The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1900-10-26
O'Neill VS.. Gunderson.

candidates for Representative to the
Legislature. Let us compare them
from non-partisan standpoint. I'm
less either of the present senators
should die or resign-and the latter
is unhkely-the next session will not
have TO face that fight, consequently
this is purely business proposition
for the people of Mason county.
Which is the better qualified?
G. B. Gunderson came TO Mason
County eleven years ago with no cap
ital except teachers certificate, and
the willingness to work at any sort Of
labor, SO that he has practically never
been idle week in these years. He
was born in Wisconsin, and his early
years were spent on his fathers farm,
his education being secured by lia own
efforts. He is in sympathy with The
laboring man, and never fails to show
it. He has been and still is "there"
himself, and has demonstrated his de-
sire to protect the interests Of the
working classes by his work in the
last legislature. He has been over
Mason County many times and if any
one knows what the farmers, the
oystermen, the fishermen or the log
ger, even in The remotest corner
wants, it is Gunderson. He has Wis
tied every home in the County, and
"hoofed it" over every trail. He is a
solid landmark of Mason County, and
one in whom we all have every con-
| fidence.
AS the tribune says we have had
some experience in sending transient
mel. TO the legislature, but that was
when they sent fusionist to Olympia,
and he made stake and fitted away.
The Republicans have never been
guilty of placing that sort of men on
their ticket, and surely no one who
knows Gundersop would accuse him
of grating" or even of selfshness.
Both Thomas O'Neill and G. B.
Gundersor have worked themselves
up from nothing to success in their
respective lines, the one as merchant,
and the other as an educator, and, we
submit, as legislator. The JOURNAL,
for obvious reasons, is glad TO bring
the younger men to the font, and is
proud Of their sue ,esses. We are
glad to number them both among the
substantial citizens of Mason County,
and both have been here long enough
TO be considered as permanent resi-
dents. AS said before, both have been
70 Il
lines, but we would hardly pick Mr..
Gunderson out for a good "tradesman,"
nor would we consider Mr. O'Neill as
peculiarly fitted for legislator.
Right here we wish to remind the
Tribune that it is in error again, when
it says that the Republicans control
led both houses in 1899. The Senate
was fusion, the Republicans having
but fifteen of the 81 members. Does
not the Tribune remember the numer-
Gus "hold-ups" Of important measures
in that body and the disgraceful
scenes incident in its close?
To return TO Gunderson, he is fa-
miliar with the statutes, and under
stands what is needed for the public
good. He can formulate and push his
measu es, either in committee or on
the floor of the house. His speech is
sincere and his words command atten-
ton and respect. Neither has he any
interest that might ally him against
the individual citizen or the working
men. Then again, he has the great
advantage of the experience of one ses-
sion, and is not a "green" man. He
knows the ''ropes" and can get what
he goes for. Again, the fact that
Washington will go for Mckinley and
that the state and nearly all of the
legislative and county tickets of the
Republicans will be elected this year,
quite generally conceded, and Mr..
O'Neill, if elected, would be absolutely
useless to us, because he would not be
popular" Gunderson IS something
OF slayer himself, as evidence the
fact that he fought for his anti-fsh
trap bill single handed and alone,
when the bill had not another active
friend in either house, and many act
i've enemies. He is a fighter for what
he believes to be right.
After the disastrous result in last
election we did not suppose the
property qualification" would he
sprung against Mr.. Gunderson this
time. Two years ago he owned two
lots and "cheap" house in Shelton.
Since then he has purchased the Judge
Dunbar residence for $500 and the
Greytrax place for $3.50 and in adj
dition he spent $500 IN i'm proving
them. The occupants do not consider
them "cheap houses. He paid SAT.
In taxes, and he has invested his sur
plus earnings With US in good faith.
and wishes it was more.
In fact, he has been weighed and
not found wanting in any respect and
should have the vote of every Repub-
llcan IN Mason County, as wei: as
those want to cite to" good man
when they have found him.
An Open Letter.