The St. Louis Republic., 1901-02-06
HERE'S THE SITUATION.

In the stereotyped charge advanced by
local Republicans and Republican
organs to the effect that the control of
the city Democracy is sought by an ele-
ment which does not fully represent the
party there is found the basis of a cam
paign which had been agreed upon prior
to the developments upon which that
charge is weakly founded.
No matter who had been mentioned for
the Democratic nomination TO the
MayOralty, this Republican Outcry would
have been raised. IL Democrats can he
tricked by the enemy into fractional
division OF their strength. and especially
into antagonizing or ignoring the In
dependent vote 50 necessary TO success
at the polls in April, the consequent Re-
publican advantage will be great indeed.
1t will be case OF the employment of
crafty tactics tending to make the local
Democracy defeat itself by weakening
its forces through q party split which
can only serve TO the enemy's profit In
the spring campaign.
The conditions governing the present
political situation in st. Louis are ex-
ceptional. For the first time in years it
was proved in the November elections
that tine local Democracy can win at the
polls. 1t was also proved that it can
thus win only with the support of that
Independent vote which is cast for can
didates who stand for business govern
ment. The Democratic candidates last
November were men of this character
The ticket was opposed by the full
strength Of the Ziegenhein machine, in
trenched in power and arrogantly con-
fident of victory. The machine was dis
astrOusly defeated The independent
element of local citizenship contributed
to Democracy the votes which made Re
publican defeat possible.
1t is imperatively demanded that the
administration during the
Worlds Fair period be capable and
honest administration. The Ziegenhein
is determined TO maintain its
local control throughout that period. The
city Democracy can prevent this by wis
dom in making its nominations for a
spring ticket. The independent voters
are ready to act with the Democracy
The sole condition is the nomination of |
/ ticket upon which the Democracy and |
he Independent element can unite.
Because MIR. ROlla Wells will receive |
his united support The Republic ad- |
'0eates the nomination Of Mr. Wells for |
he MayOralty. He is the only candi- |
late suggested thus far who meets the
conditions. The Republic will |
support a more available man than Mr.,
Wells If one can be brought to the front.
ntil this is done, it seems TO The Re-
'ublic, Mr.. Wells should receive the
arnest support of the local Democratic
rganization. He can be elected Mayor
4 st. Louis, and he will make an ex-
client Mayor.
The city Democracy will he amazingly
oolish IL it permits the enemy to stir
p discord in the Democratic Organixa.
lon. 1t Is the chief aim Of local Re-
to prevent the nomination of
lr. Wells, for the simple reason that
hey foresee his election. 1t should be
he chief aim Of the local Democracy
, nominate him for that very same rea-
On. There Is no fnctional element seek
lg control Of the Democratic party
trough Mr.. Wells Good Democrats
nd other citizens who desire good gov
rnment are urging Mr.. Wells's nomins-
on because he will be elected IL nomi-
ated, and because his election win
ring good government.