New-York tribune., 1904-08-30
MISSOURI DISAFFECTI0N.
Democratic Strife Insures Repubi-
can Gains in House.
lrHoM THE TRIBUNE BuREAul


Washington, Aug. %. - Missouri Democrats
who thoroughly familiar with the political
situation in that State are manifesting grave
concern over the danger of that erstwhile Demo-
cratic stronghold renouncing its former al
legiance and entering the Republican fold this
fall. That events shaping in this direction
is frankly admitted and Democratic managers
candidly express their fear of Republican gains
In the Congress representation of the State
The conditions responsible for this tendency
of the voters to break away from their old
affiliations are: ID The bitter faction fight be-
tween the Folk and the machine. DOODLE"
Democrats which is rapidly leading up TO a
determination on the part of the latter TO sulk
bolt the ticket; O. The nomination by the
Republicans of strong. able candidates who COM
mand universal respect and confidence, which
has resulted in party harmony and the insttu-
ton of aggressive and triumphant campaign
tactics; 90 many immigrants into Missouri from
Iowa and other Republican strongholds, whose
votes this year Will be influenced by former
conditions; (4) the existence of forty thousand
first voters in Missouri this year, of whom the
Republicans will admittedly secure a large pro-
portion; (5) the emigration from Missouri to
Oklahoma and other States and Territories,
which has been largely from the DemQcratic
party.
The factonal fight in the Democratic party.
according to the best information obtainable. is
spreading with alarming rapidity despite all
efforts to restore at least outward semblance
of harmony. Senator w. ]. Stone is openly
and relentlessly knitting Joseph w. Folk. the
"anti-boodle'' candidate of his party for
Governor and. in this assault. he is assisted
by the discredited Democratic machine OF which
he is an able and consistent representative.
Among the prominent members of this machine
are those against whom Folk worked tirelessly
In securing evidence OF their guilt in connection
with the notorious boodng scandal Of Missouri.
They prosecuted and convicted, and, as a
consequence the preponderance of sentiment
among the machine Democrats is decidedly an
tagonistic to the elevation of Folk 10 the
Governorship. They fear that with the power
of that position behind him, he would be per-
petual menace to their liberty inasmuch as he
would be in position to order and direct the
prosecutions that would put them behind the
bars.
Before the nomination. Folk was the idol Of
the farmers of Missouri. They regarded him as
a fearless. upright official who deserved the
highest honors of his party. For this reason the
efforts of the machine to prevent his nomination
were futile the rank and file downing all oppo-
sition and apparently running the convention to
please themselves. For time after he was
named to head the ticket. the Democracy Of
Missouri jubilant and certain of success at
the polls. On the same ticket with him. how
ever nominated S. B. Cook. for Secretary
of State, and Albert o. Allen. for Auditor These
men supported and supported by the fac
ton opposed 10 Folk and his annoying habit Of
prying into the peculiar methods used TO secure