Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-05-10

ward republican principles, for which
reason 1T has more or less standing
with the republicans. Its chief occu-
patton, however, seems to be to pro-
woke discord and dissension in republi-
can ranks. 1t is the organ Of the
Hoars, the Masons, the Herriotts of
the party. 1t enlarges upon party
dissensions and pours oil upon the
flames OF every petty party strife. II
does the party twice the harm n
would do were it pronounced demo-
cratic paper in name as it is in fact
1t is just now having more to saw a.
Ninth district politics than is .neces-
sary, and much more than is pood
for the republican party Of Inc
Ninth district, should its advice he
needed.
The Election of Senators.
Orange City Herald: It is quite
the fashion to say that United States
senators should be elected by the peo-
pie, or by popular vote, and the house
of representatives has decided to SUD-
NIT a constitutional amendment to
that effect. But in what particular
will the people" have any larger
voice in the election of senators pro-
yided they ballot directly for them?
They will, it is true, cast ballot up
on which they will be privileged to
mark cross opposite the name OIL
some one candidate. But it is to be
understood that candidates are first
named by conventions and their cleo
ton by direct vote would involve, first
of all, nomination by state conven-
tions. The convention is where the
work would be done and state conven-
tons are more easily manipulated by
the politicians than ward caucus or
a school meeting. OF the 400 men
who go as delegates to state conven-
tions not one in twenty knows what
is being done. The ordinary delegate
has limited acquaintance, probably
to his own county or district, and is
restricted by natural limitations in
his sphere of influence. What can he
do. then, towards making combine
tions-how can he represent the .'peo-
pie" in the selection of candidate
for senator when such choice is 20
be hurriedly made by mass meeting
of 1,4o0 men? Contrast his utter help
lessness with the opportunities given
member of the legislature who he's
time to investigate, to reflect, to adj
wise, to plan for success. Legislatures
are probably not perfect, but they are
nearly so when compared to state
convention.
Endorsement for Mckinley.
Fairfield Ledger: The republicans of
states east and west and of states
north and south are holding conven-
tions for the selection of delegates to
Philadelphia, where the next president
of the United States will be named. In
all of them the name of William Nc
kinley is greeted with cheers, and the
most cordial endorsement is given his
administration of national affairs.
There may be republicans who oppose
his policies in the war with Spain and
for the settlement of the vexatious
questions which are the outcome of
the victories of American arms on land
and sea during that eventful period,
but they are not to be found in repub.
lican conventions.
With New York, Pennsylvania, Indi-
ana, Ohio, Wisconsin and many of the
less important states declaring unre-
seryedly for the denomination of Will
liam Mckinley, the action of the Phil
adelphia convention is easily foretold.
President Mckinley will be renominat-
ed because he has the confidence of
the republicans of the country. And
he will be reelected because he has
the confidence of the people of the
country.
Z