The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-03-01
GOVERNORS
STATEMENT
Oklahoma Executive Would
Place Party First.
MASSES ARE FAIT HF u L
Factions Generally Arise from
Individual Contests.
MASSES ARE FAIT HF u L

Guthrie, o. TIE Feb. Ex-Governor Fer
guson today gave out the following state
naent at request of friends:
1.-The Republican party first and indi-
: viduals second, is my idea of party policy,
Much has been said, and much is being
said, about factions in the Republican
party in Oklahoma So far as this situa-
tion is concerned, there are no fgactions
among the masses who constitute the
strength of the berty in the territory. The
party proper is United. The sentiment is
q very healthy one, and will continue so
unless disturbed and misdirected by ambi-
tious politicians. Ambition for supremacy
on the part of political leaders is invaria-
bly, a menace to party success.
I'VE have in the party in Oklahoma GER
tain persons who say that a machine has
existed and that they propose to smash
st. On the other hand, there are those
who claim that the efforts put forth to
smash the machine alleged to have ex-
listed in the past, are simply for the pur-
pose of constructing new machine from
the fragments Of the old one with the ad-
dition of little new material. The prob
abilities are that there is much specula-
ton in both propositions, but in view OF
the fact that such impressions have been
created it behooves the members of the
party to take such action as will render
the building up of any kind or a political
machine an impossibility should such ac-
ton be contemplated by any individual
Or individuals. The Republican party is
much larger than any one man or class OF
men, The welfare of the party must not
be jeopardized by the struggle of politi-
clans who are seeking to gain supremacy
in it's organization.
"The present delegate in congress has
no opposition in the Republican party.
All concede his right TO a denomination
and undivided party support.
oklahoma politicians are for the re-
nomination of President Roosevelt. That
is a proposition upon which they are all
agreed.
..As TO the election of delegqtes 20 the
national convention, that is = matter 10
be determined by the Republicans who
represent the various counties at the COM
ing convention Those delegates shou.G
not he selected in the interest of any indi-
vidual or individuals. They should be Sc
lected as representatives of til ISerubli-
can party of Oklahoma and bct the rep
resentatives of any machine or comzina-
ton. The Republicans in the various
counties should. and / believe will, lCok
fter this matter and see th1t delegates
are sent to the territorial convention whn
come here for the party first. last and all
the time a platform should ie adopted
which will meet with the pproV1l Of the
Republicans in every county II the terri
tory from Beaver to Pottawatom and
from Pawnee to Greer. 1t snould be
strong plain, fearless Republican plat
form. divested wholly of the element cf
individualism. The responsibility now
rests upon the Republicans OF oklahoma,
and l am convinced that their loyalty TO
the interests of the great party 10 which
they belong will pror1nt them to act liz
such a decisive manner tnHt they will
proclaim to all men that lie Republican,
party of Oklahoma is a par V nf the Deo-
pie for the people and by the people who
adhere to its principles II make sure
that their interests are guarded the work
should begin in the primaries. and every
Republican interested in th7 welfare OF
his party should be here 10 i:e;p send n
delegation to the county convention which
will take a firm stan1 FOR tie inter's SITS
Of the party and ag7'1st any tendency
towrd individual machines. With that
kind of action in every county In the ter
ritory success will crown our Efforts dur
ing the coming campaigl. Any ether ac-
zion on the part Of the representatives,
of the party would endapgcr its success at
the polls. The Republican voters Of the
territory form the party strength. They
should dictate its policy. They can do
this if they so will. / have faith in the
Republicans of the tetrtt:Ty and helieve e
that they will do II"