Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1903-07-22

mAfy HtcNAAtu WAAlA aAaA uHNAuE tue
rise OF fall, at least IN self-respect, Of
the state Of Mississippi, the more ap-
parent becomes the contention that
vice, treason and selfish desires are
leaving nothing undone to hold sway
and TO gain more prestage in the state.
Il is q we'll defined fact that the man
crazy with office itch. who is willing to
spend his last dollar in the hope Of at
tanning a nomination for a position, the
legi innate perquisities Of which could
not return to him one-fourth Of the
amount he invests to secure the place,
is also 90 crazy for the place that he
would pool his fortune with the d-fled
in power If such apooling promises him
success.
II is also known that when a corrupt
gang once gets into possession OF a
states affairs, it will grab also at every
sti a w which promises assistance.
There is no longer any Disgusting the
fact that the crowd at Jackson known
as the Longino gang, now in the saddle
and in possession of a mighty machine
in the personnel Of appointees Of the
Governor in almost every county, have
made terms with the supporters Of
Judge Critz, who is crazy to be Gov
ernor, and that every effort will be
brought to bear to solidity their forces
and win the coming primary.
1t is not strange that the masses Of
the people In the state, those whose IN.
ly desire lie to have a clean, economical
and safe administration. are opposed to
the Longino clique, which has been a
disgrace to the state ane a burlesgue on
the honest administration of the pub
lie business, 1t is no less strange that
all lovers of our institutions, n state
and our country, who would hold sac
red the ballot and frOwn upon every at
tempt to deile its integrity by the Law
ish use of Doodle on the part Of men
seeking public Office, should resent the
c~sndidancy Of Judge Critz,
The people Of the state, though un-
der the most contemplate ban Of de-
ceptive pressure, through the hired at
titude Of the metropolitan prrss from
neigboring states, are not entirely blind
to the condition confronting them, In
it's modest way, the local papers Of the
state, which have declined the seduc
tive offer of money, are doing heroic
work to counteract the onslaught OF
this great outside pressure, and in most
instances will be successful. But 10
counties where the local papers have
been bought up and where there comes
to their assistance the scattering dalies
in the towns, It is certainly an uphill
fight for the loyal supporters Of the
anti ring, anti Doodle candinates.
OF course in every country there is
also q struggle between local candidates
for promotion, and in some instances,
even good men, who have a close con-
test OF their own, are prompted to keep
quiet lest they invoke the d%ispleasure
Of the machine. This condition is truly
3 deplorable one, yet l. is believed that
the masses are sufficiently Informed
and strong enough in their desire to see
the state cleaned up once more, to rise
above all local influences, all local in
difference aud vote for a return Of the
state from the grasp Of the specializing
politicians to the hands of the PEG.
pie.
The issue is a very plain n and east
" understood, when looked squarely in
the face. It lie merely a question of white
or black, and cannot be misunderstood
Brought down to a closest analysis
the issue has been drawn squsrely BY
the present administration and its sup
porters, thus: Longino is sustaining
President Roosevelt in his determine
ton to force the negro for equal rights
Judge CEitz joins hands with GovernoI
Longino on this position and the com
bination is complete. James K. Varda
man stands decisively against the posi-
ton Of the President, and Senator
Money is standing on the same plat
form with Mr.. Vardaman. In Ohte.
words, il is the state administration
with all it's machinery In favor Of tn
Governor for the United States senat
and for Critz for his successor a Gov
ernor, and 4 continuation Of the pres
ent rule Of the jackson gang, agains
Money and Vardamah.
Would you have the issue draw.
differently There are a few delude
in the belief that probably Mr.. Noe
may run ahead of Critz, despite all hi
liberal use of money. But this is Ger
! tainly a delusion. Every vote pole
for Noel lie a half vote for Ortiz an
: Longlno, nothing less, nothing more
I Mr.. Noel, though a clean, gentlema
J and a nice man, has never been seri
\ ously considered as a possibility. Nc
I is he. It is Vardaman and the prom
go