Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1904-01-21
MY OWN DISTRICT.

racy affected by the statute of limi-
%tations, by the wall Of the Pharisee or
the advice of the Republican press.
We have fought the battles of Democ-
racy' together. l have fought with
you in the ranks and as an officer. We
have fought great battles and won
splendid victories. Each victory has
been for the benefit of the city and the
State. Corrupt men have been driven
from office, and honest men put in
their places. Our victories have been
for civic advancement by the develop
ment of civic pride. We have given
4 the people not theoretical, but prac-
: tical and substantial reform. We have
secured good government, despite the
opposition of Republican newspapers
and without the assistance of Eastern
magazine writer's.
The men we have selected for Office
have been faithful and competent. The
sensationalism which has followed the
performance of some of these duties
has not lessened our regard or our es-
TEEN for those public officers who have
conducted themselves modestly and
without ostentation, and who, though
not receiving the ~plaudits of Repub-
lican newspapers, nevertheless have
performed their duties in a manner
which reflects credit upon their party
and the city which they serve.
The men here tonight are the fight
ing soldiers of Democracy, who nave
defeated the forces of corruption in
every battle in which they nave en-
gagged, and have driven from power
the last remnant of Zeigenhein and
his henchmen.
In 1900 the first battle for reform
was won, and the Democratic party
went into power by q majority of the
votes of cur people. In 1901 came the
second great victory. Some there we're
who skulked in this fight. They were
few, however, and all had axes to
grind. In 1902 the Democracy won
again, despite treachery within our
ranks. The election Of 1903 completed
the series of Democratic triumphs,
giving to the people a clean, reform ad-
ministration, against which no honest
criticism CT incompetency or corrup-
ton has been made.
A city almost $1,000 Republican has
been converted into a Democratic
stronghold, and the Democrats of st.
Louis preserved to the State Demo-
cracy it's old-time majority
I came to this, my home, seventeen
years ago, and since coming Of age
have represented this ward in almost
every city and State convention. In
any ambitions l may have, | shall ex-
pect to receive support from those
who know me best, not from those who
know the least about me, and will not
expect any strength to come from the
enchantment of distance. | shall not
seek the support of Republican news
papers and Republican politicians,
but will be satisfied with their opposi-
ton, and content myself with the
thought that until I receive their praise
loyal Democrats will have nj cause to
suspect my Democracy.
Here at home where l am hest
known, and where Republican news
paper abuse has no effect, because of
my personal acquaintance with those
who surround me, l announce my will
lingness to accept the high honor Of
the nomination for the position Of gcv-
ernor of Missouri at the hands of the
Democratic party of this State, and If
it comes to me, l can only promise
that, so far as lies within my power, I
will perform its duties to the best of
my ability, and shall faithfully and i'm
partially administer the affairs of
state.
DEMOCRATS ALONE HAVE THE
RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE.
Democrats alone have the right to
participate in the selection of their
nominee for governor. After issue has
been Joined by the selection of Demo-
cratic and Republican nominees, 1t Is
both proper and right that the nominee
of either party should address himself
to the voters of the State irrespective
of their political affiliations. A Re-
publican newspaper or member Of the
Republican party that at this time at
tempts to participate in a Democratic
primary, is an intermeddler, as would
be a Democrat who should attempt to
interfere in the family affairs of the
Republican party.
Every man in this hall will Loyalty
support the nominee of the next State
convention, provided the nominee has
declared in unmistakable language
that he will support whosoever the
convention nominates, and not set UP
his Judgment against that of all the
rest of his party.
A PARTISAN.
The social and business world has
given me many warm friends among
members of the Republican party. I
value these friendships, and l shall
seek to retain them. Because one is a
partisan in politics, it should not inter-
fere in any other affairs Of life. l am
a partisan in politics because all per-
manent reforms come through partisan
politics. The great men of this nation,
whether Republican or Democrat, nave
been partisans. This is true alike Of
the presidents of the United States and
of the governors Of the States. Nom
partisan movements have but short
1lroc Tbav NOV in thar cnacmndin pY-