The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1902-03-01
GOV. W. ]. STONE SHOULD WIN

Perhaps no question of graver pub |
lie concern has been before the people
of Missouri in its past history titan
that Of the selection Of United
States senator to succeed the Hon.
Geo. G. Vest when he voluntarily
retires at the end of his term. 1t is a
matter requiring the closest study,
one that involves the welfare of the
masses not only Of the people of this
state, but has national significance.
The INTELLIeENCER has been careful
to weigh in the balances Of justice
every condition that has arisen and
has studiously avoided comment ad-
versely effecting any candidate COM
ment tending to create party sores
and operate as a disintegrating in
huence in the party organization.
We know that house divided against
itself must fall, and as we are demo-
cratic from principle and not
from standpoint of the personal
ambitions of men, we have tried to
shape the course of this paper along
the line of perfect fairness to all con-
cerned with the welfare of the party
and the good OF the state in mind as
the chief results to be achieved.
When the candidacy of Mr.. De-
Almond was announced from Wash
ington we carefully considered all the
conditions connected Herewith. We
know him to be man of unquestioned
integrity, fearless party advocate, a
sincere statesman, and withal a great
leader, worthy any trust that might
be reposed in him by the political
organization in whose cause he battles:
but after mature reflection, basing
our deductions on the fitness of things
throwing aside every influence that
might sway men on the impulse of
the moment, we have concluded that
his candidacy for the senate at this
time is i'll advised and a violation
doubtless unintentional--of the spirit
if not the letter Of the constitution
in that he is before the people of
Missouri as candidate for senator
while at the same time he is asking
the voters Of his district to return
him to the house. Since his announce
ment came other democrats in his
congressional district have expressed
a desire to 60 to congress and thus
Mr. DeArmond' S ayowed candidacy for
the senate may result in confusion
ultimately relieving him from service
in either branch Of our national legiS-
lature. We do not for moment
question the right Of Mr. DeArmond
to aspire to Senator Vest S seat, for
it is a laudable ambition and a priv
ilege guaranteed to every qualified
citizen by the constitution. At the
same time, arguing from the same
premises, Mr.. Diamonds S friends
cannot blame other democrats in his
district for desiring to go to congress.
A governmental guarantee is equal
rights to all and special privileges to
none. Hence we see in the candidacy
Of this distinguished Missourian for
the senate danger Of great harm
Detailing the party through a con
fusion Of interests all Of which are
legitimate unquestionably so but to
us seemingly most unwise.
Aside from this feature Of the mat
ter, however, there are other inter-
ests that present themselves other
illustrious party workers who are
seeking place in the senate and whose
candidacy must be justly considered.
We have gone over the list, weighed
all the pres and eoas, carefully stud
5 led the situation, and with kindly
feeling for all we have reached the
conclusion that the Hon. w. j Stone
e has stronger claims to the senatorship
: than any other Missouri citizen. And
in arriving at this conclusion we are
ready to give reasons for the faith
7 that is in u.s.
Look to any state in the union to
2 which fancy may direct you for the
(. purpose Of comparison and you cannot
and between the lakes and the gull
4 and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans a
more splendid type Of American citi-
Y zenship or man who has battled
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