The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-07-07
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH WEEK
The State Lugubrlous Republican Con-
ventiOn.
Reform Press Bureau,


ST. Paul, July 2, 1900.
AS these lines are written the hosts of
Democracy, OF true Democracy, are fill
ing the ways and byways leading to the
Kansas City national convention. 1t is
joyous, enthusiastic host, filled with
patriotism and full OF the responsibility
resting upon the party OF which it is
part, Theirs the deep feeling that in
spires an army going to battle, in
holy and just cause. Theirs the courage
which falters not at any obstacles, a
courage which has never ialtered mo-
mcnt since the victory they righteously
won in 1896 was wickedly wrested from
them by Hanna and his forces of plu-
tocracy with all their dcspicable meth
DDS. Theirs determination this year
to double their armor, and doubly pro-
tect against the cnemy's wiles.
The Republican state convention
rounded out the cut and dried program
mapped out for it by the particular in
terests dominating that party, shown in
making its chairman Senator Young OF
Swift, OF railroad notoricty in defeat of
the gross earnings tax. Young was a
bitter pill for many of the rank and file,
but the very audacity with which lie
was "vindicated' silcnced open protest.
Many delegates quietly confessed that
this part OF the convention would bring
storm when they reached home. Es-
pecially was this acknowledged by Re-
publican editors Of the state, OF whom
scores are on record against Young's
acts and leadership in connection with
the last session.
The Republican memory goeth not
back to convention like this, in lack OF
interest or discouraging features. When
Van SAINT and the other cut-and- dried
officers had been put through, and Van
had uttered his customary platitudcs,
Mr.. Eustis, the late, aired his long
soiled linen, and ripped it into those who
laid him out in $685. Cat calls, insults
and tumult marked nominations. United
States Marshal Grimsl,aw referred to
this emergency" in urging his man.
References to Lincoln scarcely pro-
voked cheer. More than one speaker
referred to the popularity OF John
Lind" and "our popular governor"
Prosperity" references were almost
laughed at. A speaker urged his candi-
date because he stood for protection,
sound money and imperialism" One
Oadam Bede) placed the requisites OF
good candidate in the order OF ma
tionality, geography, qualification
universally, for .onc position, national
ity'-(SwedslD-was openly urged.
Speakers referred to the modern Co
Hath of Democracy"
Grayheadcd Republican leaders noted
these and other proofs of weakness,
with many misgivings. They had never
seen the like of this convention before,
nor has anyone else 1t betokcns GER
tain disaster.
Lest the reform issue might not be
sufficiently raised by the prominence
given Senator Young, the convention
marked it with a big II by putting on
the ticket for railroad and warehouse
commissioner Judge Mills OF the old
board, and Miller of the Duluth & Iron
Range railroad The people will accept
the issue will, a big A.
The state Republican convention "en-
dorscd" the national PLATFORM Which
parts, Quigg's, or the parts Grosvcnor
says were suppressed? And by the way,
that Juggling may account for Tom
Reeds kicking. Tom may not know
one part from t'othcr.
While the railroad and warehouse
commission has been pressing on to sec
where it should take action in the inter
est OF the people, and in the discharge
OF sworn duties, the railroad companies
have emphasized the commissions ef-
forts by the cry that the commission is
actuatcd by political motives. 1t is a
comfort to know that roads recognize
the nature of the issue The commits
sion asserts that a railroad corporation
is public servant carrying on public
function. Its only interest in the prop
erty devoted by it to the use OF the pub
lie is a financial interest Ii it is per-
mittcd to charge rates that on the whole
will enable it to keep intact its capital
actually invested and to earn just and
fair returns thereon, it has no further
rights or duties in connection there
with. 1t is not for railroad commits
sion to determine what policy it will
pursue toward its patrons-the public
The policy is to be fixed by the public
for the welfare of ALL In this state it
has fixed a policy by statute which
prohibits determinations against per-
sons, places and commodities
The commission is determined to en-
force the law against Determinations
This is, OF course, an attack on the pub
lie policy, or, more correctly, political
policy which the companies have here
toiore been permitted to dictate, in spite
of the law. The companies utterances
through the press prove conclusively
that they understand the issue. 1t means
that an honest effort will be put fortl,
to make them the servants of industry.