Arizona republican., 1900-07-23
THE SOUTH AND BRYAN
Tired of Silver and PopuIist
 FaIIacieS
Prosperity Is More Influential Than Partisan Politics A Prediction Made Regarding California Con gressional Elections.

Washington, July 22.-Thomas J. Kirk of Sacramento, Cal, state super intendent of public instruction, in an interview at the Raleigh. in referring to the political situation on the Pacific coast, and in the south, said:
 "I am in Washington on my vacation. Texas and the southern states. While I am engaged in educational pursuits, I nevertheless came in contact in the south with many of its business men, and as I travelled slowly stopping at many southern cities I met many men engaged in mercantile and manufactur ing interests I discussed the political situation with them all, and I was much surprised at the lukewarmness with which they expressed themselves over the prospect of another campaign of the principles for which MT. Bryan stands sponsor. In general terms it is my opinion that this element in the south is weary of these issues. This element, of course, is sufficient to have a material effect upon the result of the elections, but I believe that it will be made manifest in decreased majorities for the democratic candidate, especially in those of the southern states which have in recent years gone so extensive ly into manufacturing. The prosperity of the south is unmistakable, even to an inexperienced eye, and this class of men do not seem averse to expressions of opinion that they are perfectly satis- fled that present conditions shall not be disturbed.
 T did not have to be told by the gentlemen who entertained me that the south was experiencing an awakening in mercantile and manufacturing enter prises, which is quite new to that part of the United States, as the visual evil dences of it in new factories, improved towns and the operating of new indus tries are only too apparent. There is good, wholesome vigor in trade condi- tions, and the thoughtful, conservative business element want no change in po- litical conditions which will menace this growing wealth. was personally much surprised at the freedom with which some of these southern mer- chants expressed themselves. Their po- litical inclinations may not have changed to the extent of voting for Mir Mckinley, but they are mighty glad of the great river of trade which is cours- ing through their section, with the en- hanced prices of their home products, and it is this element which looks with disfavor upon any political change which may even inferentially tend to check it.
 In my own state, California, I look for the return of united congressional delegation from all of our seven dis tricts. In the second district, repre- sented by MT. De Vries in the last con- gress, the only democrat in the dele Sation, the republicans have made up their minds to carry it. It is normal ly republican, and a strong candidate will be put up. Many mining men vot- ed for Mir. De Vries for personal req sons, and the republicans expect to have these voters this year, as MT. De Nries will not be candidate, having been appointed by the president to an other position.
 There was also a large populistic element in some of the other congress sional districts, and those who left the republican party to join it have -e- turned. The California delegation 60 congress this fall will undoubtedly be d solid republican one
 In California, MT. Mckinley is per sonally the most popular president we have ever had. The people like him. They will manifest this personal re- gard. and will sustain his administra- tion by majority which I estimate at 10000 This may seem high, but I de- sire to emphasize the fact that we Pa cific coasters are for Mckinley and ex- pansion first, last and all the time. The friction in the party over the election of senator was but temporary. and it pre- sentS united front to contraction and free silver. For instance I know of at least 100 men among my own acquaiu- tances who voted for MT. Bryan who will reverse their votes this fall. A per centage like this will make a big ag- gregate at the polls.
 All that has been said about the good times on the coast is true. Cali fornia few years ago was overrun with tramps and men out of employ ment. Today, labor is scarce. Our wheat crop has been very large, and the ranchers in the interior will need all the help they can obtain to harvest the raisin and prune crops. Our fruit growers want no change in the tariff laws, which have enabled our agricul- tural population to thrive and build up a mighty business in fruit"