Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-11-30


attention during the recent presiden-
tial campaign than Wisconsin, where
energetic and popular Robert VI. La
Toilette was engaged in fight for re-
election 10 the Sovernorship against
what seemed to many almost over
whelming odds. In order 10 win Gov
ernor La Toilette had to overcome the
combined opposition of his Democratic
opponent. former Governor Peck. and
Of an opponent representing the so call
ed ''stalwart'' faction of his own par
ty, Major Edward L. Scofeld. The La
Toilette men were called "halfbreetls. =
Yet the outcome was big inajoriIv
for Governor La Toilette y legisla-
ture was also elected which Will he IN
sympathy with the ideas for which Nj.
La Toilette stands. The contest ana
its result possess national interest be
cause much the same questions that
We're at issue in Wisconsin have been
raised in other states.
The nature Of these issues is defined
by Governor La Toilette himself in Il
letter which he wrote TO the New
ing, from his standpoint. of the result
of the Wisconsin election. After re-
ferring to the fact that President
Roosevelt received the largest vote
ever given in the state and that his
own majority was larger than two
years ago. the governor said:
The result of the election in Wiscon-
sin has a profound significance quite
independent of persons. The concrete
issues involved are simple and clearly
right The nomination of all candi-
dates 10y direct vote. the taxation of
public service corporations at the same
rate as other taxable property. the reg
ulation of transportation charges. are
propositions fundamentally just in gov
eminent. They would have been adopt
cd long ago in Wisconsin if they had
not encountered the powerful opposi-
ton of special interests in combination
with the political machines of both par
ties now we'll understood as the sys
tenn
Legislature after legislature has
been controlled to defeat the will OF
the people plainly expressed in plat
form pledges and ratified at the polls
Issues have been misrepresented, their
supporters maligned and every effort
employed to make Il progressive move
ment for maintenance of essential
principles in government appear rad
ical and revolutionary attack upon
business interests and property rights
THAT the contest waged for ten
years should result in the adoption by
the people of a most complete primary
law, giving every voter an equal voice
in the selection of candidates for Of
flee, including United States senators.
by Australian ballot, is worth many
times the cost of the struggle. l be-
lieve this law will destroy the power
of the political boss and the rule of
machine politics. and, by making ev-
cry official directly responsible to his
constituency, will prevent the manipu-
lation of legislatures by agents Of
special interests.
1.-The election result not only insures
the efficiency of the railway tax law
recently adopted, but further legisla-
ton with respect to other public serv
ice corporations. The next Legislature
will give the state rate commission
that will insure reasonable transporta-
ton charges, abolish the system of
secret rebates, prevent unjust discrimi-
nation between persons and places and
bring the public service corporations
back to their legitimate business as
common carriers"
Friends and foes alike recognize
Governor La Follettes courageous
qualities and ability to ATTRACT to his