Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-03-24
THIRD DISTRICT POLITICS.

district politics are vigorously dis
cussed in the following letter from
Captain Jackson Silbaugh, who two
years ago was the Democratic candi-
date for member Of congress:
VIRoQUA, WIS. March II, 1904.
MEssRs. CRAWFORD BROTHERS:
| have your kind letter and copy
of The Democrat Of March 10 that you
were good enough TO send me, and
must say that your editorial in that
issue has democratic ring that is
quite refreshing to believer in gen.
uine old-fashioned party principles.
/ have not forgotten the fearless,
steadfast and loyal support by The
Democrat of the platform and princi-
pies In the congressional campaign of
TWO years ago, and for which you de-
serve not only my thanks as the can
didate Of the party. but the gratitude
Of every loyal democrat in your county
and district.
| heartily endorse your advocacy Of
an adherence to principles. Expert
ence must have taught us in state and
national affairs that a surrender of
principles as a sop to disg runtled
opposition is always disastrous in the
end. A vigorous campaign conducted
on principles would not only command
the active and loyal support of demo
Gratis, but the respect and endorsement
of members Of other parties who be-
lieve that honesty and fairness in
politics is not an "iridescent ream'
IN In ~
he read at Baraboo, claims he is in
favor Of some changes in the tariff
schedules, and he hopes that the re-
publican national convention soon to
be held will in its platform, while ad-
herring to the principle and policy of
protection, pledge itself to make such
changes In the tariff as will adapt it
TO changed conditions" etc. 1t Is
matter Of regret that the exigencies of
the case were so great that Mr.. Bah
cock was compelled to hold his con-
vention in the winter before the ma
tional convention was held and adopt
cd o platform OF principles for the
party. 1t is barely possible that he
will not be able to impress the ma
tional convention favorably with his
tariff reform " ideas, and in that
case Mr.. Babcock will be placed in
the extremely embarrassing position
of having platform in opposition in
This important particular to the ma
tional platform Of his party.
Mr.. Babcock had his convention
endorse his stand on the tariff, but
inasmuch as he has stood in several
dillereni positions on this question in
the last two or three years, 1t is diff
cult to ascertain from the reading of
the platform which position they en-
dorse.
Mr. Babcocl1, in his acceptance
paper, mad vertently comes very close
to telling the truth about his tariff
bill. He reluctantly admits that
might have passed the bill with the
help Of democratic votes, but he would
not accept democratic assistance be-
cause the motive Of which was the
destruction OF protection" He APP
proved and inspired the methods and
plans Of his managers in his late mid
winter campaign in voting thousands
of democrats at the republican eau
ruses, and SO far US | have been able
to learn, the voters were not ques-
toned In % single instance.
Mr.. BabcOck had himself interview
cd in Washington some two years ago,
waerein he claimed to be very much
in favor of u reduction in the tariff
s n }dules ON certain trust-mado goods,
His convention endorsed his views
and lauded him to the skies for this
stand against certain great trusts.
Later he introduced bill to enact
into law his published views so I'M
qualillodly endorsed by his constim-
ents, when, 10, what d change sud
denly came over this reform states
man. When some bill, (l think it was
the Philippine bill J, was under discus
sion and u move was made TO changed
tho rules to cut off amendments, the
offered to tack on Mr.. Bah
cock bill as an amendment, and give
him onoagh votes to carry 1t, il he
would stand with them in opposing
change in the ,rulos. He was scared
almost to deathWhen lle realized that
his bill might pass and supported the
change in the rules, thus defeating his
own bill. Here is II law that the con
gresham had said in an interview was
necessary for the highest aud best in
terests of his people, but according to
his own speech of acceptance he re.
fuses to accept aid in its passage be.
cause he questioned the motive of the
men who were protlering him support.
Now, Mcssrs. Crawford, If you ever
get stuck in the mud and some fellow
offers to help you ont, but you refuse
the proIrered assistance because you
question your friends motive, We will
certainly think that you have good
sized lite insurance policy aud Gilman
cial considerations " persuade you
that you are worth more to your fam
lilies aud friends dead than you are
alive and we'll. No, Mr., Babcock $
reasons for abandoning his bill are
too thin to wash with reasonable and
Intelligent meu. You might rs we'll