The representative., 1900-08-30

We have recently examined ourself care
FULLY In the light OF all the nice things the
newspapers have said Of u.s. The kindly
mention Of the Daily Democrat Of this city
has induced this train Of thought. Really
we have often wondered II different line OF
conduct would not have produced more
pleasing and satisfactory results. And some
times, when we unconsciously measure our
self up by those who have, as the world
goes. succeeded much better we-who have
achieved afiuence and distinction upon q
modicum OF brains and energy-we have
doubted. viewed from a personal standpoint
the wisdom OF our course We have tried
ourself from every standpoint-moral. fnan-
cial and political. But the verdict upon our
motives, upon our purpose. upon the integ-
rity Of political conduct has always been
to sustain our course. This verdict has
been sustained by an abiding hope that
truth and right, Justice and patriotism
would some day become triumphant. We
still adhere to that conviction, though often
cast down and despOndent. The very forces
Of social organism will some day vindicate
our philosophy. If the rights and happi-
ness OF those who have now reached man 6
estate were alone involved we might recon-
cile ourself to a different line of conduct.
assuming that all such deserve only what
they have sense enough to achieve; but
when we look at the assured condition, not
to say fate. of the little ones, ours among
others, the appeal to conscientious duty is
so strong that we cannot turn away from
1t. For % years we have been actively and
conccientiously engaged in the movement
for the betterment of the human race along
the lines Of political truth and industrial
freedom. 1t would have been better for us
had our energies been guided by other mo-
tives. We confess this much. But we
have always beenSconvinced, and are still
persuaded that the craftsmanship of our
country must come to our view. or social
and national disaster, involving the young
and unborn. will be the result. It may be
said that such a result need not concern
us if delayed beyond our time; but there
you raise a debatable question.
We have placed our hands upon the plow
and the time has not yet come for us to
look back.
In the foregoing w. o. Atkeson, editor
of the Butler Free Press, of Butler, Mo-,
pours out the feelings of the heart
Scores of Populist editors who have
shared his experiences and so many
times felt that theirs was thankless
and hopeless task, will take new cour-
age from these brave and patriotic
words.
Mr.. Atkeson lives not alone for the
present day or generation; he has a
heartfelt care for the morrow; he builds
for the future: he profits by the history
of the past; he measures men and their
deeds not by commercial standards, but
by the moral standard, and having once
set his course by compass of his own
conscience, he refuses to turn back.
Mr.. Atkeson Is candidate for con-
gress In his district, and sentiments like
the above should insure him the solid
vote of his district, without regard to
party, but alas! such men are not want
ed in congress by the powers that be.
Such men like Monet, of Ohio, will not
bend the servile knee and truckle to the
money power. Such men are unpopular
with the third house, and the campaign
committee, and when such men slip into
congress it is because the old party ma
chimes failed to do their work. The
bosses miscalculated and the machine
slipped cog.
Richard P. Bland. Charlie Towne,
Henry M. Teller and our own Haldor e.
Boen all slipped into congress through
the imperfect action of the old party
machine. The Bryan Democracy of Mis-