The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-01-24
E. W, JONES
WILL ENTER
THE FIGHT
Logan County Attorney Wants
to be Congressman.
GIVES HIS VIEWS IN FULL
Makes Some Startling Decla-
rationS About Oklahoma.

Guthrie, o. T, Jan. 2s.-Edgar ". Jones.
county attorney of Logan county. who
has been prominently mentioned as can
dldate for the congressional nominee Of
the Democratic forces in the territory has
practically decided to enter the race for
the nomination.
Mr.. Jones is sending out letters to mem
bers Of the territorial central committee
OF the Democratic party, asking their
views on the proposition of selecting the
congressional nominee by the primary
election system. If the central commit
1 tee decides 10 adopt this plan which is
vogue in many states, Mr.. Jones Will be
a candidate for the nomination. If the
plan is not adopted, Mr.. Jones will prob
ably be candidate anyway and viii go
into the field with large force behind
him.
The letter which he is sending out to the
members of the central committee reads
as follows:
oklahoma has unquestionably an op-
position majority TO Republicanism esti-
mated conservativeiy at six thousand, and
I yet our congressional candidate selected
+ at delegate conventions has gone down TO
a sad but glorious defeat some four
out of five times, carrying with him as
rule many of our county tickets that
should have been saved, as twenty out of
twenty-six counties in this territory have
safe anti-Republican majorities.
The victories recorded in favor of that
party (the real and actual minority party)
in the past have 10 particular value or
consequence now, except 10 impress US
with the absolute necessity of maintain
ing our loyalty to our country, ourselves
and a true allegiance to the Democratic
( principles calculated best to maintain
free government and its institutions as
handed down TO Us by our fathers.
The question confronting US now is,
how shall our numerical majority be con-
verted into a triumphant majority at the
polls. 1 think but few viii contend that
Mr.. Flynn is the most popular man in
Oklahoma or that the greedy aims of the
Republican party are best, especially as
applied in this territory. with their ex-
treme nepotism, extravaganza and total
disregard to the interests of others than
members of their close little financial cor
poration: but that the defeats in the past
for rs are largely due because the voice
Of duty has been hushed by the clamor
Of active factions and of individual sell
fshness, very largely augmented by the
battle between self constituted party
bosses trying to control in delegate con-
ventions. and by the treachery Of some
assistant Republicans masquerad3ng in
our own ranks.
Il as a Democrat and resident of Okla
homa since April %. 1889. working all this
time humbly as member OF that great
party, whose principles are so near and
dear to the whole people, think good
plan would be to make the selection for
candidates from congressman down to
{ constable, all by the primary election
system, and let the great mass of voters
themselves take the responsibility Of Sc
Iecting and electing the persons thus
brought forward.
IN my estimation, the territorial com
rnittee should work IN concert with the
various county central committees and
agree on an early day. say soon after the
June and July harvest. in which to select
the congressional, legislative. county and
township tickets, thus forming a strong
line of political battle which can now be
scented not afar of.
THE voice of the people shall then echo
and re-echo in the coming victory thus
assured. Delegate conventions in some
states become so obnoxious to the people
at large whose true sentiments were laid
prostrate by party bosses and traders.
that legislative action was taken to en-
force nominations by the primary system.
Thus eliminating bossism and preventing
men with no home following, going away
10 delegate conventions. securing nomina-
tons through trades and combinations.
they were not entitled to, and the people
themselves would have rejected.
Please give these suggestions your
earnest consideration and ( shall thank
You for the courtesy Of your views. Very
respectfully, EDGAR ". JONES"
IN speaking about the matter. Mr.. Jones
said: Il am very much in favor OF the
primary system. 1t does away with the
'bossism' plan and the people after nom-
nations are made. work hard for the men
who are nominated. I am in favor too.
Of a long campaign. Say four months
for instance. This length campaign gives
ample opportunity for perfect organiza-
tion and If necessary, the party forces can
be reorganized and the faults in the work
ing force ascertained and corrected
In my opinion the selection OF candi-
dates should be made Immediately after
the June and July harvests and the en-
tire ticket. congressional. county and
township should be selected at that time.
BY such d plan. strong line OF warr!crs
can be formed for the political battle
which win begin early
The fact thar such a plan has been
sprung on the Democrats VIII have Ghe
effect Of securing some startling results.
Several of the anegcd candidates have al
ready prepared their plans Tor securing
nominations. ard various trades have
been hlnted at. Should the primary cleo
tion plan be adopted in Oklahoma. plans
Of yarious candidates would b radically
changed. Il is believed that the candi-
dates who are in the field viii oppose this
plan to the end. Ter thls reason
CLOSED WITH SHOW