The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1904-01-09
Mr. Folks Speech.

rally at st. Louis, Jan. 2. 1t will be
considered an expression Of the
Hottest patriotism or the most egnt-
istlcal demagogY according to the
previous attitude OF the reader:
"We are all proud Of our great
state aud Of It's magnificent lnstltu-
tlonS; we glory In its progress and de-
%velopment, but, my friends, what
shall 1t profit a state to gain the
wealth of the world and lose its own
honor? When the people ask about
the appalling disclosures of cOrrup-
tiOn that have startled a world, 1t is
hardly satisfactory to answer by
pointing out what has been accom-
plished or is to be accomplished along
other lines The disclosures have
brought on the people credit for
what has been done, and grave re-
sponsibilities for the future. The
disease has been checked. The people
alone can make the cure permanent
What are the people of Missouri go.
ing to do about it are the questions
being asked all over this land today
Will they longer tolerate the shame
less question being asked all wei the
land today, ignore all these disclo-
sures and go on as If nothing had
happened? Will they refuse to make
the cure Of this corruption an issue,
even while the eyes Of the world are
looking to see manhood of Missouri
assert itself? As your official l have
endeavored to do my duty under my
oath Of office. For more than two
years | have been engaged in fierce
encounters with the forces of corrup-
tion. and l am not tired yet. 1 am
fighting on, but l cannot finish the
work without your help. You alone
can do that at the ballot box.
81 have appealed the case of the
state of Missouri against the givers
aud takers of brides to the people
the highest tribunal OF the common.
wealth. The case must be decided
by the people one way or the other.
The issue is made and cannot be
honorably evaded or escaped. l say
the cure Of corruption is an issue con.
fronting the Democratic party OF
Missouri. 1t Is up to the Democratic
party to say whether it will dodge
this question or make it its first and
highest duty to stamp out this cor,
ruption, As the days go by eventI
accentuate this issue and make il
plaintr that lie people must speak
10 order to set Missouri right before
her sister states and the world. 1t is
not strange that there should be some
who take the position that stamping
out corruption ought not to be an
issue. Why do they object TO it? But
it is an issue now. The politician.
do not make issues, the people MAKE
them. The people, the rank aud fix
, Of the Democratic party are now il
the saddle, and democrats for revenue
only will have to take a back seat
The Democratic party belongs to thl
people and il the people assert them
, selves and do not allow self.seekinI
bosses to control all their wrongs Cal
be corrected through the party
Whenever corruption comes to light
there arises an issue before true De
mocracY besides which all other issue
are Insignificant
: "While other cities, no doubt, hav
4 been as corrupt as st. Louis and tn
officials Of other states as venal a
some OF those in Missouri, it is tru
that at no time or place has so muc
y official corruption been laid bare a
u here. Those who believe 10 free GOV
u erment are looking to Missouri to Sc
: it INDICATED by a righteous either
q ship The democratic party mus
: give the answer. What shall it be
On the democratic party rests th
duty, Of correcting this disagreeabI
and shameful state Of affairs, becaus
it is the party in power. / want I'll
democratic party to have the cred
Of accomplishing this reform. / 10y
my party and have faith in the hoI
esty and integrity Of the rank and I'll
The democratic party belongs to I'll
people, not to any clique or ring, an
the people should assert themsely'
and not allow themselves to be COZ
trclled by bosses seeking 70 contrl
D the democracy for cOrruntionisfs. III