
porter suggested.
In 1896 there were those who classed
Minnesota as doubtful state, said
Mr.. McCleary but when the votes
were counted, by majority of over
"a 900, her electoral vote was given to
the nominee of the Republican party.
Now, again, there are those who think
that Minnesota is one of the doubtful
states, but when the votes shall be
counted next November, it will again
be found, as always in the past, that
she is rellably Republican,.
Our state ticket is very strong
one, composed of men of high charac.
ter and ability. Never within my
inees been men able to 60 upon
the stump and state clearly and effect
lively the issues before the country,
and the Republican position on these
issues. We have now solid ReDub-
lican delegation in tine House of Rep
resentatives, six of our seven repre-
sentatives have been renomindted,
and the seventh, Mr.. Heatwoe, will
be renominated on the 9th Of Septem
ber
The hardest contest will be in the
Sixth district, represented by Judge
Morris, and in the Seventh district,
represented by Mr.. Eddy. Judge Nor
ris has as his opponent ex-Representa-
tive Chas. A. Towne. 1t is'eXpected
that special effort will be put forth
by the opponents of the Republican
party to elect Mr.. Towne, but in my
judgment Mr.. Morris will have larg-
er majority than he had in 1896. He
is very fine campaigner, and the
conditions in his district have sub
stantiated his claims of two years
ago and OverthrOwn those of Mr..
Towne.
Mr.. Eddy's district is in the north
western part of the state, the part
which has had the largest number Of
POpulists. The man nominated
against him, State Senator Ringdal,
is both honest and able. He is good
campaigner. But Mr.. Eddy has the
advantage of his fine official record.
He stands very high in the confidence
of his people and will without doubt
be reelected
Asked as to how the administration
stood in Minnesota, Mr.. McCleary re-
piled.
In the judgment of the people of
Minnesota Mr.. Mckinley is the hero
of the war There were a good many
who thought before the war that he
was too slow in beginning it, but they
now realize that delaying matters un-
til preparation could be made was
wise way in which to proceed. Then,
again, some were in favor OF making
a direct attack on Havana but all can
see now it is better to have so man
aged that HaYana should fall without
that direct attack. That is, the
method pursued was the one which
was least disastrous to the lives of
American soldiers.
Mr.. McKinley's wisdom having been
indicated on every large question
thus far, the people are now ready to
to trust that wisdom in dealing with
measures that remain to be disposed
of.
Speaking of the issues before the
people he said:
The opposition seems disinclined to
discuss national questions or to make
national questions the issue in the
coming campaign, and indications
are that they will try to confine the
discussion to state issues. 1t is mat
ter of which every Minnesota Repub-
lican is justly proud that although
the party has been in power in that
state since before the war, it's record
is such as to give little comfort to
those who would undertake to find
ground for condemnation,
There is comparatively little being
said about the silver question, al
though it will still be factor. Peo-
pie are engaged in harvesting large
crops. They expect to receive fairly
good prices. Their minds are occu-
pied by pleasant anticipations OF pros
porous times, and they are inclined
to credit the good things which they
are enjoying and which they expect
to enjoy in part to the party in
power.
A man giving the name of Ed. Wat
H. -.