The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1902-03-22
Mr.. Diamonds withdrawal.

DtAImuuu from the SpnaJOrldl rae,
viii be generally commended by thl
democratic party throughout tn,
state.
There is not a democrat in Missouri
who would not have been glad to Sc,
Mr.. DeArmond elevated to this posi-
ton under ordinary circumstances
But the conditions under which he
announced his candidacy were ex.
traordinary. Missouri had become
confirmed in the belief that Gov. Stone
was the logical successor to Senator
Vest, and when Missourians become
set in an opinion it is a hard matter
to change them. They adhere to the
Davy Crockett theory, ''be sure you're
right then go ahead, and this they
generally do when the proper path
way has been pointed out to them and
their eyes have been opened to it.
Both Mr.. Clark and Mr.. DeArmond
undertook the impossible when they
essayed to supplant Gov. Stone in his
race for the senate before the democ-
racy of Missouri Stone stands out
boldly as a brilliant, fearless leader in
his party and has never shirked when
duty called him. His fight on cor.
poration influences in politics has
made for him a record in this state
unique in that no other man has ever
been 50 pronounced in his fight
against these impure influences in the
councils of the party as has he, and
for his holiness, f~earlessness and
fealty to the peoples welfare Mis-
souri, loves him.
We do not argue that Stone is
perfect. We have yet to find the man,
in politics or in other field of utility,
who can lay claim to that ideal. But
we do argue that In sending Stone to
the senate democracy will have a
leader on guard who has been tried
and who has the ability to cope with
the representative Of any state in this
union Of commonwealth upon the
floor Of that august body.
We are glad that Mr.. DeArmond
has withdrawn. If he bad remained
in the race it might have led to cam
paign bitterness later on that could
mean no good to the party organiza-
tion-not by Mr.. DeArmond himself,
but by his lndiscreet friends In
fact such regrettable conditions had
already begun to show themselves.
Further, to have remained in the race
for the senate might have resulted in
his defeat for congress in the district
which he now so ably represents.
This senatorial muddle which has
appeared on the horizon Of Missouri
politics in certain sections of the state
since the announcement Of the can
of Mr.. Clark, followed by that
Of Mr. Almond, has been most hap
PLY settled by the withdrawal of
these two men. Both are splendid
party workers and will assuredly be
returned to congress by their respect
I've districts. In the house each is a
power in his way. They form con-
Meeting links in a chain Of representa-
lives from Missouri in the house
it would be unwise at this time
to break. No state in the galaxy of
commemorative of this union has a
stronger delegation.
All admit, however, that the
strength of Missouri's delegation in
congress will be materially added to
when Stone reaches the senate. In
that body Mr.. Vest will have a worthy
successor, a foe worthy the steel of
my political adversary, no matter
how great, no matter how illnstrious,
n Missourl's ex-governor.
Aside, however, from this view of
5he situation, a most important fact
mas been emphasized by the brief can
of both Mr.. Clark and Mr..
DeArmond, !. e.: The people of this
state are not favorable to the recep-
live candidacy Of any man for Office.
II an honor and a preferment are
worth winning they are worth fight
ing for and in seeking Office the people
If Missouri demand that the man who
S willing to receive shall also mani
lest a willingness 10 attain through
lisTown effort. With both Mr.. Clark
Mr.. DeArmond, more especially
5he latter, a canvass Of the state was
IMPOSSIBLE and both soon saw the