Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1902-01-02
Is WILLING TO SUBMIT
HIS CHANCES OF SENATOR
SHIP To POPULAR VOTE.
has OPENED His CAMPAIGN.
Will Not Enter Into Joint Debate
Anticipates Legislation in Con-
gress Hostile to the Demo
Gratis.


Congressman Champ Clark OF the
Ninth Missouri Congressional District
passed through St. Louis yesterday on
his way from Washington to his home
in Bowling Green. While in the
national capital Mr.. Clark devoted all
the time he could spare from bis du-
ties as Congressman to perfect ar
rangements for his Senatorial cam
paign.
The opening gun will be fired at La
Grange, where Mr.. Clark will speak
this afternoon. Tonight he will talk
at Canton. Tomorrow afternoon he
is booked to deliver an address at
Madison. Saturday afternoon he will
talk at Huntsville and Monday night
at Washington. 1t is the intention
Of Mr.. Clark to carry on a vigorous
campaign and he will leave no stone
unturned to secure seat In the Sem
ate.
In reference to State primaries for
Senator, Mr.. Clark is In favor of a
general ballot. He says he is willing
to take his chances with the people,
and allow the choice TO be made by
popular vote. The people, he declares,
should make their desires known In
the matter Of Senators, and from
their will no deviation should be
made.
DECLARES HE WILL NOT ENTER
JOINT DEBATE.
In very decided terms Mr.. Clark
said that he would not enter a joint
debate with Gov. Stone or any other
candidate for the Senatorial seat. He
believes that skill In debate does not
signify fitness for the Senate; neither
does 1t in any wise display the desire
Of the people. Recent debates Of this
kind, he says, have not been convlnc-
ing, and, further, have done no par
ticular good to the Democratic party.
Congressman Clark stated that up
to date the winter in Washington has
been busy one. He does not believe
that any very great or lasting results
have been obtained from the activity,
but says that things have been "un-
common lively. In speaking of
President Roosevelt he appeared un-
willing to make any positive declara-
tion, but hinted that the policy of
dining Booker Washington and repri-
manding chiefs of the army was not
with the American people and
would not do any harm to the Demo-
cratic party.
In speaking of the conditions exist
ing in the present session Of Congress,
Mr.. Clark said that the Republican
majority was pushing things with a
high hand and would continue to do
so. All bills favorable to Republican |
policy will be put through stoutly, al
though it is the purpose of the Demo
cratic members to fight every inch Of
ground.
"Along party lines" said Clark,
"there will be much legislation after
the Christmas recess. The Republic
can combine is strong and determined
and, though it will meet opposition,
numbers are bound to make it success
full In whatever it undertakes. The
Republicans, with their large majority, |
have their programme mapped out
and will carry it out with an iron
hand, forcing anearly adjournment of
Congress.
SAYS SHIP SUBSIDY BILL WILL DE
PASSED.
'They will pass the ship subsidy |
bill and a Nicaragua Canal bill and
do not believe any arguments in favor |
of Panama would be considered. Above
all things, they will not permit the
Dingley tariff bill to be changed in the |
slightest degree. They will allow no
tariff tinkering,' to use Gov. Steele's
expression. They will pass either a
bill cutting down Southern representa-
tion, because Of the disfranchisement
of the negroes, or Federal election
law, most probably the latter
"To a certainty, however, no objec-
tionable law will be passed without a
hard fight. The Democratic minority
win fight to the bitter end on every |
proposition Of doubtful propriety.
"The proposed election law of Mr..
Bartholdt is, in my opinion, an out
rage. The proposition Of having |
United States Marshals at the polls |
to overawe voters is oppressive. 1t
was tried before and met with such |
popular indignation as to be shelved,
hope, forever.
"Of the probable action Of Demo-
cratic chairmen, to meet in St. Louis
on Dec. 30, / know nothing. In fact,
did not know that such a meeting |
was to be held until two days before
leaving Washington. understand
that Mr.. Seibert sent out notices Of
the meeting. II this is the case, l |
had no evidence Of it.
"While in Washington | was so
busy had little or no time TO devote |