The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1898-11-03

One or the notable ntT1DutlOnS to the
political literature of the current state
campaign is an article written by Sena-
ator H. J. Miller, and published in his
newspaper, the Rock County Herald,
entitled "a Shattered Idol" This arti-
Gle is a most striking example of the
power welded by man of strong abil-
ity in comparatively obscure journal
istic position. Again, it shows how it is
possible to be keenly and incisively criti-
cal without at the same time being often
sively personal, or in the slightest degree
untruthful.
The article opens by announcing that
'"The Herald has always had very
high regard for the John Lind who was
once member of congress from this
district. It has had unquestioning faith
in his integrity and has had, aSit has
now, great admiration for his undoubted
ability. That regard and admiration
for the John Lind to whom they be-
longed, are as strong today as they ever
WERE"
Then follows the statement that the
John Lind of those former days, and
the John Lind of today are two distinct
personages, "the one being an earnest
and sincere advocate of Republican
principles, and the other John Lind de-
nouncing those great principles as in
famous" Mr.. Miller, in the most glow
ing language, shows up the strong in
constituencies of Mr.. Lind's present
position; how he spent the best
years of his life in building
a splendid structure of Republican prin-
ciple, and now, assuming the common
position of a politically depraved dema-
gogue, he is seeking by falsehood and
fnnesse to destroy the temple of honor
reared in the days of his youth.
Here is how Senator Miller draws the
contrast:
"Across the narrow separation of
three brief years, the two John Linds
confront each other, one looking
forward and the other backward.
each proclaiming the honesty of his
convictions and each denying what
the other says. It is indeed striking
and curious spectacle, this joint debate
between the two John Linds. the one
declaring Ito quote from his speech at
New Ulm in October, 1889 that "all
Democrats are not murderers and horse
thieves, but pretty nearly all the MUIR
derers and horsethieves are Democrats"
and the other the candidate of these
same Democrats for governor; the one
proclaiming with the earnestness and
zeal of honest conviction that the Re-
publican administration of state affairs
has been clean, honest and efficient, the
other declaring with the zeal of new
convert that this same administration is
and has always been shamefully COR
rupt and inefficient; the one declaring
that the one thing needful to the safety
of the nation and the prosperity of the
people is the continuance of the Repub-
ican party in power in the state and
nation, the other replying that Republi-
can supremacy is hostile to every Ma
tional and individual interest; the one
denouncing the claims and assertions of
the other in the strongest terms, and
each in effect calling the other liar"
Mr.. Miller then goes on to show that,
for six years. the original Mr.. Lind was
the trusted and honored representative
in congress from the Second district;
and how, while holding that high posi-
ton through the grace of the Republican
party, he succeeded in making good
reputation by upholding Republican
principles. The article points with pride
to the mutual confidence inspired by mu-
tual labors in a sublime and common
cause between the enthusiastic young
John Lind and his attached constituents;
and then turns with honest grief toward
that later and older John Lind who
''now confesses that he is neither a Re-
publican. Democrat or Populist, and
pleads for sympathy on the ground that
he is only political orphan"
Is not the contrast between these two
John Linds notably sad one?
Mr.. Eustis is meeting the opposition
forces in the discussion of state issues in
aperfectly manly and straightforward
fashion. Wherever he appears upon the
platform he not only covers the ground
so far as great national issues are con-
cerned, but takes mp in detail all the
critical and hypercritical arguments of
his opponents. answering them in detail.
For instance. on Friday of last week
he addressed a crowded audience at
Willmar. and devoted two hours in an
swering John Lind's so-called arguments
on state issues and pouring hot shot into
the ranks of the enemy. He declared
that, if elected, he would enter upon the
discharge Of his duties unembarrassed
by single political pledge, and the ap'
pointment of men to public Office, OF
their retention therein, would rest solely
upon ability and character.
The inspection law had its origin
in Republican legislation, and has beer
amended from time to time by Repub
ncan legislatures. The farmers of the
state never asked for any amendment tx
IL