The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-08-26

candidate for governor, was the prin-
cipal speaker last night at the ban
,quet of the West Duluth Republican
club which occasion was really the
opening gun in the republican cam
.paign in this part Of the state. George
J. Mallory is president Of the club and
alderman l.. A. Barnes was toast
master.
The first speaker was Congressman
H. S. Boutell Of Chicago. His speech
was impressive for the manner in
which he described the success of the
republican party in it's administration
of the affairs of the nation. 1t was
scholarly and eloquent. Congressman
Bede was to have been the second
speaker, but was obliged to leave with
the rivers and harbors committee for
the twin cities.
demonstration continued for several
minutes. His speech was received
with much enthusiasm and was fire.
tquently punctured by applause or
laughter, or both.
Joseph 3. Cotton delivered a strong
speech, and was given hearty recep-
ton. A poem on Bob Dunn, written
by A. M. Greeley of the Big Forks
Compass, was read by the toastmas-
ter and evoked applause. Mr.. Dunn
said:
Bouquets for St. Louis.
It Is needless for me to assure you that
Il affords me great pleasure to be With
you this evening. First and foremost, I
embrace this opportunity Of thanking the
gallant republicans Of st. Louis county
for the splendid support they gave me
dn the pre-convention fight, and In the
republican state convention, and I want
to thank the press Of Duluth for the fair
treatment accorded me. No candidate for
office in this or any other state ever had
i ell ys,,,r =
had IL the state convention, and the
republicans of st. Louis county led the
van. It was especially gratifying to me
to have the solid support Of my own-the
eighth congressional district-w1thout
single break. 1 want and expect the sup
port of all republicans and would not
spurn the support Of members OF other
political parties.
AS you all know, the pre- convention
fight was the hottest ever waged In the
state, and considerable feeling was en-
gendered. Naturally the friends Of each
of the unsuccessful candidates were dis
appointed, but am glad to say that from
information I have received from every
section of the state the outlook is ex-
ceedingly bright, and I have reason to
believe that every nominee on the state
ticket will be. triumphantly elected on the
9Th day of next November. Of course,
there are sore spots here and there, but
If there are any who are irreconcllable
and who refuse to be. comforted, I want
ito say to them that cannot apologize for
being successful.
Demands Support as Right.
During the pre- convention fight I re-
peateGly asserted that matter who
would be the nominee he would receive
my hearty support, and 1 have the right
now to expect the support OF those who
espoused the cause of the other candt-
dates prior to and during the conven-
ton
In the announcement of my candidacy
which was published in the Princeton
Union of Jan. T. 1904, I said:
mo man is big enough to dictate a
platform for the republican party Of Min
nesota. The party thru it's representa-
tives in convention assembled will formu-
late, a platform on which I will square
lN, stand. The combined wisdom Of the
Republican party Of the state is better
than the judgment Of any individual mem
Der of the party
The platform adopted by the republican
state convention is good enough for me
L stand by the pledge made in my an.
nouncement.
There are, however, a few matters o.
state interest which were not touched
upon In the republican state platform
that I earnestly believe in and will cham
Ipion on the stump and recommend to thu
legislature II the opportunity is afforded
me.
Gross Earnings Tax.
BY an oversight no reference was made
In the platform to the per cent gross
earnings tax. In my biennial report as
state auditor to the legislature of 1899
earnestly recommended an increase O.
83 1-3 per cent of the taxes paid by rail
roads. After hard fight the bill pro
viding for an increase was defeated II
the legislature. In my biennial report tt
the legislature Of 1901 the recommends
fion was renewed, and after a stiff figh
the bill passed both branches, was ap
proved by the governor. and was sub
nitted to the voters Of the state at thu
ensuing election of 1902. Thru failure o
q majority of those voting at the election
to vote for the measure it was defeated
You understand that the bill providing
for an increase In the taxes paid by rail
roads is in the nature of a constitutional
amendment, and 1t requires majorit,
of all the votes cast at the election t,
carry it. Again, in my biennial report t,
the legislature Of 1903 I recommended tina
the bill be re-enacted and once more sub
mitted to the people for approval or re
lection at the polls The question will
be voted upon again next November, an,
sincerely hope that the voters will ratif,
the action Of the legislature. The in
crease, equivalent to 33 1-3 per cent of tn
present taxes paid by the railroad com
panleS, means that the other taxpayers o
the state will be relieved of the burdens
of taxation to the extent of $500, 900 an
nually, and no injustice will be done TIN
railroad companies. ~
Primary Election Law.
The amendment and extension of GU
present primary election law is matte
which deeply interests the voters of tn
state, and If I am placed in a position t
do so will earnestly endeavor to impress
upon the legislature the necessity TO
improvements which WILL I trust, tend t
remedy some of the defects in the pres
emit system. In applying the primary sys
tenn to the nomination for state officer
we will have to devise means to Civ
geographical representation and to pre-
vent minority rule. There also appears t
be demand that the names of the can
didates Of all parties shall be placed O.
the same primary ballot the same as A
the general elections, so that the vote
may vote for any candidate he ma
choose. These questions will REQUIRE care
full consideration in order to devise a lay
which will be practical and operative.
believe that political party organization
are essential to the welfare of the coun
try and in extending the primary electio
law to state officers, that should be born
in mind.
Swamp Land Drainage.
All of northern Minnesota, and Dulut
IN particular, is deeply interested in til
reclamation of the hundreds Of thousand
of acres of swami lands owpodi ~, ~,