The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1900-12-07
THE FIGHT IS ON.


senate caused by the death of the late
Senator Davis is developing large
number of candidates, and the fight
promises to be the most animated in
the history of Republican politics in
this state For the sake of the good
name of Minnesota it is truly to be
hoped that no element of scandal or
sharp practice win be allowed to gain
,, footing in the contest Our state,
having lost one of its most illustrious
citizens and the nation one of its fore
most statesmen, should be an incentive
to those upon whose shoulders will
rest the responsibility of selecting a
fitting successor to Senator Davis to
be extremely guarded in the character
and worth Of the man who will be
called upon to fill the unexpired term.
During the years he spent in the sem
ate Mr.. Davis filed niche in national
affairs that brought great honor to
himelf and to his state, and every
effort should be made by the legisla-
ture to find man worthy to bear the
burdens laid down by our late senator,
and who insofar as possible, may
take prominent part in solving the
great issues before the country.
Fortunately, Minnesota is rich in
good men. There is score or more
from which to select. The thing most
devoutly to be wished for is that the
best may be chosen. Among the
names prominently mentioned are
some of the best known and most
highly respected men in the state
Robert G. Evans, Moses E. Clapp,
Hiram F. Stevens, W. B. Dean, ex-
Governor Pillsbury. ex-senator Wash
burn, Thos, Shevelin, Thos. Lowery
and Congressman Fletcher. There are
others, but these are most frequently
spoken of, because they all reside in
the Twin Cities, and there seems to be
a prevalent feeling that, everything
being equal, one of the great cities
should be recognized.
While the Free Press comedies that
St. Paul and Minneapolis have claims
in this matter that can with pro priety
be taken into consideration, it does not
believe that the mere geography of
their location should play any import
ant part in the election of United
States senator. A man big enough
and broad enough to be entitled to a
seat in the senate is surely great
enough to cover the entire state,
whether he comes from one particular
section or another 1t is a matter of
little concern to the people of Mime
sofa what particular postofice address
will reach the man chosen for this
great Office with its attendant re-
sponsibilities. 1t is, however, a mat
ter of much moment to the state and
to the nation that he be man of
brains, of integrity, of convictions,
fearless in the discharge of his duties
of the position and withal, man in
strict accord with the policies -domes-
tic and foreign-of President McKin-
ley. These are times when the coun-
try demands patriotic craftsmanship
in the men who have the shaping of
the destiny of the republic, and the
high standard set by Senator Davis in
this respect must be maintained by
his successor if Minnesota is to hold
her present proud distinction.
There are men in this state who
will reach the standard indicated and
more. Some such are named in this
article and some equally strong and
deserving have not been mentioned
herein. The Free Press purposely re-
Trains from naming or suggesting
the name of Congressman McCleary.
because it is ignorant of any desire
on his part to enter into the contest.
That he would make an ideal candi
date, and thoroughly representative
senator, goes without saying, but at
this time no one has, we believe, any
right to include him in the list of
applicants for the position and where
ever his name has been used it has
been done without his knowledge.
From this time until the legislature
shall name the late Senator Davis
successor, st. Paul will be the center
of great contest. Evidence is not
wanting in the statement that the
fight will be fast and furious. The
Republican party, through its chosen
representatives has most sacred duty
to perform, and all will hope and
trust that this duty may be performed
in strict accordance with the best and
highest interests of the state and
nation.