The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-07-21
THOUGHT HE WAS CONVERTED.
A Populist Editor Who Rejoioed Little
Too Soon Over a Possible Conversion.

A Populist Editor Who R-joiced q Little
Too Soon Over a Possible Conversion.
When Hon. q. G. Preston, of this
city, delivered his address at the fourth
of July celebration at Rodee's grove
Editor Dowdell, of the Artesian Advo-
cate, was greatly pleased with it for
Mr.. Preston, sound republican, took
a strong stand against the trusts, and
il made such strong impression on
Dowdell that he fondly imagined
that Mr.. Preston had turned over to
the populist party. In the Advocate
Dowdell warmly praised the address
and complimented the speaker on his
new position. The Advocate editor
sent Mr.. Preston copy of the paper
and also letter of inquiry as to how
he stood on certain party questions.
MIR. Preston addressed the following
characteristic reply to Editor Dowden,
which admits OF no doubt where he
stands in mattere political:
My Dear Sir:-You ask me to please
define my personal political views re-
gardiug the present federal admins
tration. am not aware for what pur-
pose. l had supposed you we'll under
stood that | have always been u re-
publican, and l trust you have no
reason TO suspect now to the contrary.
True have been absent from the state
for two or three years, until recently.
but during that time have tried TO be
good, and certainly have seen nothing
to shake my political faith, bu1
strengthen it rather.
When | look about me since NV re.
turn, and see the increased prosperity
of the people of South Dakota, l am
at loss to understand your inquiry,
and wonder if you really think l should
have preferred Bryan's election.
For want Of time shall be somewhat
brief in my reply, trusting it will set
your mind quite at ease. | have al
ways been, am now and shall continue
to be an ardent supporter of the prlnci-
piles of the republican party. | stand
in hearty accord with every plank of
the party platform adopted by i,s last
national convention, and also the rsso.
lutions OF the last state convention al
Redfeld.
l am in hearty accord with the
policy of the administration on the
Philippine question, That archipelago
was under Spanish government when
| Dewey destroyed her fleet in Manila
harbor, and her subjects fred on our
flag and issued proclamation tha,
Philippine families only should be re.
+! spected and that they must avenge
themselves on the Americans.
| l have opposed TO having our flag
hauled down by any subjects of the
world, especially Spanish.
To the United States belongs the
duty and responsibility of establishing
sovereignty in that archipelago, such
as will protect the rights of life and
liberty, and that is what governments
are organized for among men.
l want our soldier boys to return as
| speedily as is consistent with honor
but don't want to see them fold our
| flag and sneak it away in disgrace
When they do return l want 10 hear
their patriotic response: "Our flag is
there"
The republican party has taken
pretty good care of the nations honor
and credit in the past, it and will pre-.
serve and protect it in the future.
With all good citizens l am opposed
to unj just combinations and trusts which
monopolize trade by concentrating capi
tai for usurious purposes. Such con.
Germs are against wholesome public
policy and individual rights. The re.
publican party will demand their
suppression and will more effectually
and quicker suppress them than any
other political organization and with
out anarchy or socialism.
Finally want to see President Nc.
kinney reelected because he WAS and
is the advance agent of prosperity
and is giving us one of the best admins.
trations this country ever enjoyed. I
am q republican because | wish pros.
perity to continue and the last mort
gage on every South Dakota farm paid
with homes money.
| Yours truly.
H. G. PRESTON.
MITCHELL S. D.. July 10, 1899.