The Van Buren press., 1901-12-14
We Stand for Jones.


The campaign conducted by Senator
Jones and Ex-Governor Clarke, rival
candidates for the election to the United
States senate, has now progressed to
such a point that one not affiilating
with either aspirant from motives of
personal friendship or personal interest
may calmly make his choice as between
the two honored citizens of Arkansas
without bias, Judging simply from the
facts aud arguments presented by the
gentlemen in their joint canvass of the
state. From thus following the course
of the argument it is plain that there is
no reason why Senator Jones should be
retired from the senate. His course in
that body is not even questioned by his
opponent; the attack made on him by
ex- Governor Clarke is manifestly per-
sonal one; the inspiring motive is pure
ly one of ex- Governor Clarke s personal
ambition to enjoy seat in the senate.
That is legitimate and all-sufficing
motive 30 far as Ex-Governor Clarke is
concerned but 1t should not and does
not interest others. Doubtless he has
many and deserves many personal
friends who naturally and properly
wish him well In the pursuit of his am
bition, but to the great majority actual
personal claims count for nothing and
they will be guided solely by this con.
sideration: Which of the two men can
and will best represent Arkansas in the
senate and WELD the largest influence in
public affairs to the advantage of Ark
ausas and the whole nation2 On this
plain and practical proposition there
can be no division of opinion among
those, of whom 1.-THE Times is num-
bered, unbiased by personal considera.
tions of any kind, for or against either
contestant.
Every newspaper reader knows that
Senator Jones is one of the influential
senators. not only Of his own party but
Of the whole senate. That his advice is
sought In national rs we'll as party
affairs. That In the party councils
strictly he has reached the highest ad.
visory and executive position by which
he has been brought In touch with
party leaders over the entire country.
Therefore 1t Is not necessary to claim
for him exceptional or even greater
ability as compared with Ex-Governor
Clarke. 1t is sufficient to say that he Is
now, In point of influence both In party
aud national affairs, where Ex-Governor
Clarke cannot hope In many years, II
ever, to be.
The fight made by Governor Clarke
on Senator Jones relative to the latter 8
interest In the round-lap bale patents,
and Senator Jones attack on Governor
Clarke for the latter advocacy Of the
iAudcVh ouhh Nioiuo, ulS potu tutlItiy
beside the issue. They are matters too
trivial to be considered In this connec.
ton. Senator Jones is entitled, as
every man is, to promote his private
business interests In legitimate way,
and Ex-Governor Clarke, as u practicing
lawyer, was perfectly justified In nc.
cepting the cause Of client. The
question is simply one Of benefit to Ark
ansas, and on that all-sufficient ground
1t should not be hard for anyone to de-
clare, at this stage Of the canvass, for
Senator Jones reelection. Fort Smith
Times.
1.-THE Times heretofore has taken
no stock for either Jones or Clarke, and
the article above shows a well-balanced
mind and desire to serve the best n-
terests Of the state,