The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-11

Of this character was always on the side
against the people?
I want to say this, If you send me to
congress from this district, promise you
that will not go there as the representa-
tive Of any special interest. I will not
go there as the special representative
of the laboring people, nor Of the middle
classes. or of any other class. will try
the best I can to- serve all the people.
Under the constitution of the United
States and under our form of government
the poorest labOrer is entitled to the
same watchful care of his interest by his
member OF congress as the richest en-
ployer in the sta e. Our government is
not based on representation of interests
1t is based on manhood representation
and suffrage. When the congressional
districts were divided the trainers of the
constitution said that every member of
congress should represent a given number
of men, women and children. not that
he should represent any special interests
We frequently hear in legislative bodies,
men get up and say. Il represent such
and such an interest" He does not No
man rightfully represents an interest. He
is elected to represent the people, and
we want to hold fast to that principle
I do not want to be understood that am
against corporations. am not. In their
proper sphere they are necessary and
essential to modern development and
that they sometimes seek to obtain over
the individual by legislation I want
everybody to have the same representa-
ton and the same treatment under the
law, whether he be rich or poor, a laborer
or capitalist. When you go into the
booth to vote on primary election day,
want you to remember that you have a
| duty to perform that is sacred to your
selves and to your. country. Vote for
those men who you. believe will be con-
trolled by the principles of the declara-
ton Of independence. that all men are
created free and equal.
LONDON DOCK BILL.
have already referred quite extensive
| ly to Mr., Fletcher's record. I do not pro-
pose to take your time to review it in
| extenso. l shall only mention two other
matters. One of those has received much
| attention in the papers. It relates to the
so-called London Dock bill. The dock
owners in London have esta blished I'M
reasonable and discriminating charges
against certain kinds of American mer-
chandise, among which is Minneapolis
flour. Our millers have suffered seriously
from this imposition. Their only relief
is an act by congress requiring foreign
ship owners to protect the American ship
! pers against this exaction. An amend
ment to existing law designed to give
the millers relief was pending in con-
| SreSS. MT. flelC1ler was Appeared TO Dy
| his constituents and the press of this
city to secure its passage. He failed to
do so. His excuse on his return home
was that on account Of the hostility of
Speaker Henderson he was unable to pass
| the bill. In an interview the speaker
| fatty denied Mr.. Fletcher's version of the
affair. In letter to Senator Washburn,
dated Aug. 2, the speaker, Mr.. -Hender-
| son, says:
| THE first time the bill was explained to
me, I promptly gave it my approval, as
it seemed to be in every way wise and
just Twice I got it the floor, and
would have done so the third time, but Mr..
Fletcher asked that I do not call the
| committees as Mr.. Tawney was out of
the city and Mr.. Fletcher was unwilling
to have the fight go on unless Mr.. :Tawney
was there to help him." ~
In this instance, knowing Mr.. Fletcher
as we do, we will concede him credit for
discretion. though his action is. not very
favorable commentary on his efficiency.