Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-08-21
SENATOR TURNER
ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION
IN THE TACOMA LEDGER.
Washington is Not and Has Never Been a
Republican State. Says he Will Have
More Votes for United States Senator than
ANY of the Three Republican Candidates.


Senator and Mrs. Geo. Turner were in
Tacoma the other day. and, being inter-
viewed by the Ledger, the senator talked
politics quite freely. He said in part;
"Washington is not and has never
been republican state. In 1894, the
anti-republican vote, which included
democrats and populists, was in ma
jority OF over 10000: in 1896. the demo-
Gratis had things their own way, and III
1900, although the republicans got most
of the important offices, we secured the
governorship, the most important office
OF all. There is nothing to justify the
conclusion formed by the republicans
that this is not democratic state, and |
look to see the election in November give
a good share OF the offices to the demo-
Gratis. 1t depends largely upon local
issues and what are made OF them.'
As United States Senator George Tur-
ner, OF Spokane, smoked his cigar upon
last night he discussed his own and his
party's political prospects with sang
froid that ought to be inspiring to the
weak kneed members in the ranks who
have grown weary in the handicap race
for elusive offices. The senator is too
refined IN his tastes to enjoy Boosting
for its own sake, but he evidently rates
confidence high as an element in a po-
litical fight. He was asked as to his
belief in his own political chances before
the next Washington legislature.
"Well." said he, 81 expect to have
more votes than any OF the three repub-
lican candidates"
The senator was asked if he did not
fear some OF the republicans would unite
their forces against him and thus get a
majority.
"No," said he, Il expect to have more
votes at any stage OF the game than any
other candidate"
"Then you expect to be reelected to
your pIescut HosltloH.
For answer the senator repeated his
previous remark, adding that any con-
structon possible might be placed upon
it.
The senator discussed without reserve
what he considered the chief campaign
issue, the question OF a railway commits
sion. He thinks that the people will
have to choose between the democrats,
who will, he says, be sincerely in favor
of a commission, and the republicans,
who will try to throw dust in their eyes.
"The republicans have already shown
that they will try to play a double
game" said Senator Turner. They are
not sincere. Ii they were, why should
they resolve to do one thing and do an
other? In number OF counties of the |
state. conventions that have been held |
have passed resolutions favoring COM
and have, have been told, nom
mated legislative candidates VINO are OPP
posed to it. At least it was so in Spo.
the manipulations there and have good
reason to doubt the sincerity CT the res
olutions. Ii the republicans are in favor
OF commission, Why do they seek to
send men to the legislature who are not?
Furthermore, if they so earnestly desire
a commission, why do they bubble over
the mere detail OF whether it should be
appointive or electiveo'
The senator said that the democrats
would without doubt declare fatty and
without eQuivocation in favor of COM
making no issue OF TIE manner
OF Its selection, but would raise issue be.
fore the people on the insincerity OF the
republican policy. They will demand
he thinks, that will regu
late freight and passenger rates and de-
eide upon a reasonable taxation for rail- |
road property.
When asked as to the possible effect
OF Mr.. Hills visit to the wheat growing
section OF the state, Senator Turner said: |
"The farmers were greatly pleased with
the reduction in freight rates, but l
think no votes We're Influenced by it. |
The eastern part CT the state has no
quarrel with the railroads, but it de-
sires to see their power regulated by
reasonable means. The farmers will be !
very generally in favor OF commission
as the best means now offered for OBJ.
tanning the end they DESIRE
Snecial Excu.sion A na.tIa.A