River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-10-09
WISCONSIN POLITICS.
A Republican in the Ranks
Makes a Few Observations.

AtCtOF ON| HeTt'
With your indulgent permission,
| will make a few observations re-
1ating to Republican politics in Wis
consin, as viewed from the point of
one who is a member of the social
ed rank and file" of the party.
There is a large conservative ele-
ment, especially in the rural dis
tricts, who believe that the differen-
ces which divide the party have
been greatly exaggerated, in order
TO aid the managers of the respect
i've factions in their efforts to car
ry their point.
In, 1892, a Democratic tidal wave
swept Robert M. La Toilette out of
Congress, and in 1894 he entered
State politics, ably and ear
nest1y advocating what he believed
to be needed reform. His candi-
date for gubernatorial nomination
was defeated in the convention, and
in 1896 he himself became a candi-
date for governor, going into con-
vention with a strong following.
The field" combining against
him, compassed his defeat. In 1898
his personal experience was again
encountered, but he was steadily
gaining ground, as was shown by
the nomination of one Of his strong
partisans for an important State
office, as we'll as by the language of
the platform. In 1900, so popular
had he become, that all other candi-
dates for gubernatorial honors re-
tired from the contest and he was
unanimously nominated by accla-
nation, his election by over one
hundred thousand majority follow
ing.
Reforms come slowly, and the
foregoing statement of facts has
been given to show that the people
as whole believe some, if not all,
of Mr.. La Follette's reform hob
bies" to possess real merit.
One of the governors pet theo-
ries, the primary election principle,
which in Difference to his wishes
was incorporated into the party
State platform two years ago. 1t
appears that he also wished to pre-
scribe the exact language to be used
in such proposed law providing for
an application of this principle in
future primaries in this State. The
legislature, in its coordinate ca
pacitv and collective wisdom, de-
clined to accede to the Governor S
desire to assist in this particular,
and passed a compromise bill. This
measure was vetoed by the execu-
tive, who went far out of his way TO
arraign the legislature, IN an i'll
tempered manner, for disregarding
his wishes in this matter, and here
the trouble began.
Many of the legislators resented
what they regarded as an unwar-
ranted attempt 10 dictate legislative
action, and formed an organization
having for its object the retirement
of Mr.. La Toilette at the close of his
present term. This faction thus
crystalized, assumed the title OF
'stalwart," denominating the other
faction, "ha1f-breed. I will use
these terms, not as epithets but as
a matter of convenience, in desig'
mating the different factions.
Although Hon. John c. Spoonei
had previously announced that he
would not be a candidate for re-
election to the United States Sen
ate, the stalwarts in effect appropri
ated the name of that distinguished
statesman as rallying cry. Per
haps this may not have been the
| proper thing to do, but whether L
was or not the defeat of the stat
warts in the State convention anc
consequent denomination of Gov
ernor La Toilette, is no reflection
| WI, atexar ur,ou Senator Epooner. il